CR11 Combine Start-Ups Deliver Big Results across WA

Longview Farming in Badgebup taking delivery of their New Holland CR11

The highly anticipated New Holland CR11 combine is well into its first season in Western Australia — and early feedback across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern from start-ups is very positive.

McIntosh & Son’s support teams have been working alongside early CR11 owners throughout the start-up period, monitoring performance and harvest loss grain checks.

“Customers are seeing numbers we’ve never seen before in Australia,” said Devon Gilmour, McIntosh & Son general manager, southern branches, “To have almost zero grain loss at the capacities that they’re doing isn’t from model upgrade – it’s a whole new system.”

Two New Holland CR11s with MacDon FD261 60 foot fronts harvesting wheat in Condingup

Will Carmody, Cascades, who took delivery of a CR11 and MacDon FD261 60 foot front earlier this month, said it is "flying through the crops” and that “at 80 tonnes an hour, the grain tank is being filled every 11 minutes.”

The CR11’s dual rotary technology and redesigned processor are proving to be a major leap forward, particularly for large-scale WA grain businesses chasing efficiency and reduced harvest windows.

Growers have commented that the evenness and throw of the chopper system is “on another level” compared with previous-generation machines.

"One of the biggest talking points has been the ability to spread residue the full 60 feet behind the front, even in heavier barley and canola," Devon said.

"This full-width spread brings a significant agronomic and logistical advantage, they’re avoiding a second pass over the runs."

McIntosh & Son has played a central role in the WA launch, coordinating pre-delivery, optimisation, training and field support, and the dealership group has been on the ground with start-ups throughout WA.

“We knew how important the first season would be,” Anthony Ryan, McIntosh & Son general manager, northern branches, said. “Our teams are in the field at every startup, assisting with configurations, completing harvest loss tests and making sure our customers will get the best out of the machine.”

“For many, the combination of capacity, sample quality, residue management and in-cab automation is proving to be game-changing.”

“Several growers have already indicated they’ll expand their CR11 fleet in future seasons.”

With harvest still underway, the momentum around the New Holland CR11 continues to build with McIntosh & Son hosting demonstrations across the state. Those interested can contact their local McIntosh & Son dealership for details and locations.