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Technological standardization in the Argentine sugar and alcohol industry
Compania Azucarera Los Balcanes deploys connected machinery and specialized technical support to optimize harvest performance.
www.casece.com
Compania Azucarera Los Balcanes S.A. and Case IH, a brand of the CNH group, are actively collaborating on the implementation of a standardized fleet of connected agricultural machinery and after-sales support systems in Northwest Argentina. This cooperation addresses the operational need to mitigate downtime during the critical harvest period, optimize sugar cane processing, and maintain operational continuity in bioethanol and food production.
Management and direct logistical support on the ground are coordinated with Pueble S.A., the official dealer for the brand in the region, forming a technical support ecosystem that integrates equipment supply with preventive maintenance and localized technical service.
Operational challenge in bioenergy production
Large-scale production in the sugar industry requires a continuous flow of raw materials to supply processing mills. Compania Azucarera Los Balcanes S.A. manages more than 23,000 hectares of sugarcane fields and operates the La Florida, Cruz Alta, and Aguilares mills, processing between 20% and 25% of the total milling volume in the province of Tucuman.
The primary challenge lies in preventing unplanned mechanical interruptions during the harvest campaign, where delays directly impact the profitability of industrial assets. The complexity of the agricultural environment required a standardized solution of digital infrastructure and industrial automation to unify maintenance procedures, facilitate technical personnel training, and ensure constant mechanical availability.
Technical solution and division of responsibilities
The implemented technological architecture is based on fleet unification under common Case IH hardware and software platforms:
- Harvesting systems: Utilization of Austoft line harvesters equipped with 420 hp FPT Cursor 11 engines and the Smart Cruise electronic system, which automatically regulates engine speed based on the feed load.
- Traction and application systems: Incorporation of Magnum and Puma "New Gen" series tractors for tillage and transport tasks, complemented by Patriot sprayers for input dosing.
- Connectivity and telematics: Integration of telematics modules for remote monitoring of unit operating parameters in real time.
Case IH provides the mechanical platforms and diagnostic software. For its part, the dealer Pueble S.A. assumes responsibility for after-sales support in the field, the supply of original spare parts, and immediate technical assistance. Compania Azucarera Los Balcanes S.A. executes preventive maintenance planning and daily operational management based on data provided by telematics tools.
Deployment and operational benefits
The fleet is operational in the Tucuman region, forming the largest machinery park in the sugar and alcohol sector in Argentina. It includes 53 sugarcane harvesters and more than 40 high-power tractors.
Standardizing on a single component architecture reduces the variety of spare parts inventory required, unifies predictive maintenance protocols, and optimizes operator training. The collection of field data and the hydraulic response of the units guarantee a constant working speed, improving the overall efficiency of the agro-industrial process.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.caseih.com
Deployment and operational benefits
The fleet is operational in the Tucuman region, forming the largest machinery park in the sugar and alcohol sector in Argentina. It includes 53 sugarcane harvesters and more than 40 high-power tractors.
Standardizing on a single component architecture reduces the variety of spare parts inventory required, unifies predictive maintenance protocols, and optimizes operator training. The collection of field data and the hydraulic response of the units guarantee a constant working speed, improving the overall efficiency of the agro-industrial process.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.caseih.com
