Case IH Axial-Flow® combines can now be equipped with new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers, with features that enhance performance and ease operator workload. The seven G500V models span 6.1-12.5m (20-41ft) working widths, each with a knife that can be moved across a 575mm fore/aft range to ensure consistent crop flow in all crop types and conditions. Wider models feature new hydraulically-operated gauge wheels that can be switched from the cab between transport and field mode, making it unnecessary to manually raise the wheels before loading the header on its trailer. (De)coupling time is minimized thanks to connections grouped on the left-hand side only, and a single PTO.
New VariCut headers feature inline knife drive, with fully-linear output shaft motion, for smooth operation with minimal vibration. The belt drive has been replaced by gearboxes and a telescopic PTO, reducing overall driveline maintenance requirements and easing the operator workload to maximise comfort. The 10.5m/35ft and 12.5m/41ft models feature 100% synchronized dual knife drive, where the right-hand knife is driven via the intake auger, an upgrade which helps further minimize vibration. A knife speed increase from 660rpm to 735rpm enables higher forward speeds without compromising cutting performance, maximising capacity.
The auger stripper setting can now be altered from the rear of the header, encouraging operators to regularly check for correct adjustment, and to ensure even and consistent crop flow. The new auger height adjustment assembly provides two pre-set positions: a high one primarily for rapeseed/canola and a low one for small grains. This requires simply loosening four bolts and rotating the over-centre cam system, reducing adjustment time on single-span augers by 25%.
A new click-on side knife with aluminium cast frame is one-third lighter than the outgoing design. Over-centre locking retains the side knife or divider assemblies, cutting knife removal time by 50%, while lighter knives mean easier handling.
“The new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers are designed specifically to help customers and operators of Case IH Axial-Flow 160 and 260 series combines, and the new AF series combines, to get the best performance from their machines,” explains Andreas Saile, Case IH Crop Harvesting Business Manager for Europe.
“Improvements from the gauge wheels to the couplings, plus the lighter click-on sideknife, mean quicker set-up, enabling operators to get going faster in the field. With the main knife speed increase improving throughput, and the new knife drive cutting maintenance time, these upgrades collectively allow users to exploit the full potential of their combines.”
