Case IH showcases new offerings and innovations at the 2023 NAMPO Harvest Day, one of the largest agriculture exhibition in the southern hemisphere. | These include the Patriot 50 series sprayer, the new LB436 HD series large balers, Soil Command depth control for tillage, the CNH Industrial acquisition of the RTK+ network for precision farming, and Farmall tractors’ centenary celebration.
Case IH’s reputation for delivering an exceptional customer experience continues with its strong presence at the 2023 NAMPO Harvest Day, featuring the introduction of exciting new models, innovations and a centenary celebration.
Patriot 50 series sprayer
Top of the list is the eye-catching new Case IH Patriot 50 series sprayer, which the company has added to its line-up of self-propelled agricultural equipment. With an exceptional operator environment, complete vehicle control, enhanced connectivity solutions and integrated spray technology, the Patriot 50 series sprayer is designed to help operators work more productively and achieve high-efficiency spraying. Three new models — the Patriot 3250, 4350, and 4450 — are now available in South Africa.
The distinctive cab-forward, rear-engine design and strong, durable boom are critical Agronomic Design elements in these models that enable operators to achieve accurate, timely spraying. To match the needs of today’s producers, the Patriot 50 series sprayers integrate advanced technology and connectivity solutions with reliable design — all to enhance productivity.
Every Patriot 50 series sprayer is guidance-ready with AFS Connect and Raven Slingshot. With a wide range of configurations and tank capacities from 3 020 to 6 050 litres, producers can customise the sprayers to match their needs.
High Density LB436 HD series large balers
After many years’ success and experience with the LB XL baler series, Case IH has launched a completely new large-format ‘high density’ baler. The company’s ambitious objective was to achieve 22% greater bale density, while maintaining the impressive throughput of the LB434 XL, which the new model does by delivering 80 bales/hour.
To achieve these high densities and bale weights, significant improvements were made including an extremely robust compression chamber and a high-performance density ring with seven double-acting cylinders. The compression cylinder generates up to 62 t of force for uniform bale density, even in changing conditions.
Several new features include a patented two-speed gearbox, revised plungers, TwinePro twin-knot technology as standard, and a hydraulically suspended steered tandem chassis, all increasing the efficiency of the baler and setting new standards in bale density and ground speed.
Revolutionary hydraulic depth control for field cultivation
By employing a revolutionary sensor on the tines of their Tiger-mate field cultivator, Case IH’s engineers have enabled logging and mapping of any breakaway action caused by an uneven working depth to guide operation for the next season.
Case IH has literally pushed the boundaries of technological development for tillage with the introduction of effective hydraulic depth control. It has been named Soil Command, and works with Case IH’s Advanced Farming Systems platform, AFS Connect. This is Case IH’s comprehensive precision agriculture system that collects agronomic data from a variety of sources and interprets it to instruct tractors and implements to perform their tasks more precisely. This information can also be made available to third parties.
According to Case IH’s Research and Development team, it is critically important that the planting depth level below ground should be as level as the seedbed. When the planter’s shoe or opening discs pass through the soil, the planter unit will bounce around if the area is uneven. This can result in seeds being planted unevenly.
Case IH’s engineers fitted a sensor on the tines of their Tiger-mate cultivator to log and map any breakaway action caused by an uneven working depth for the next season.
This information is sent through the Isobus communication port to the screen in the cabin so the driver can see exactly how serious the problem is, allowing for the necessary adjustments. The tool can also take control of the tractor to work it slower or faster, or deeper or shallower, as required by the underground profile. Soil Command can also use the previous season’s soil profile maps to adjust the operation accordingly.
CNH acquires RTK+ precision farming network in SA
CNH Industrial, Case IH`s parent company, has recently acquired the RTK+ network in South Africa. The recent transaction between CNH Industrial and the OMNIA Group once again confirmed CNH Industrial`s strategy to be leaders in the precision technology arena. With the ever-growing demand for precision agriculture in South Africa, CNH Industrial have shown their commitment to stay ahead of the game with this acquisition. It now offers its cellular-delivered RTK+ (Real Time Kinematic) correction signal with up to 1,5 cm repeatable accuracy in all conditions, regardless of field location. In all the covered areas, strength and reliability of the service are “production ready” and can support all farmers in every processing phase.
Among other advantages, farmers can now benefit from a consistent and efficient application of seed, fertiliser and crop protection products through parallel passes with minimal overlap, thereby maximising a crop’s potential through absolute accuracy and reliability in precision farming.
The Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX) data of the CNH Industrial reference stations are compared against the European Terrestrial Reference Frame (ETRF) on a regular basis. The corresponding certification is executed and approved by Geo++ GmbH on a yearly basis.
The adoption of standard formats and protocols make the CNH Industrial RTK+ solution compatible with a majority of guidance equipment on the market today, opening this RTK signal up to a large group of customers. It is available through a subscription at CNH Industrial dealerships.
Farmall tractors’ centenary celebration
Case IH’s Farmall tractor series celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and this legend of world agriculture will be duly honoured at NAMPO this year.
In 1923 International Harvester engineer Bert R. Benjamin had a vision for a tractor that can do it all, a tractor that can replace horses, so he built his first prototype. In 1931 innovation was at the heart of every Farmall, and the Farmall F series tractor was launched after being designed with a more powerful three-plow tractor for farmers with 200+ acres (80+ ha), along with innovations like a four-speed transmission and a petrol engine.
In 1939 the second-generation Farmall tractor was introduced, the famous letter series, including A and B (small-sized), H (middle-sized) and M (large-sized) tractors. In 1947 the Super series was launched with the Super A tractor, followed by the Super C in 1951, the Super M in 1952 and the Super H in 1953. In 1954 the number system for Farmall was introduced. Super A and Super C tractors became 200 and 300 series tractors. The Farmall 706 and 806 tractors made their debut in 1963.
In 1974, the 5 000 000th tractor bearing the Farmall nameplate rolled off the production line at the Farmall Works plant in Rock Island, Illinois — the first tractor manufacturer to officially produce past this threshold. That tractor was the Farmall 1066 Turbo.
In 2003, after 80 years of firsts, Farmall was once again primed to revolutionise modern farming. This time as a line of compact tractors intended for the needs of smaller farms. In 2012 the legacy of unwavering innovation continued with the reintroduction of the Farmall A, B and C series tractors.
In 2023 Farmall turns 100. With over 30 models ranging from the compact series to the 100A series and everything in between, the Farmall will always be the go-to tractor for every can-do need. Like the very first Farmall, the current series of tractors are designed to be versatile, powerful and productive — everything a farmer could ever need, all in one legendary machine.
For more information, contact your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.co.za.
