Case IH AF10 combine increases harvesting capacity on New Zealand farm

Case IH’s AF10 combine harvester has been deployed on a 490-hectare arable farm in Canterbury, New Zealand, demonstrating increased harvesting capacity and operational efficiency under challenging weather conditions.

The machine was introduced to replace a previous Axial-Flow 9250 combine, with the objective of increasing throughput and reducing the impact of delayed harvest periods on crop cycles.

Harvesting under adverse weather conditions
The 2026 harvest season in the Canterbury region was affected by high rainfall, with approximately 260 mm recorded between January and February. Wet field conditions and green crop residues created challenges for harvesting operations, including reduced field access and increased processing difficulty.

The AF10 combine was used to harvest multiple crop types, including wheat, ryecorn, and ryegrass, under these conditions. Performance in handling damp and green material was a key operational factor.

Increased throughput and operational capacity
The AF10 is equipped with a 775-horsepower engine and a 20,000-liter grain tank, supporting extended harvesting intervals and reduced unloading frequency. The extended AFXL rotor increases crop separation capacity by approximately 50% compared to previous models, enabling higher throughput in high-yield conditions.

These features allow faster harvesting during limited weather windows, reducing the risk of delayed sowing for subsequent crop cycles.

Automation and machine control systems
The machine integrates automated harvesting functions through the Harvest Command system, which adjusts parameters such as ground speed, feed rate, and sieve settings based on sensor inputs. These include grain loss sensors, cameras, and pressure sensors.

Dual Pro 1200 displays provide real-time monitoring of machine performance and operational parameters, enabling operators to adjust settings and track harvesting progress.

Crop handling and adaptability
The combine was used across a range of crops with varying characteristics, including tall ryecorn and damp ryegrass. The system maintained consistent processing performance across these conditions, supporting stable harvesting output.

Adaptability to different crop types and moisture levels is critical for mixed cropping operations, where harvesting conditions can vary significantly within a single season.

Impact on farm operations
Improved harvesting capacity allowed completion of larger field areas within limited timeframes, supporting more efficient use of available weather conditions. This contributes to maintaining planting schedules and reducing the impact of seasonal variability on crop yields.

The deployment of the AF10 demonstrates how increased machine capacity and automation can support agricultural operations facing variable environmental conditions.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

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