New combine harvester thinks for itself

WITH its revolutionary APS SYNFLOW HYBRID threshing system delivering 10% more capacity, the new CLAAS LEXION 8000/7000 series of combine harvester raises the bar for harvesting performance even higher. 

Productivity aside, the new series is arguably the most technologically advanced combine yet to hit New Zealand and Australian paddocks, featuring a host of range of cutting-edge operating systems that automatically monitor and adjust the machine’s settings. CLAAS Harvest Centre General Manager – Product, Tim Needham, says these operator assistance systems help to optimise performance and efficiency while reducing the operator’s workload.

“This is not technology for technology’s sake – it’s about increasing productivity, reducing operating costs and generally making harvesting run more smoothly, It’s a bit of an overstatement to say a new LEXION is ‘backpacker ready’ but these new operator assistance systems enable even relatively inexperienced drivers to safely increase harvesting performance. The best thing about these systems is that they are fully automatic and unlike the operator themselves, they don’t get tired and they don’t forget. Even highly experienced operators can benefit from these systems by becoming more confident about adjusting the settings of various components.”

The CLAAS Electronic Machine Optimisation System, or CEMOS for short, comprises of several sub-systems that automatically monitor and adjust all aspects of the threshing, cleaning, separation, stubble and engine management processes. In turn, this is linked to CRUISE PILOT, which automatically adjusts ground speed according to the operating load on the engine and desired throughput.

“The operator simply has to select whether to configure the machine for constant speed, maximum throughput or minimal grain loss. CEMOS AUTOMATIC sets the machine up for operation and then monitors these settings in response to any change in harvesting conditions before automatically making any necessary changes to keep the harvester working to its peak performance. The system is self-learning and does not settle for happy medium – it keeps working right up to when the engine is turned off at the end of the shift.”

CEMOS AUTOMATIC monitors the settings of dozens of components, including concave clearance, drum speed, concave bar, concave flap, fan speed, upper and lower sieve openings, rotor speed and rotor flap, before determining what improvements can be made. A new feature this year is the CEMOS AUTO CHOPPING system, which automatically adjust the static knives and friction concave plate in the straw chopper according to straw moisture content. CLAAS claims this new system can product up to 10 percent fuel savings.

Another relatively new component is the CEMOS AUTOMATIC AUTO SLOPE function, which automatically controls the fan speed and sieve opening based pm longitudinal tilt for optimal performance when operating in hilly conditions. All LEXION models incorporate a peak load system that monitors threshing drum speed, rotor speed and engine speed and automatically shuts down the front and feeder-house intake if pre-set limits are exceeded.

CEMOS AUTOMATIC can be integrated into the main operating screen, which displays the key operating parameters of the machine, including speed, crop volume in feeder housing, threshing unit load, engine load, separation losses, cleaning losses and returns volume limit. Alternatively, a second touch screen can be added to increase the interface area for the operator.

“This gives extra display area, more camera inputs and the ability for the operator to run the CEMOS Dialog function. This function requires the operator to approve a suggested change before CEMOS makes any changes to the machine settings.”

CEMOS AUTOMATIC can be overridden manually or deactivated at any time using the multifunction lever.

All LEXION combine harvesters are equipped with TELEMATICS remote monitoring technology, which continuously transfers the machine’s GPS location, machine performance and yield data to a remote server via the mobile phone network. CLAAS offers a variety of modules to harness this data, including yield mapping, job documentation, data transfer, fleet monitoring and remote diagnostics. 

“FLEET VIEW enables you to co-ordinate the location of your chaser bins and road transport with the location and grain fill levels of your harvesters to minimise idle time. You always know which machine needs to be unloaded next, which helps to save time and money, and more important, keeps your harvesters working,” Tim says.

Transferred data can be accessed or downloaded from the server using any connected desk computer, laptop or smartphone. This data can be exported to many common farm management software programs.

TELEMATICS also includes a free remote service function that aids maintenance scheduling and requirements. 

“The machine automatically informs the owner’s dealership of upcoming service intervals or the need for immediate intervention if a fault arises. The service team then has time to assemble all necessary parts and tools to perform this service.” Tim says.