Driving impression: Case IH Axial-Flow 6088 combine harvester The new Case IH Axial-Flow ‘88′ combine line-up is mainly about exterior styling, because the internals from the ‘80′ harvester family are largely retained. Our driving impression of the mid-range AF 6088 model lays out the full details
Back in mid-August 2007, when Case IH introduced its new combine fleet, we were able to take a close look at the midsized AF 6088.
But there’s more than just the one member in this particular Case IH family. The full AF ‘88’ range lines up as below, with model differences centring on engine hp and grain tank capacities:
Model Engine output* Grain tank vol.
Axial Flow 5088 294hp 8,800l
Axial Flow 6088 335hp 10,570l
Axial Flow 7088 366hp 10,570l
*Max power at 1,950rpm, ECE R120
Revised styling brings a more modern appearance to the AF 6088 when compared with the AF 2388 X-Clusive (profi 10/2003). Case IH designers have gone for a unified theme across this new range and the larger 20-series models, with big plastic side panels that open up wide — though not wide enough — to give better access to service points.
Though not the main focus of this article, the new 20-series replaces the 10-series (see p30).
Returning to the ‘88’ line, engineers have beefed up the new combines’ chassis and increased the wheelbase from 3.51m to 3.82m, reckoning that the longer wheelbase spreads the machines’ weight more evenly and allows heavier headers to be fitted without having to add ballast. The AF 6088’s claimed weight (14.5t) now tops the AF 2388 X-Clusive by 3t.
So what about those headers? The 6088 sticks with existing units from inside the CNH group. Buyers can choose between conventional designs and the optional 2050, which is able to vary knife position by 50cm on the move to accommodate the changing conditions. A new version with 57cm of extension capability should be available soon
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