A new 8.53m (28ft) Varifeed header has been added to the range. This offers compatibility with 12m CTF systems and is expected to become the most popular option for the CH7.70 combine, allowing owners to take advantage of the increased capacity over current straw walker models.
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crops such as oilseed rape where lower fan speeds are used, the kicking action is reduced. The fan speed also adjusts automatically to compensate for travel up and down slopes, reducing when travelling up hill and increasing during downhill travel to ensure the crop maintains constant movement along the sieves for optimum cleaning and minimal losses regardless of gradient. Returns are delivered by elevator to the drum for re-threshing and clean grain is transported by double helix cross-augers to the clean grain elevator to keep up with outputs up to 40 tonnes per hour (tph). The CH7.70’s separation system is shorter than the CX6.90’s, although overall machine length remains the same. This means that when not in use the straw chopper is moved to the rear of the combine,
but for chopping it moves forward approximately one metre to a position directly below the two rotor outlets. A button selects the chopper position, and with the drive belt tensioner released the belt is fitted and removed easily. Two chopper speeds are available, selected by swapping the belt between two pulleys. The CH7.70 is powered by an FPT Cursor 9 engine developing 374hp (34hp more than the CX6.90), and meeting Stage 5 emissions standards. Access for servicing and daily checks is good, and a high-pressure air tube runs in front of the engine and just above the exhaust manifold and turbocharger, delivering an air blast every three minutes to keep the area clear of dust and loose debris.
styling from larger CR-series models, including dark blue operator and passenger seats. A refrigerator below the passenger seat is standard and there is also a smaller drinks cooler in the roof panel. A new Nav 900 GPS receiver is fitted for guidance, and it also includes angle and attitude measurement for terrain compensation. For automatic steering an electric steering wheel is used, controlled through the IntelliView 4 terminal. Like other New Holland machines, joystick control of travel and key operating functions is convenient, and the stick returns automatically to centre as soon as it is released. All harvesting controls are similar to other New Holland combines in the current range.
New header options
Field test
New Holland is also introducing updated Varifeed headers for next season, and the CH7.70’s high crop throughput means working widths up to 9.15m are recommended. New design features include offset centre support auger bearings and support wheels at the rear of the table for the widest versions. Twin lift rams are fitted on the left side of the CH7.70, providing increased lift capacity for the wider tables. Drive tyres up to 900mm can be fitted and at the rear, large 520/80R26 tyres are standard for an extended footprint.
Farmers Guide spent an afternoon with the new combine, harvesting a field of spring barley in Essex. Poor conditions for establishment and early growth meant the yield and straw volumes were both below average, but sunny, dry weather meant grain moisture content was typically 12 per cent, and lower in some areas. The combine was a pre-series model fitted with the first new 28ft Varifeed header to enter the UK, and Nigel Honeyman believes this will replace the current 25ft header as the most popular option for UK farms. The view from the seat was excellent and it proved easy to achieve a smooth feed of the short-strawed crop to the table elevator. Noise levels were low and there was little vibration or rocking. A check of harvested grain in the trailer revealed few that were cracked or damaged, and certainly well below the target one per cent. “I was sceptical regarding a
Improved cab The Harvest Suite cab is similar to the CX6.90 but has the latest interior The Harvest Suite cab is comfortable and quiet. A steering wheel motor is controlled through the IntelliView 4 terminal and uses GPS signals from the Nav 900 receiver.
Crossover model previously,” added Nigel. “But, since seeing preproduction machines working last year and this pre-series model this season, I have been very impressed. It’s the size of our smaller five-walker CX models, but it matches the output of our six-walker machines. In wheat it will achieve up to 40tph which, for a machine this size, is impressive. Losses are minimal and grain damage is almost negligible. Straw quality is excellent, even when it is very dry.”
Makes sense Currently the CR9.90 rotary combine is New Holland’s best seller, along with the CX8.70 six walker machine, but Nigel believes the new Crossover model could replace the CX8.70 to take second place. “It costs less than the six-walker CX8.70 and CX8.80 models, and is only slightly more than the CX6.90 five walker, so it makes a lot of sense,” he explained. “Tests have shown it will match or exceed the CX8.80’s output and with its ability to take tables up to 9.15m (35ft), it will suit larger arable farms.” New Holland product demonstrator for UK and Ireland Sion Whittingham is in his fourth season with New Holland, and says he is very impressed by the latest model. “Like all New Holland’s harvesters, it’s very easy to operate, and the cab is comfortable and quiet,” he said. “Compared to other rotaries our CR range is known to be excellent in terms of minimal damage to straw, but where we have had this in the field alongside the bigger rotaries there is a noticeable improvement behind this machine. The chopper works well and achieves an even spread and the chaff spreader is also very good, spreading wide and
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