Automation technology in combine-controls the next step in efficient grain harvesting

For Australian grain farmers, harvest is the last cumulative step in several taken to produce high quality, high yielding grain crops. For those operating in Australian dryland conditions, harvest can be a daunting prospect – the pay-day for the entirety of the year. During this period, combine harvesters are the key to separating grain from the crop to export for sale.

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Leading up to harvest 2022, O’Connors Case IH 50 series combine owners were provided the opportunity to attend free Combine Training Workshops to provide them with the most up-to-date product information to help them get the most out of their machinery in harvest 2022.

Five training workshops were held in four central locations, Shepparton (three groups over three days), Condobolin (two groups over two days), Swan Hill (two groups over two days) and Horsham (3 groups over three days), the workshops provided opportunities for all customers within the footprint of O’Connors Group of dealerships, the largest Case IH network in Australia. More than 300 O’Connors Case IH customers attended, with the information and skills passed on through the training estimated to influence and improve the harvest of over a million hectares in 2022.

O’Connors Product Specialist Jake Olver, Specialist Harvester Operations Consultant, Peter O’Connell and MacDon Australia Product Support Specialist, Andrew Hobbs provided information and answered questions during the workshops – taking attendees through the various updates, new information and operation of Case IH 250 series harvesters as well as Case IH and MacDon header fronts.

Case IH Combine Harvester technology, productivity, capability, and power have advanced significantly since International Harvester produced their first self-propelled combine in 1942.

The newest Axial-Flow 250 Series Combines are engineered for a high-efficiency harvest improving grain quality and minimizing losses through superior mechanical design and  technological capability including automated header height control (AHHC), the auto clean-out feature which allows you to easily clean your machine between crop types or varieties with a push of a button and AFS Harvest Command technology.

Matthew Mulcahy of Iona, Streatham, recently purchased a Case IH 8250 with harvest command through O’Connors in Ballarat and attended one of three workshops held at the Longerenong Training Centre. “It’s great to have access to this level of in-depth information” Matt said, “we’ve upgraded to the 8250 from a Case IH 2188, so this workshop and the ongoing support through O’Connors have been invaluable in getting confidence in operating the new combine.”

“The 8250 is a step-up in power, capability and technology” explained Matt “It’s going to be an eye-opener for our harvest this year and we’re looking forward to testing out the machine and some of the available options for automation with AFS harvest command.”

AFS Harvest Command automatically adjusts seven machine settings based upon 16 sensor inputs and comprehensive algorithms. Owners and operators can choose between one of four harvest command strategies when undertaking their grain harvesting operations. Each strategy is linked to an algorithm which, using the on-board sensors will automatically adjust the combine settings to optimise performance in line with the specifics of the strategy.
Attendees at the combine training events were provided with a specialty training manual produced by O’Connors which included detailed operating instructions multiple combine models. To provide realistic and interactive demonstrations of the operator functions of the combine the multi-function armrest and pro700 screen was removed from a working 250 series combing and used as a simulator with the display shown on a projector.

O’Connors product specialist, Jake Olver, was able to demonstrate in real-time the system functions, calibrations and setting changes to those in attendance. “The armrest is fully functional, and we purpose built a connection cable to the combine itself” explained Jake “using it we can demonstrate the operator functions and make changes to the combine .”

“Some of the most important things we are covering here are the steps to adjust tolerances in the harvest command settings and initial set-up of the machine when starting harvest, not just at the start of the season, but each day and sometimes more often if you’re alternating crops” Jake explained “conditions change and sometimes that will require a new strategy in the paddock. Understanding what the machine can achieve means the owner or operator can make informed decisions to ensure they have a profitable and effective harvest.”

Specifically for grain producers in Australian conditions, there are two options specifically designed to improve the return on investment for growers during harvest. Specifically, Grain Quality Mode and Performance Mode.
When operating in Grain Quality Mode, the combine uses sample data to adjust settings to optimise grain quality and sample cleanliness – increasing throughput until maximum engine load is or ground speed is reached and without compromising the sample. Performance mode will adjust settings to equalize combine performance based on throughput and grain quality while prioritising grain savings by monitoring grain losses.

Other strategies available for owners and operators include Maximum Throughput, and Fixed Throughput mode – providing options for increased speed and engine load use in MT mode and variable speed and engine load to achieve consistency in crop flow in FT mode.

All Harvest Command Strategies can be personalised by the owner or operator by adjusting various allowances, targets, sensitivities, and ranges in the harvest command settings prior to, or during harvest. Optimal settings can be stored by crop type allowing easy change-over when shifting paddocks.

For owners who require greater oversight on machine operation all new model year 250 series combine come with factory-fit telematics and a three-year subscription to AFS Connect to monitor and manage their Case IH AFS Connect enabled equipment.

Ray Adriaans of Monmouth Park at Mount Mercer is also in the driver’s seat of a new Case IH 8250 this year. “We’ve got some contract harvesting work lined up in southern NSW to start off with, depending on the weather and crop readiness” Ray said “The rain will it’s going to impact our work this year with a lot of crops getting to harvest stage at similar times across the country, so it’s good to get this information about improving our speed and performance from the equipment without impacting losses and grain quality. Hopefully it will help us get as much done as we can when the harvest window opens.”

MacDon product specialist Andrew Hobbs facilitated a walk-around information session highlighting the features, demonstrating adjustments and providing tailored advice to growers about the range of combine headers available in from MacDon. This information was supported by a session on setting controls in the cabin to give operators and owners the power to maximise the functionality of their set-up.

Heading towards the harvest season O’Connors staff a busy finalising their annual pre-season servicing program for customers across the dealership network as growers watch the weather and crop readiness to inform their program start dates.

As always, keep growing, keep going and have a happy harvest!