New Holland Agriculture reveals CR11 combine harvester which incorporates new cutting-edge technologies that will help drive down the total cost of harvesting for large grain farmers and increase their bottom-line profitability. 

The new CR11 combine builds upon the success of the current New Holland flagship combine range, topped by the CR10.90, which has held the world record for tonnage of wheat harvested in eight hours (797.656 tons) for nearly a decade. The record was set on August 15, 2014.

Approaching the 50th anniversary of launching the original New Holland Twin Rotor combine (1975-2025), the new CR11 combine marks the beginning of a new era in the Twin Rotor harvesting story. This new Twin Rotor from New Holland gives a nod to its heritage while setting a new standard and delivering the highest productivity with the best grain quality on the market.

New Holland designed the new combine in anticipation of how harvesting demands will continue to evolve and in response to feedback from customers seeking greater capacity, lower grain loss and maximum protection of grain quality. Recognizing how higher-yielding crops and unpredictable weather can affect both this season’s crop and the next, New Holland engineers aimed to design a machine that can play its full part in maximizing productivity by clearing fields quickly to protect quality, while ensuring the following year’s crop establishment can occur in good time and conditions.

Four pillars to set a new standard in driving down the total cost of harvesting

More productivity, maximum grain savings, premium residue management and enhanced uptime are the four pillars the CR11 combine is built on. All four pillars support the machine’s overall objective to reduce the total cost of harvesting, a combination of financial cost and time that, when optimized, results in the overall improvement of the farmer’s bottom-line profitability.

Due to its 775-horsepower C16 engine, 2×24-inch rotors, 567-bushel (20,000 liters) grain tank and a 6 bushels (210 liters) per second unload rate, the CR11 combine significantly increases productivity to levels that have not been achieved before.

New Holland engineers worked to create a zero-loss harvesting machine, developing the new, larger and fully automated TwinClean double-cleaning shoe with automated cross-distribution control. The higher capacity grain tank of 567 bushels matches the machine’s increased capacity and can be unloaded in under 100 seconds to support grain logistics efficiency.

The completely new residue management system comes with a new chopper and chaff spreader system, designed to ensure the best chop quality and uniform residue spreading at up to a 60-foot cutting width. The award-winning IntelliSpread radar system, winner of a 2022 Agritechnica Innovation Silver Medal, automates the spreading control to ensure full and even residue coverage behind the combine, regardless of wind effects, crop type or moisture conditions.

Designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, the IntelliSpread system uses radars to detect actual residue spread-width and closed-loop automatic control of the residue system parameters to continuously adjust to changing conditions. The result is an automated system that allows the operator to concentrate on other harvesting processes, while IntelliSpread assures full-width and uniform residue coverage.

A new fully automated de-slug procedure was designed to reduce downtime. While the new CR11 combine is ready to be pushed for maximum throughput, New Holland recognizes it’s impossible to completely eliminate any risk of plugging. In the unlikely event of a combine blockage, the automatic de-slug program guides the operator through an unplugging procedure that enables them to clear the combine in minutes without leaving the comfort of the combine cab.

Because it significantly reduces downtime caused by such a scenario, the automated de-slug procedure gives the operator confidence to utilize the combine’s full capacity potential without concern of blocking. In addition to bolstering operator confidence and providing peace of mind, this feature increases safety when clearing a blockage, as operators are not required to leave the cab during the automated de-slug process.

Downtime prevention is further aided by the combine’s revised driveline simplicity with approximately 25% fewer drive components and the elimination of all drive chains.

The first combine to come standard with PLM Intelligence features built in, the CR11 combine will include the new IntelliView 12 display, IntelliSteer guidance system and other essential precision farming functions, like telematics and remote screen viewing, further supporting optimal performance and productivity.

The machine is also available with the optional NutriSense NIR sensor, which monitors crop composition in real-time to analyze and map nutrient and moisture levels. Data can be used to help support harvest, storage and sales decisions, and inform production plan changes for upcoming seasons, supporting profitability and future performance.

Visible changes to the new combine

The CR11 combine benefits from a completely new design that packages premium aesthetics with form and functionality. Multiple cab upgrades provide additional benefits in comfort and control.

Also visible, the FD250 New Holland draper head by MacDon adds to the overall productivity and field efficiency of the harvesting package.

Recognizing the trend toward reduced ground compaction, in combination with transport width regulations, the CR11 combine will be available with the SmartTrax hydraulically suspended track or a broad range of larger tire offerings, including the Michelin Cerexbib 2, size 900/65R46 with a diameter of 7.7 feet. This tire was the result of a development partnership between New Holland and Michelin. It’s the first time this next level of tire size is being introduced on a combine of any type. The long footprint and increased traction provide a reduced ground compaction that sets a new precedent in harvesting.

A close collaboration between industrial design and engineering teams, together with product specialists and brand marketing, has produced a combine design that is focused on customer needs with form that follows function. The result: an iconic, refreshed design that is stylish, yet timeless. The flow of the harvest is underlined on the exterior body panels by the dynamic blue feature that runs across the body through the various functions.

“Farm consolidation, increased yields and short harvesting windows are driving the need to continue the evolution of combine capacity with less grain loss and at the best grain quality. This new combine is a market game-changer designed to offer the next level of productivity with no comparison to anything available on the market today. We have made further strides in technology and automation, and the strong feedback from the first farmer tests means we are very excited about the launch of these new machines.”

said Lars Sorensen, head of combines and headers for New Holland Agriculture.

“This preview of our new CR11 combine underlines New Holland’s readiness for the future and its ability to adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers worldwide. Beneath the radical new styling is a very special combine design across individual areas that, together, create a package that will not replace the current CR range, but add a whole new productivity layer on top of the current offering. Our whole team has done a fantastic job of taking our world record holding combine and coming up with something even better, and we are delighted to unveil it to the world. Further details will be revealed ahead of the full launch.”

said Carlo Lambro, brand president for New Holland Agriculture.

Source: CNH Industrial

The post New Holland Unveils Next-Gen Combine Harvester appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Across Canada, start-ups focused on agricultural innovations are developing breakthrough technologies to help address farm management challenges. These technological advancements are important to providing farmers with access to the tools they need to maximize production, increasing food supply, and boosting economic growth.

SomaDetect Inc., located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provides dairy farmers with access to data on milk quality, reproductive status, and herd health indicators from every cow at every milking. With funding of up to $707,873, the company will combine its sensors with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time milk quality information at the farm level. Farmers can closely monitor information to keep their herd healthy and free of diseases, and improve reproductive success rate, ultimately producing the best possible milk for consumers.

Vivid Machines Inc., located in Toronto, Ontario, provides fruit and vegetable growers with a computer vision system that captures visible and chemical details of every plant across a crop, from bud to harvest. With funding of up to $390,297, the company will develop its sensor and vision technology to capture plant-level data below the canopy of leaves. This will generate a real-time understanding for producers of the quantity and quality of fruit on every plant. As a result, they can better manage plant growth and predict yield, and diagnose diseases, pests and nutrient deficiencies early. This helps growers maximize volume and quality of food for Canadian and global consumers.

The development of cutting-edge technologies is helping farmers find efficiencies and cost savings in their daily operations, while doing their part to feed a growing global population. The Government of Canada continues to invest in agricultural innovation that encourages knowledge sharing and bridges the information gap between scientists and farmers, strengthening agriculture in Canada for the long term.

Quotes

“Research and innovation are vital to giving our farmers the tools they need to tackle farm management challenges and boost food security. These new technologies, developed by SomaDetect and Vivid Machines, will allow farms of all sizes to have access to information in formats they can use. Investments like these support growth in Canada’s agricultural sector.”

says The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“SomaDetect Inc. is a leader in Canadian dairy and in the Halifax community. Their sensors help farmers provide the best quality milk to Canadians, while supporting jobs in our community and in Nova Scotia. By investing in innovative projects like these, the government is helping keep the agriculture sector strong and sustainable for the future.”

says Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, Nova Scotia

“Access to real-time information on crops is an important part of farmers’ work. It allows them to be better organized, mitigate risks and disease, and help advance their business. Based here in Toronto, Vivid Machines Inc. plays an important part in helping farmers understand crops through sensors and computer vision technology. I applaud their efforts in helping their local community and farming communities across Canada.”

says Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, Ontario

“Building new technology is full of challenges. Funding from AgriScience means that we can explore key projects that have some elements of technical risk. This is incredibly exciting for our dairy farmers and the industry as a whole. We are excited to receive this funding and to dig into this new project. For a startup like SomaDetect, this support makes it possible for us to continue to develop our technology and remain at the absolute forefront of milk monitoring, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.”

says Bethany Deshpande, CEO and Founder, SomaDetect Inc.

“With the size and quality requirements for marketable fruit, crop load management is one of the pressing issues for growers. Maximizing the amount of fruit that makes it to the produce aisle with the help of accurate farm data will improve profitability while also helping reduce food loss. Thanks to the funding we received from AAFC through the AgriScience projects component, we’ve been able to develop and refine sensor prototypes and machine learning models that can detect, track, and count fruit while they’re on the tree, to help growers efficiently understand the needs of each plant on their farm.”

says Jenny Lemieux, Co-Founder and CEO, Vivid Machines Inc.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3 billion, five-year (2018-2023) investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
• The AgriScience Program aims to accelerate the pace of innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and cutting-edge research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.

The post The Government of Canada Announced Over $1 Million in Funding for New Technologies To Improve Farm Management appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Dino’s beginnings in Salinas

The first season in Salinas introduced local farmers to Dino – our bed straddling robot used for weeding salad crops. Thanks to our partners’ trust (such as Top Flavor Farm, Bonipak and Church Brothers Farms), we were able to weed many acres on their farms and gather precious feedback. We were thus able to identify Dino’s few limitations, and correct them immediately. Several of my French colleagues regularly travelled to California and Arizona to conduct other tests and adapt our robot according to the needs expressed by American farms.  Indeed, there are notable differences between European and American practices – which led us to modify certain aspects of the machine.

Precision adjustments

We started by adjusting Dino’s guiding system over the crop beds. Its itinerary is now perfectly straight and accurate, in compliance with the map it is instructed to follow.   A second team came to improve the tool’s camera guidance – which was another significant advancement for Dino. The third and final team went to Yuma in Arizona, to implement the active tool developed at the end of last year. Other aspects were also adjusted, making the mechanics more reliable, ensuring more compact batteries, making it possible to use new weeding tools, and lastly providing operators with a reliable and secure remote control.

Last season, Dino therefore operated across dozens of hectares of farmland! This year, we have scheduled hundreds more thanks to the arrival of other Dino machines throughout the USA.

Let’s start a new season!

All these improvements mean we now have fully autonomous robots, and we can consider operating several machines at the same time within the same plot of land.

After a very dry winter and a very wet month of March (that came as a huge relief to us all!), we are now ready to launch the next weeding season with our privileged partners – who stand by us as we pursue Dino’s and Naïo’s life on American land.

Source: Naio Technologies

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Engcon’s DC2 control system fits all excavator brands on the market and can, in addition to controlling Engcon‘s tiltrotators, also control the excavator’s belt and wheels as well as boom swing or variable boom function. The app enables remote access to the control system and has been updated to be more intuitive to use. The upgrade also means increased compatibility with the latest versions of Android and the most up-to-date smartphone models.

“Remote support with remote control is a smart and time-saving feature that allows a service technician to troubleshoot via the mobile network and the driver’s smartphone. This provides great benefits and time savings in calibration, troubleshooting and service.”

says Tomas Wall, Product Manager at Engcon Control Systems.

On installation, all control systems need to be calibrated. Previously, this was handled by an on-site service technician. Now, it can be done remotely by connecting the driver’s smartphone directly to support staff. The setup also saves time in the case of troubleshooting, no matter where the machine is located. Engcon support can quickly locate the fault and, if necessary, send out a service technician with the right parts.

In many cases, support on control systems is about minor adjustments and with the Engcon DC2 and an Android phone no one needs to physically visit the machine to do this, saving time, the environment and money. A smartphone can be connected to the DC2 via Bluetooth and it is possible to switch between different operator profiles and tools or enter speed settings.

”In addition to saving the contractor a lot of time and money by having the support done without anyone going out to the machine, there is also a big environmental benefit by reducing the amount of trips taken.
As the United States is a gigantic country with long distances, the benefits of remote support were very well received when we demonstrated it live at Conexpo.”

The new DC2 has been released first for Swedish users to ensure that the new app works as expected before it is released for use in the USA.

Source: Engcon

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