Challenger 500C Series

Challenger took the wraps off the new 500C series combines this month. The new Class VII Challenger 540C and Class VIII 560C have the same single rotor threshing system as the Challenger 600B series models they replace. But the guts of these machines were completely revamped to take on the challenges of today’s higher-yielding crops.

The processor has been redesigned, incorporating a segmented rotor in place of the previous in-line bar design. The rotor is new, too, with a longer length that spans the full length of the machine. This allows for more threshing and cleaning capacity without the addition of auger beds or discharge beaters, says Challenger marketing manager for combines, Kevin Cobb.

Models are equipped with new AGCO Power Tier 4i engines that Cobb says are 30% more fuel-efficient than the prior Tier 3s. In addition, the drive system was made simpler, incorporating fewer moving parts to reduce servicing and downtime.

All models come guidance-ready from the factory. Steering valves and other drive components are prewired to allow for plug-and-play use of automated steering kits, including the System 150.  A free, one-year subscription to AgCommand Advanced, AGCO’s new telemetry system, comes standard with these combines to give owners remote access to combine data, including field location, hours used, percent grain loss and average crop yield and moisture.

Other features include a premium seat that provides both heating and cooling and a 360-degree stadium lighting package called NightBreaker.

The suggested list price will be announced at a later date.

For more information, contact your local Challenger dealer or visit http://www.challenger-ag.us/.

Massey Ferguson 9500 Series

Last fall Massey Ferguson launched the new 9500 Series Axial combines, made up of 67% new components over the previous series it replaced to take on the challenge of high-yield corn. The models, which include the 9520, 9540, and 9560, were equipped with new Tier 4i emissions-compliant engines, a new processor, a redesigned cleaning system, larger feederhouse and a more efficient cooling system.

The series went into full production this year, and the performance gains promised at launch time have been proven in the field, says combine marketing manager Kevin Cobb. “We’re seeing as much as a 20% increase in capacity and a 20% increase in fuel efficiency over previous models,” Cobb says.

This year’s enhancements, he says, will focus on comfort and convenience. New for 2013, operators will have a premium leather seat option with a cloth center that provides for both heating and cooling. Another new option is a 360-degree lighting package called NightBlaze, first showcased on the 8600 Series Massey Ferguson tractors. It’s a factory- or field-installed option. A combination of HID and LED lights light up the front, sides, and rear of the machine.

Finally, new models for 2013 will be guidance-ready as standard, prewired to work with all automated steering kits including the company’s own System 150.

The suggested list price will be announced at a later date.

For more information, contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer or visit www.masseyferguson.com.

2013 Gleaner feature preview

The goal at Gleaner is to continually increase overall harvesting capacity and efficiency, and the most important Gleaner improvements of 2013 reflect this objective.

Improvements include:

New, deeper clean-grain cross-auger trough. The 8-in. cross auger has been dropped lower, below center line, to provide greater movement of grain to the elevator, helping increase overall harvesting rates. Thicker elevator paddles also contribute to the 30% increase in clean-grain elevator capacity (5,000-bu.-per-hr. maximum elevator capacity rating).

Addition of a rear feed-conveyor drive eliminates slipping and offers 50% more drive capability, plus a 10% differential in rear-to-front feed conveyor speed eliminates any pinch point. These changes enhance feed conveyor capacity and deliver smoother, more efficient, material flow. The improvements mean less draw on engine horsepower and provide for longer belt life.

New, smaller-diameter straw/stalk chopper drum helps a greater volume of material move through, while reducing horsepower requirements by 5 hp.

Each combine now comes “guidance-ready” as a standard feature.

New Premier heated and cooled seat for added operator comfort in any season.  

Pricing will be announced at a later date.

For more information about the Gleaner S7 Series combines, visit www.Gleanercombines.com.