CR11 impresses with demonstrations

Billed as New Holland's most productive combine yet, the CR11, which was unveiled to a crowd of 700 at the Perth Convention Centre back in September, is designed with a near zero-loss capability during harvest.

The CR11 is not just the latest combine with a few tweaks here; it's a retooled machine, according to McIntosh & Son Esperance sales representative, Jace Bratten, who has been holding demos of the machine.

"It's a complete redesign – the engine has been turned 90 degrees so it direct drives the rotors and it's also tilted on an angle, so it's in line with the rotor angle," Mr Bratten said.

"The rotors have gone from 22 inches to 24 inches, and you don't have to run them any faster, it's just the velocity on the outside is quicker because it's a bigger drum, and it has a 50 pc larger sieve cleaning area."

CNH product manager, Marc Smith, said the CR11's productivity in the paddock is maximised thanks to its C16 Cursor engine with a whopping 775 horsepower, a 20,000 litre grain tank with an unload rate of 210 litre per second, a revised IntelliView automation system.

"And an in-line engine orientation provides maximum power transfer efficiency throughout the combine's drivelines," Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith went on to explain how the CR11 has been enabled with near zero-loss capability.

"The TwinClean cleaning shoe, which is effectively two cleaning shoes in one, has cross shake distribution control, ensuring an even distribution of materials across the entire cleaning shoe and as part of the automation upgrade, four pressure sensors monitor and control top sieve loads ensure optimum loading at all times," he said.

"These systems work together, resulting in close to zero grain losses."

"The CR11 Twin Rotors also utilise a 3 speed gear box that is driven by a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), allowing a broad range of rotor speeds controllable from the cab; the broad elevator is driven a fixed gearbox or CVT drive for the variable feeder option."

Another feature that merits a mention is its newly designed residue management system, IntelliSpread.

"It utilises two radars that continuously measure, interpret and control the residue spreading system to ensure full width and uniform spreading coverage at all times," Mr Smith said.

"It works considerably well in cross wind situations."

Mr Smith added that there are no drive chains on the CR11, providing increased reliability, smoother operation and longer maintenance intervals.

The combine also cuts down downtime with an automated de-slug procedure, guiding the operator through the unplugging procedure in a few minutes, without the operator having to leave the cab.

McIntosh & Son recently held demos for the machine at Esperance and at the Kulin Community Crop, and will continue across the state.

“There’s already a lot of excitement about the capacity and performance from those who have had the chance to see it in action,” Mr Bratten said.

Those interested in a demonstration of the New Holland CR11 can contact their local McIntosh & Son branch for details here or follow us on social media.

The CR11 will be available in limited supply for the 2025 harvest.