Case IH has added extra punch to its Axial Flow combine range with six new models destined to arrive in the UK for the 2009 harvest. The new machines divide into two ranges – the 20 series flagship combines and the smaller, slightly less sophisticated 88 series, replacing the previous five Axial Flow machines.

Case IH reckons that 40% of combines sold in the UK are now non-straw-walker machines, a figure it predicts will rise to 50% within the next five years. It says it now has the biggest share (15%) of the rotary combine market in the UK and a 30% share of the European combine market.

The additional 7088 model joining the fleet is intended to bridge the gap between the two ranges, offering a mid-sized combine that is cheaper than a high-spec model – a market Case claims is still enjoying strong demand. Randy Baker, president of Case IH North America, sees the 7088 as a simple, easy-to-maintain machine that still gives good output and is ideally suited to a family farming business.

The new ranges have important improvements over the older models. All combines now come with a smaller tube rotor as standard with fewer rasp bars on both ranges for threshing the grain. The smaller rotor diameter allows a bigger threshing gap, therefore increasing throughput, and the reduced number of rasp bars is said to cause less damage to the straw – a common problem with rotary machines. The rotor concaves can be expanded and the rotor reversed should a blockage occur.

The 88 series are powered by an 8.3 litre (5088 and 6088) or 9 litre (7088) Cummins engine, as used in the Magnum tractors, while the 20 series gets its muscle from an 8.7 litre (7120), 10.3 litre (8120) or 13 litre (9120) Iveco Cursor engine. All combines have received a hike in hp, with the top flagship model now producing an impressive 530hp punch.

Both ranges now have a longer wheelbase, designed to cope with bigger 9.1m (30ft) headers without the need for additional ballast on the rear of the combine. It also means they can accommodate a bigger 10,500 litre grain tank.

A new hydraulic chaff spreader with electrically-controlled deflector plates means spreading can be altered on the move if chaff is being blown in the wrong direction.

Chopping the straw is now taken care of by a 126-blade (8120 and 9120) or 63-blade (5088, 6088, 7088 and 7120) straw chopper, replacing the previous flail unit. When straw is left in a swath, the static knives are retracted to prevent damage to the straw, allowing the blades on the chopping system drum to act as paddles to guide the material. Case claims the new smaller rotor, reduced number of rasp bars and the new chopping unit now leave straw in as good as condition as a straw walker combine.

A choice of Case’s Cruise Cut steering system or its Accu Guide automatic guidance system comes as standard on the 20 series and can be fitted to the 88 series if required. As well as steering the combine, the Accu Guide provides on-the-move yield and moisture mapping.

Unloading times have been increased, with tank emptying at 106 litres a second on the 88 series and 133 litres a second on the 20 series. It takes 95secs to dump the load on the bigger machines.

In the cab, things are pretty much the same apart from a new a pillar, as is used on the Magnum and Steiger tractors, giving an overview of the combine, including, engine power, header throughput and sieve settings. Rotor settings can be adjusted for varying crop types and conditions as well as sieve clearance and the threshing gap all from the cab.