Gleaner launches S9 Super combine series

Combine harvester specialist Gleaner has expanded its range of Super series models. The new S96, S97 and S98 feature several upgrades, including a larger and redesigned cab, a new control terminal, an improved feeder house, and revised drive electronics and drive mechanics to cut harvesting times.

According to Gleaner, a brand of global agricultural equipment corporation AGCO, the machines will be available from 2016 onwards.

"Today's growers must harvest more crop from more acres in an increasingly narrow harvest window, which means they need a combine that can adapt to and perform in less-than-ideal harvest conditions," says AGCO tactical marketing manager, Caleb Schleder.

"We've incorporated the latest technology, comfort features and even more engineering advancements to ensure our combines provide operators with the ability to handle whatever harvest conditions they face during long days in the fields."

Larger cab and enhanced control console

Gleaner has redesigned the cab to enhance operator comfort. The Vision cab is now 15 per cent larger than previously and has a larger instructor seat, the latter with a fold-down back that doubles as laptop computer storage and a workspace.

Visibility has also been improved with a 22 per cent larger, deep-curved front windshield and 66 square feet of total glass area, giving a clear view of the cutter bar, header ends and harvested areas behind each side of the header.

A solar-protectant laminate minimises sun exposure through the front glass while sound-proofing material throughout the cab keeps the operating environment as quiet as 75.5dB(A) in corn.

The control console has also been revamped to enhance ease of operation and reduce operator fatigue. The console, located to the right of the operator seat, has been colour coded for easy identification of different combine functions.

A multi-function hydro handle controls travel direction and speed, as well as the engagement of the processor, header and parking brake.

The throttle lever is situated right under the thumb of the operator for intuitive adjustment of engine speed.

Other cab and control enhancements include a slim-profile steering post, new cab post placement, 12 new cab lights with high-lumen projection and new dual remote mirrors.

Tyton terminal

A key feature of the new Gleaner S9 combine series is the Tyton terminal, which provides the full menu of products and services from AGCO's precision agriculture division, Fuse.

Available first on Gleaner combines, the new Tyton terminal has four quadrants, easy-to-read Gleaner-specific graphics and a colour touch-screen interface for operators to monitor and control multiple combine functions.

Mounted on an accessory bar off the operator seat armrest, the Tyton terminal can be positioned by the operator for the best visibility of the monitor and header.

Customers can opt for either a factory-installed FieldStar Live or AgLeader Live yield mapping system with their S9 combines, integrated through the Tyton terminal.

Both systems integrate data from yield and moisture sensors, global positioning and the Tyton terminal to provide live mapping.

Other functions available for customers through the Tyton terminal include automatic header width control, TaskDoc task management and an optional Auto-Guide guidance system with a NovAtel satellite receiver for maximum steering accuracy and efficiency.

Two levels of AgCommand machine monitoring are available to help minimise downtime, and Fuse Connected Services that enable remote equipment and operational support from the local Gleaner dealer are also available.

Enhanced feeder flow

With the S9 Series, Gleaner says its hallmark "natural-flow feeding" has been refined to improve feeding capacity in difficult crop conditions such as heavy canola swaths and green-stem soybeans, where uneven feeding can occur.

The feeder house floor has been lowered and the feeder house runners and torque tube raised, creating clearance under the feed shaft.

These changes reduce stress on the shaft, said Gleaner, yet maintain good control of the crop mat in difficult feeding conditions. Also the feeder house has been lengthened for better visibility of the cutter bar from the new Vision cab.

With a larger header size and longer feeder house, the manufacturer said the geometry of the header lift cylinders has been redesigned to maintain excellent lift-ability.

In addition, a proportional valve has been added to the header-lift hydraulic system so the operator can adjust header raise/lower speed and sensitivity to their preference using the Tyton terminal.

No strings attached

New electronics and redesigned hydraulic systems eliminate all cables and linkages for the hydrostatic propel system.

Precise programming of speed and torque sets the hydrostatic motor to an optimum displacement to provide speed and torque as needed.

A 390-bushel grain bin comes as standard with the new combine range.

The Gleaner S9 Super series combines are scheduled to arrive in Australia in time for the 2016 harvesting season. The S97 is priced at $531,190 plus GST.

For more information on the Gleaner series, visit www.Gleaner.com.au