CH960 Sugar Cane Harvester

CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester

The John Deere CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester provides double the productivity of a single row-unit in most conditions by harvesting two rows of cane simultaneously at the same speed.

Feature benefits:

• Loads wagon in half the time
• Reduces infield transport requirement by 28 percent
• Reduces fuel consumption by 30 percent
• 36 percent fewer operators are needed

Functionality:

Since the CH9 Series models harvest at the same speed as the single-row units in most conditions, the wagons are loaded in half the time, reducing total infield transport equipment cycle time considerably. In a typical operation, this translates into 50 percent fewer harvesters, 28 percent fewer tractors and wagons, and 36 percent fewer operators required per front while saving 30 percent in fuel. In multi-front operations, this additional harvesting capacity can also be used to decrease the number of fronts by increasing their quotas. Regardless of the solution adopted, the total number of operators, tractors, wagons, and harvesters is reduced significantly.

Controlled traffic with CH9 Series (A - hardpan interrow, B - undisturbed interrow, and C - hardpan interrow

The CH9 Series tread matches the row spacing so the tracks travel centered on the interrow away from the stubble. By straddling two rows, the center interrow remains untouched, leaving 50 percent of the rows are undisturbed. In addition, the compacted area is reduced by 60 percent, fostering better growing conditions for improved yield and ratoon life.

Feature benefits:

• Matching tread to row spacing
• 60 percent less compacted area
• Untouched center interrow for 50 percent of rows undisturbed
• Improves yield and ratoon life
• 30 to 50 percent cane loss reduction

Root system development with and without compaction

Functionality:

By straddling two rows, the center interrow remains untouched so 50 percent of the rows are undisturbed. In addition, the compacted area is reduced by 60 percent. Thanks to better cane growing conditions fostered by the John Deere two-row harvester system, improved yield and ratoon life are expected.

CH9 Series cleaning system in action

Wider entry to the primary extractor, less billet contact with the fan, and a 78 percent larger secondary extractor reduce cane loss while maintaining low extraneous matter levels. In addition, only 50 percent of the uncut rows are exposed to contact with the harvester for further loss reduction.

Feature benefits:

• Low extraneous matter levels
• 30 to 50 percent cane loss reduction
• Operate at low fan rpm to save fuel

Primary extractor with wide cane entry

122-cm (48-in.) secondary extractor

Functionality:

Twice the pour rate of a single-row unit required reengineering of the cleaning system to deliver high-quality cane. The CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester optimizes the use of the primary extractor cleaning area with wider entry offered by the longer chopper drums. It is in this first section where most of the trash removal takes place. Relocating the fan further back and tapering the cane inlet greatly contributes to cleaning efficiency and reduced loss.

Lower loss is also possible thanks to the higher cane flow that minimizes the risk of billets being pulled away by the fan.

A redesigned, higher-capacity secondary extractor with tapered inlet and 78 percent larger area provides even more cleaning before the cane is loaded into the wagon.

CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester

The John Deere CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester was designed with both durability and value in mind. CH9 Series components can handle the most unforgiving conditions while providing dependable performance throughout the harvest. Longer life and ease of service dramatically reduce downtime and boost productivity, putting more money in your pocket where it belongs.

Feature benefits:

• Heavy-duty tracks double the life before a major overhaul is needed
• 50 percent larger displacement engine
• High-wear resistant elevator doubles the hours before major repair is needed
• Robust final drives with 60 percent longer life

Rugged CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester

Functionality:

The CH9 Series components have been overdesigned to ensure long-term durability. The John Deere 13.6L (830-cu in.) engine is 50 percent larger than the CH570 9.0L (549-cu in.) engine, and the Tier 3 option uses no more than 70 percent of the maximum power capacity available for other applications. The harvester uses John Deere 850 Crawler Dozer tracks that are two levels above the single-row tracks and won’t need to be refurbished during the season. The elevator is 30 percent larger, and it uses harden steel floors, strips, and sprockets plus heavy-duty slats and bearings. Higher torque capacity gears and bearings are used on the final drive, which provide 60 percent longer life.

CH9 Series equipped with RowAdapt in base

With the John Deere exclusive RowAdapt system, the CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester adjusts automatically to different row profiles, row cultures, and changing terrain.

Feature benefits:

• Independent basecutter control system adjusts the cutting height for each row individually to compensate for terrain variations.
• Contour basecutter height control system ensures the cane is cut at the desired height, resulting in higher sugar yield, cleaner cane, and healthier stubble for improved future crops.
• Floating crop divider technology allows the crop dividers to follow the ground profile independently without plowing to reduce soil content, cane losses, and soil disturbance while efficiently lifting downed cane.

Basecutters adapt to row height variations

Functionality:

Once the contour basecutter height control and floating crop divider have been enabled, the RowAdapt system is ready to go to work.

The basecutters are independent and will accommodate height differences of up to 200 mm (7.9 in.) between the two rows being cut on uneven terrain.

The crop divider floating control system is calibrated so that the appropriate pressure is exerted on the interrow to allow the base of the crop dividers to barely contact the ground. At the same time, it keeps the toe under lodged crop so that the scrolls lift up and feed the cane effectively into the harvester throat.

The contour basecutter height control system uses the crop dividers’ position and disk cutting pressure inputs to operate. The system automatically adjusts to the target cutting height selected by the operator.