Raising the bar in combine automation

Oct 8, 2021

Shiny and new: The latest Axial-Flow 250 Series from Case IH features the AFS Harvest Command technology that offers a raft of benefits for customers.

AFS Harvest Command, available on the Case IH Axial-Flow 250 Series, monitors everything from ground speed and engine load all the way up to feed-rate control and sieve settings, which are based on the feedback received from the loss sensors, a grain camera and sieve pressure sensors.

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These sieve pressure sensors are unique to CNH Industrial brands, including Case IH’s AFS Harvest Command product, and vital for ensuring the optimum performance of the combine.

The sensors provide for the relay of data concerning the load on the sieve, which in turn allows the system to determine the difference between sieve overload and blow-out losses.

A grain camera monitors grain quality, including cracked and broken kernels, as well as foreign material, allowing for the adjustment of settings as required.

In fact, the AFS Harvest Command automation on the 250 Series uses 16 sensors to control a total of seven combine functions.

“AFS Harvest Command is designed to maintain the greatest efficiency for the operator in all conditions, improving grain quality and grain savings through sensing and optimising machine settings,” Case IH Australia/New Zealand’s Tim Slater said.

Recently, the number of crops it’s designed to operate in has been expanded beyond corn, soybeans, wheat and canola, to now include barley and rice.

Each new 250 series combine now also includes a subscription to Case IH’s AFS Connect with file transfer and telematics.

AFS Connect is a tool that enables a machine in the paddock to be monitored by a customer and their trusted advisers from anywhere with an internet connection.

“The customer can also then give permission for their dealer to see similar information, which can help diagnose any potential faults and more efficiently deal with any necessary repairs,” Mr Slater said.

“Machine, harvesting and yield data are automatically sent to the AFS Connect portal where it’s processed and ready to be viewed via web browser or mobile device.

“This negates the need to download the data from a USB in the combine, improving the safety of data and offering a more convenient option.”

Simplicity, productivity, grain quality and crop adaptability have been the hallmarks of the Case IH Axial-Flow series for almost 45 years, and Mr Slater said the introduction of AFS Harvest Command took this reputation to the next level.