New Axial-Flow pays homage to IH heritage
Limited edition Axial-Flow 150 series combine to debut at the Wimmera Machinery Field DaysAn idea that surfaced at the AgQuip 2017 show in Gunnedah, NSW has taken the global farming community by storm and resulted in the production of a real machine that farmers can buy and own this year.
In 2017, Case IH ANZ staff decided to paint an Axial-Flow combine in the heritage International Harvester colours as a celebration of the Axial-Flow’s 40th anniversary and had it on display at the AgQuip 2017 field days.
According to Case IH, the machine received an overwhelming response from visitors on site as well as on social media where photos of the combine surfaced and spread.
“The uptake on social media and the feedback it created was amazing,” said Case IH ANZ Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, Tim Slater.
“This extended especially to North America where the social media interest really took off once the photos of it at AgQuip started to circulate.”
“So, due to such strong interest, it was thrown out there as a global idea and now it’s being rolled out on combines in the US and here.”
The limited edition Axial-Flow 150 series combine was announced in North America in July last year and released on the global stage earlier this year, and will make its Australian debut at the upcoming Wimmera Machinery Field Days in March.
The combine features a heritage-inspired paint scheme with the traditional IH white roof and rims as well as side-panel decals reminiscent of the first Axial-Flow, introduced into the market over 40 years ago.
While its exterior might be vintage, the 150 Series is equipped with a number of technological advancements that reflect the Axial-Flow's future direction and emphasis on productivity gains.
Some key features include:
- Cross-Flow cleaning system –the largest cleaning system for a Class 5 to 7 combine in the industry, according to Case IH, with side hill compensation and industry leading clean out.
- A simple two-speed electric shift transmission that is designed to use first gear for harvesting and second gear for roading. It also provides increased propulsion and tractive effort for difficult field conditions for improved performance.
- Residue management systems featuring an integral straw chopper, as well as hydraulically driven dual disc spreaders for improved machine access and performance.
Slater said the new combine represents an increase in capacity, horsepower and grain savings.
“Many farmers will find it suits their needs perfectly because of its productivity enhancements, price and flexibility,” he said.
“It’s really gratifying to know that an idea we had down here in Australia has had such an impact.
“It also shows that while Australia and New Zealand may be smaller markets on the global scale, we have a strong influence when it comes to product development and releases.”
The 2019 Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be held at its purpose built site in Longerenong, VIC, from March 5 to 7.
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