Comparison Harvesters sold in Brazil

The five largest harvesters manufactured in Brazil form a fleet capable of surprising evenare the most demanding producers. We bring these models together in one only report to make life easier for those who arelooking for one of those big mmachines.

With the growth of agribusiness in Brazil and the interest of Brazilian farmers in large machines, manufacturers began to import and manufacture large grain harvesters, designed for extensive cultivation areas.

In several regions of Brazil, but mainly in large areas of the Center-West and the new Brazilian agricultural frontier, called Matopiba (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia), these machines have found a promising market.

To help you understand these huge and complex machines, Revista Cultivar Máquinas developed this comparison bringing together machines from Classes VIII and IX, from five important national manufacturers, which are Case IH, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, New Holland and Valtra. The models analyzed were the Class IX Case-IH Axial Flow 9230, John Deere S690 and New Holland CR8090, and the Class VIII Massey Ferguson 9895 and Valtra BC 8800. The information used in this comparison was made available, through prospectuses, by the manufacturers.

Motor

Launched in 2013 at Agrishow in Ribeirão Preto, SP, the Axial-Flow 9230 has the Case-IH Cursor FPT engine with 13 liters of displacement and six cylinders that provides 510 and 570 hp of nominal and maximum power, respectively. The entire 230 series, which includes the Axial-Flow 7230, 8230 and 9230 models, has a new air filter, which performs suction through the upper part of the rotating screen, and works through a Venturi system, a cyclone and vacuum created by the engine exhaust system.

The John Deere S690 harvester is equipped with a brand engine, model Power Tech^TM Plus six-cylinder engine with 13,5 liters of volumetric displacement. The air supply system is based on a turbocharger and the fuel injection system is electronic. It has a sensor that detects the presence of water in the fuel and a fuel filter change indicator. This engine develops, under normal operating conditions, according to manufacturer information, a nominal power of 550 hp. The S690 model has an extra power supply system, activated during the unloading of grains in motion, which reaches 622 hp of maximum power.

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The harvesters from Massey Ferguson, model MF 9895 and Valtra, BC 8800 use the same propeller, from the AGCO Power brand, model 98 TI, manufactured in Linnavuori, Finland. This engine has seven cylinders in line, with 9,8 liters of volumetric displacement, electronic fuel injection system Common Rail and turbo intercooler. This engine provides, according to information from the manufacturer, 470 hp of nominal power at a speed of 2.100 rpm, maximum power of 495 hp at 1.950 rpm and also a reserve power, which can reach 510 hp at 2.100 rpm.

We highlight in both machines the presence of the innovative automatic self-cleaning system for the engine cooling radiators, called V-Cool by Massey Ferguson and V-Flow by Valtra. The main function of this system is to reduce the time spent on daily stops for maintenance of this component. This technology does not require the use of a rotating screen, and was developed to prevent obstructions and avoid the accumulation of straw and residue on the radiators. An air jet cleans the system intermittently.

The New Holland harvester is equipped with a Cursor 13 engine, developed by FPT Industrial, with six cylinders, with a displacement of 13 liters, with a turbo compressor and a fuel supply system of the type Common Rail. This engine develops, according to information from the manufacturer, 496 hp of nominal power at 2100 rpm, and 558 hp of maximum power at 2000 rpm. Emission control is done through technology ECOBlue TM SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction), which treats exhaust gases with the additive AdBlue^® (urea) which transforms nitrogen oxides, present in gases, into water and nitrogen. According to the manufacturer, during travel, the engine can operate at low speed (1.600 rpm), providing a reduction in fuel consumption.

So that the reader can make a quick comparison between the five harvesters, Table 1 provides a summary of the main characteristics of the engines that equip each machine analyzed in this article.

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The power transmission system adopted by Case-IH has a four-speed hydrostatic drive. The main processing components of the machine are driven independently by the system PowerPlus, one for the track rotor and the other for the feed channel and cutting platform.

The drives PowerPlus CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which use the same set of clutches as Steiger series tractors, promote efficiency in power transfer, relying on a mechanical transmission, assisted by variable hydraulic control. This system has several variable speed ranges, and offers cardan tree drives, which make it possible to use larger cutting platforms and face adverse harvesting conditions.

The John Deere machine uses transmission technology powershift, called ProDrive^TM. This system maintains the desired harvesting speed, automatically alternating between two speed ranges, with mode one being set for normal speeds, the second when higher speeds are required during harvesting or moving the machine. For both modes, the speed can be infinitely varied, using a multifunction lever, located on the armrest console, which regulates the hydrostatic pump and the engine that controls the forward speed, both with variable displacement.

The operator can also select the maximum forward speed within each of the modes, which can reach 24 km/h. If, for example, the chosen harvesting speed is 8 km/h, the maximum forward position will provide 8 km/h. This adjustment of the speed range guarantees more precise and comfortable control of the harvester's forward speed and facilitates maneuvering operations. It also has an electro-hydraulic differential lock. A safety device automatically activates the parking brake when the engine is turned off and the hydrostatic lever is placed in the neutral position, preventing unintentional movements.

The transmission system of Massey Ferguson and Valtra machines is hydrostatic, with four gears and eight working speeds. The greater range of gears provides more options for working and transport speeds, allowing you to select the ideal harvesting speed, regardless of the type of terrain. The speeds are activated using a key (Low/High), positioned on the armrest.

An innovation brought by Massey Ferguson and Valtra is the alignment of the MF 9895 and BC 8800 engine with the axial trail rotor. This enables direct transmission of power from the engine to the rotor, through a single rotation variator system, with high capacity and without the presence of transfer boxes. The cutting platform, the feeder channel, the cleaning fan and the elevators are driven by the same system, the straw chopper by another, but they are all connected to a single transmission box, which maintains a direct and synchronized relationship between speeds.

New Holland offers an electronic and hydrostatic transmission system in these larger models, which also provides four working speeds. Through hydraulic variators Positorque and with a selector button, the system provides simple and effective gear shifting.

The machine also has a new traction technology, called SmartTrax^TM, which allows greater contact between the wheelsets and the ground, especially on terrain with steep slopes or in adverse conditions, with flooded or loose soils. O SmartTrax^TM It has a reinforced continuous tensioner hydraulic system, which ensures that the correct tension is maintained to provide ideal traction. This is done automatically and therefore does not require intervention from the operator, leaving him exclusively dedicated to the harvesting operation.

Cutting platform

Due to their power and performance characteristics, the harvesters compared in this work use harvesting platforms of the Draper heads which, due to the absence of the helicoid (snail), allow for a reduction in weight and the use of wider platforms, which are recommended for large harvesters. This type of platform has the ability to follow the uneven terrain, making the platform adjust to the ground, providing a lower and more uniform cut. Another feature to be expected from a platform of this type is the provision of a homogeneous flow of harvested mass to the machine's feeding system (neck).

The Axial-Flow 9230 harvester's main feature is the existence of the system Auto Feeder which automatically adjusts the feeder and platform speed to the machine's working speed. Another technology is the flotation system TerraFlex which is activated by means of an easy-to-adjust spring and few moving parts. The shorter sliding shoe reduces the platform's effort on the harvester structure, making the cutting bar work closer to the ground. The 3162 platform TerraFlex The knife box is positioned in the center of the platform, which reduces the width and generates less vibration during harvesting.

The Platforms HydraFlex Draper™ which are offered for John Deere models have options of 30, 35, 40 and 45 feet cutting width, flexible type. They have a real width that allows you to copy the soil more efficiently, with smooth and uniform feeding. A 406 mm feed drum with conical ends and retractable collector fingers feeds the harvester, assisting in the continuous and uninterrupted flow, which also rotates inversely along the central belt and reel when the machine's feed reverser is activated.

The MF 9895 harvester is equipped with the platform DynaFlex MF 9250 with working width up to 40 feet. Flexible cutting bar is controlled from the cab in conjunction with side tilt Smartrac™ which provides up to 203 mm of vertical movement, for crops on terrain with an uneven surface. The longitudinal inclination control, forward/backward, with a variation of up to 12 degrees, provides a better cutting angle. It also features a SCH (Schumacher) cutting system, with a transmission box driven by a cardan shaft, providing more torque compared to conventional ones. Valtra's BC 8800 harvester can work with cutting platforms Draper heads 35 and 40 feet, with single electro-hydraulic coupling, proportional windlass rotation control and transmission by a cardan shaft.

The CR8090 has an automatic harvest feeding system IntelliCruise™ which automatically adapts to the working speed, where, through sensors in the straw elevator propulsion line, it monitors the demand on the platform. The hydraulic central drive of the knives SynchroKnife provides cutting with low vibration levels and lower platform height. It also has a structure with a hydraulic forward/reverse adapter, causing the platform's cutting angle to tilt four degrees forward and three degrees backward.

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The Case-IH harvester cabin has an internal space of 3,1 m³ and a glass area of ​​5,8 m², providing good visibility of the platform. The seat and console are assembled together, with pneumatic adjustment. It has stairs and handrails, strategically positioned, to facilitate the operator's access to different components of the machine, to carry out daily maintenance.

The John Deere harvester has a cabin approximately 30% larger than the cabins in the previous line, STS series 70, measuring 2.540 mm wide and 1900 mm deep. The seat and armrest are also mounted on an air suspension. Access to components that require maintenance (engine and filters) is via a retractable ladder, requiring only one of the machine's side fairings to be opened.

The Massey Ferguson harvester has a cabin ComforTech II™ of 3,4 m³, with 5,7 m² of glass area, providing the operator with broad visibility of the cutting platform. The cabin of this machine presents improvements in relation to the brand's other models, in terms of acoustic insulation. The seat has air suspension, adjusted according to the operator's weight and height. Access to the engine and other components of the machine is via a retractable ladder, positioned on the right rear side, moving the side fairing.

Using a booth Harvest Suite™, the New Holland CR8090 has a glass area of ​​5,8 m² and a seat with adjustable air suspension. The cabin is mounted on four rubber silencer blocks, minimizing vibrations at the operating station. It also has automatic temperature control. A retractable ladder, on the right side, above the fairing allows access to components that require maintenance.

The Valtra harvester has the same ergonomic and maintenance components as the MF 9895. Both harvesters have a console with most of the controls and a lever to the right of the operator's seat. joystick multifunction.

Technological resources

The system AFS Pro 700 from Case-IH evaluates and monitors the operation of the harvester, in addition to generating productivity maps, it has a display touch screen with USB and video input, with easy access for the operator. The machine also has an automatic pilot AFS Guide, connected to an antenna AFS372. This antenna has wide satellite coverage, as well as RTK and RTX signals.

The S690 has autopilot AutoTrac™, a device that, via satellite, guides the harvester along a planned line, leaving the operator only to perform headland maneuvers. In addition to the autopilot, it has automatic power control HarvestSmart™, which allows you to control the harvesting speed, adjusting the harvesting losses, the load on the motor and the material pressure in the rotor. Thus, the systems work in an integrated manner. For corn harvesting, the machine has the system AutoTrac™ RowSense™, technology that relates position data to line sensor data.

Equipped with sensors connected to a GPS signal receiver, the MF 9895 and BC 8800 have the system Fieldstar II, responsible for monitoring the functions and performance of the harvester. The information obtained instantly by the sensors is sent, recorded and displayed on the C2100 terminal, with LCD display touch screen. Furthermore, the data obtained can be collected via a USB port. Both machines have in their version standard autopilot Cars-Guide 3000 and the telemetry system AGCOMMAND™, which monitors the position and some functions of the harvester, 24 hours a day.

The CR8090 is equipped with a display touch screen IntelliView™, located next to the side console, which allows the operator to check the harvester's performance functions, being able to receive images from three cameras. The autopilot IntelliSteer™ It has an guidance package that uses DGPS or RTK, guaranteeing a margin of error of up to 2,5 cm.

Processing systems

With the function of removing and separating grains from plants, the harvester's threshing and separation system is of fundamental importance. To achieve this, the options available on the market provide different configurations, which meet the different requirements required in the field.

Case-IH 230 series harvesters (7230, 8230 and 9230) are equipped with a rotor AFX which uses “gums”, scraping bars and helical accelerators to move the material. Adjustable vanes can also be used to improve material flow, maximizing productivity and reducing peak power demand, providing reduced fuel consumption. chopper system reduces the size of straw and has a spreader with easy adjustment and the ability to spread waste evenly, even when using platforms Draper heads, model 3162, up to 45 feet.

A threshing module responsible for grain processing, consisting of three sections (feeding, threshing and separation) is the feature of the John Deere harvester line. The conical shape of the rotor improves the material's tracking capacity, making it possible to work with higher levels of grain moisture and crops in extreme harvesting conditions. The cleaning system has a larger upper and lower screen area, and a new design of the fan air direction channel.

The multi-stage cleaning system is a feature of the MF 9895 that uses compressed air with less sensitivity to terrain slopes. The system has two phases: in the first, the fan Max Flow™ 457,2 mm in diameter blows directed air into the upper part of the sieve box, removing straw and other materials that fall through the concaves and grids of the rotor. In the second phase, a flow of compressed air is directed over multi-zones, from back to front, so that the lighter material is carried out of the machine. The straw chopper has two speeds for easy and quick changing of working rotations, with the option of moving outward, allowing the straw to exit for the baling process. The double straw spreader, hydraulically driven, allows uniform distribution of straw across the entire length of the platform.

New Holland's CR8090 features double rotor technology, called Twin Rotor^®, which produces a superior centrifugal force compared to simple rotor systems, resulting in faster separation, with less damage and loss of grains, as it avoids contact with metal parts. Standard “S3" rotors are stepped, segmented and spiraled to control the crop, moving material evenly backward without clumping in processing. The CR Series fan has two openings to direct air currents to the pre-sieve and lower sieves and higher. According to information from the manufacturer, the self-leveling system (tray, fan and sieves) maintains efficiency on land with up to 15% slope, preventing the accumulation of grains in headland maneuvers, significantly reducing harvest losses.

An “H” shaped design of the concave support system is the main feature of Valtra's BC 8800 harvester. This technology allows a single person to easily change any of the 12 concaves, which can be combined side by side. side or from front to back, to offer better performance in different types of crops. This system is suspended by springs, which offer greater protection to the machine against momentary overloads or entry of foreign elements, helping to dispose of these materials. The process of cleaning multiphase grains uses a 457,2 mm diameter fan, which injects a large amount of air into the upper duct. The larger size of the clean grain auger provides a greater flow of grains to the elevator, meeting the capacity of the grain system. processing.

The other technical characteristics of the threshing, separation and cleaning systems of the machines studied in this article are presented in Table 2.

Marcelo Silveira de Farias, José Fernando Schlosser, Gilvan Moisés Bertollo, Luis Fernando Vargas de Oliveira, NEMA - UFSM