Combine buyers' guide 2012

Case-IH

The current Axial-Flow 88 series will become the 130 series in 2012, while the existing 20 series machines become the 230 series, with three models in each. The main change is the roll-out of EfficientPower emissions-cutting SCR technology, which also brings higher power outputs and improved fuel economy.

Claas

Apart from wider (735mm and 890mm) traction belt options for the Terra Trac system, the Claas line-up continues unchanged from the thoroughly re-worked Lexion 600 straw walker and Lexion 700 rotary separation models introduced for this harvest, along with the smaller Tucano and Avero machines.

Deutz-Fahr

The 6040 H Farm-Line combine added to the bottom end of the Deutz-Fahr range for smaller growers is joined for harvest 2012 by an HTS variant featuring initial separation by an additional drum. The HTS cylinder is positioned aft of the threshing cylinder and beater relieves the straw walkers of the full separation burden but can be raised out of the crop stream if necessary. A track option may be offered, too.

John Deere

A rationalised combine range for 2012 has seen the departure of the smallest straw walker machines (the Brazilian-built 1470 and 1570) and of the “hybrid” C Series machines in favour of an extension of the all-rotary S Series to three models. The S Series trio also feature the new roomier Premium cabin. T Series straw walker combines also get this cab and the latest PowerTech PSX engines along with a new transmission with electronic gear selection.

Massey Ferguson

The bottom-of-the-range Activa 7245 has been dropped and others in the range replaced with new versions. They sport a new cab, increases in grain tank capacity and the ability to fit the PowerFlow table. Grain tank capacity on the Activa 7345S and 7347S climbs to 8,000 litres. On higher-spec Beta combines, auto levelling to provide slope compensation has switched from a rotating spur gear final drive unit on both ends of the axle to a parallel linkage assembly. Centora models get power increases to make the most of a wider-opening drum concave and cleaning system tweaks that boost output. A new rotary for Europe is not available in the UK next year, so the 9280 Delta still heads the range.

Sampo-Rosenlew

Three new Comia models have a number of new and upgraded features. These include a smarter and better-equipped Premium Plus cabin, re-designed electronics, new chassis and drive axle, revamped cutting tables, latest-emissions spec Sisu engines, and new styling.

New Holland

Self-levelling versions of the TC 5040 and TC 5050 have been dropped to leave just two four-walker variants in the range, while the TC 5060, TC 5070 and TC 5080 five-walker machines get the SmartSieve system. The CX models that replace the CSX machines have the same feature, plus automatic fan speed adjustment, turret unloading augers and SCR-spec engines. CR models get the new SCR engines and a new model, the 490hp CR9070, has been added. It has an 11,500-litre grain tank capacity. There is also a re-designed discharge auger.