Driving impression: Cross-Flow is the name given to a new range of combines from Case which, in a departure from the firm’s usual Axial-Flow technique, uses a combination of drums and straw walkers. This past harvest we took to the field with the 300hp, fourdrum, six-straw walker CF80, to see if the new combine was worth the wait
The CF80 is the largest in Case’s three model Cross-Flow range. The combine has four threshing drums, six straw walkers and a 300hp CDC turbocharged diesel engine (CDC is jointly owned by Case and Cummins).
Our prototype machine used for the test was masquerading as a 2388 Axial-Flow model, so it could continue to get in-field service under its belt without attracting attention to itself as the latest generation of Case combine.
Apart from the cab, the rest of the CF80 is based primarily on the six walker 527 model, although Case adds that 96% of components in the CF80 are new. Consequently, the CF models replace the 500 range which was developed by MDW in eastern Germany.
Up front, the CF80 is equipped with a 6.6m header, using a hydraulic multi-coupler and a central lock system – details that areworth mentioning. In addition, the header includes vertically pivoting dividers.
Although relatively unknown, vertical-pivot dividers have been around for some time, and their design allows the operator to unlock the linkage, fold the divider into its transport position and then lock it in place.
The crop intake elevator on the CF80 has a generous length, which provides a number of benefits including an improved view to the header. Behind the intake elevator, the CF’s threshing system differs considerably from that used in the 527.
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