Basildon, June 2024
The new flagship New Holland CR11 combine previewed at Agritechnica 2023 has been
joined by a CR10 companion model at the official harvest 2024 launch of the new Next
Generation design, with both harvesters – built at New Holland’s combine Centre of
Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium – featuring innovative new technology designed to help
the largest farming enterprises maximize output, minimize losses and reduce total cost
of harvesting.
The primary difference between the two models is in power and grain tank size, to ensure
the new combines match the needs of a broad range of large farm enterprises. The CR11
features a 20,000-litre grain tank and a 15.9-litre FPT Cursor 16 engine producing
775hp. The CR10 engine is a 12.9-litre FPT Cursor 13 generating 635hp, while its grain
tank holds 16,000 litres. Beyond additional power and grain capacity, the key features
that take these combines into a new league in terms of output, sample quality and loss
minimization include longer twin rotors and the new Twin-Clean cleaning system.
More capacity from front to rear
From the front, these new flagship CR combines are designed to handle greater volumes
of crop. Cutterbar widths of 10.6-15.0m (35-50ft) are available in fixed, flexible knife,
movable knife and draper formats. Corn/maize heads of 12-16 rows are also available,
and unloading auger lengths can be specified to match all header widths. There are three
driveline options to meet all header requirements – standard with fixed drive, standard
with variable drive, and a variable heavy-duty system. On the variable driveline, a CVT
drive unit on the engine gearbox allows header/feeder speed to be varied depending on
crop and field conditions. Feeder/header reversing is achieved via with a hydraulic motor
on the fixed speed driveline, and with the CVT drive on the variable speed driveline.
The elevator is equipped as standard with front face adjustment and lateral tilt remote
controlled from the cab. From here the crop is fed to New Holland’s proven Dynamic
Feed Roll system, which can now be reversed – simultaneously with the elevator and
the rotors – in the event of a blockage. The DFR accelerates the crop and splits it into
two even streams to feed the two longitudinal threshing and separating rotors thatfollow. A large stone trap in front of the DFR can be emptied either manually or, optionally, remotely via hydraulic activation from the cab.
New Holland was the first to launch a combine featuring two longitudinal rotors at its
heart, pioneering its Twin Rotor threshing and separation technology almost 50 years
ago, in 1975. Over time, its design has evolved to ensure it meets similarly evolving
demands for throughput, grain protection, grain retention and straw quality. In the new
CR10 and CR11, the two 600mm (24in) rotors are of increased diameter and length,
providing greater capacity for the crop to circulate and the grain be be threshed and
separated. Each rotor features 40 standard rasp bars, eight HX raspbars and 12 spiked
raspbars. The HX units combine the height of spiked raspbars with the profile of the
standard units, with a greater sidewall angle helping accelerate crop flow in the transition
zone of the stepped rotor cage, between the threshing zone and the separation zone.
Vane angle can be remotely controlled from the cab, and the new vane design aids crop
ejection should the rotors need to be reversed. New rotor cages feature a stepped design
with a broader cage and higher vanes in the separation area, to allow greater crop mat
movement, improved separation and enhanced power efficiency. The concave area
comprises two sets of three lightweight threshing concaves and separation grates, and
two sets of six lightweight grates.
All-new TwinClean cleaning shoe
The new TwinClean cleaning shoe incorporates multiple features to boost throughput
and minimize grain loss. It consists of two sieve systems in sequence, each having its
own upper and lower sieve and clean grain auger, and is based around a large grainpan
with an increased fallstep to the first upper sieve. Airflow is provided by a high-power
cleaning shoe fan. Two automatic cross distribution mechanisms, one on the grainpan
and one on the upper sieves, guarantee an even cleaning shoe load in all conditions.
Two sets of pressure sensors, one on the grainpan and one on the upper sieves,
continuously measure the cleaning shoe load and detect any anomalies in material
distribution between left and right. A side-shake mechanism adds a lateral component
to the grainpan and sieve movement which evens out the material over the cleaning
shoe’s full width. As such, the cleaning shoe can compensate for uneven feeding and
side slopes up to 28%. Overall size of the complete sieve area is 8.76 m².
Grain tanks that maximise autonomy
The CR11 grain tank holds 20,000 litres, with an unloading rate of 210 l/sec, while the
CR10 tank holds 16,000 litres and has a 159 l/sec unloading rate. Cross-auger shut-off
allows the unloading auger to be fully emptied even when the grain tank still holds grain.
On the CR11, an option allows unloading speed to be reduced by 50% by disengaging
the front cross auger, aiding topping-off of trailers. All unloading augers feature a
pivoting spout, to aid even filling and allow tractors to keep on track.
Residue management to match big cutting widths, high straw volumes
CR10 and CR11 combines can be equipped with either a standard integrated chopper or
a high hood-mounted fine-chop unit. While the first of these is intended for dry
conditions, the high hood-mounted unit is targeted at users needing to process high
straw volumes to a fine chop and distribute material across a wide cutting width.
The standard integrated chopper features 60 fixed blades which work in conjunction with
52 counter knives working at 3,000rpm for chopping, or at 800rpm for straw swath
laying. Manual adjustment of the counter knives is standard, and remote hydraulic
adjustment optional. A driven roller assists straw ejection when swathing, or into the
spreader impellers when chopping. The two hydraulically-driven 800mm impellers, each
equipped with three paddles, spread chopped material at widths up to 15m (50ft). An
oscillating deflector behind the spreaders creates a dynamic pulsating effect on the
residue spreading to ensure even distribution over the full cutting width.
The high hood chopper option leads with a 500mm beater with two rows of spikes and
two rows of blades, plus a non-perforated beater pan. This is followed by a six-row
chopper with 88 flail knives and 67 counter knives. The chopper can operate at low
(900rpm) or high (3,600rpm) speed, with a neutral position for free movement when
servicing is required. Remote chopper speed selection is optional. The pair of
hydraulically-driven 970mm-diameter impellers on this unit each feature five paddles,
capable of distributing material at up to 18m (61ft). As on the standard unit, an
oscillating deflector is again fitted behind the spreaders on the high hood chopper, to
dynamically pulse the residue across the full cutting width. The IntelliSpread option uses
radars to continuously assess the full width of the residue spread and automatically
adjust left and right spreader speed to guarantee full width spreading. Further options
include remote selection of chopper door position, chopper gears and counterknives.
Also optional is a chopper load indicator, which provides information on chopper power
consumption, allowing chopper power efficiency to be assessed in relation to chop length
so the operator can select the optimal balance between power consumption, chopping
quality and throughput capacity.
Technology plus comfort for an easier harvest
The CR10/CR11 cab, which sits beneath new roof styling and has a 25-litre handwash
tank with integrated soap dispenser located by its access steps, features multiple
upgrades. Operation is made easier through incorporation of twin Intelliview 12
touchscreen terminals. With the primary monitor on the right-hand console providing
management and monitoring of the combine’s key controls, the secondary monitor on
the A-pillar is configured for mapping and guidance. Both combines are equipped with
three cameras, providing views to the rear, of the grain tank and of the unloading auger
spout, while a 360° bird’s eye view camera is optional, as is a trailer hitch camera. Either
monitor can be configured to display external camera views. The operator can now also
fully control more functions remotely from the cab, including the speed of the rotors,
chopper and unloading auger, reversing of the DFR and rotors, and full
engagement/disengagement of the straw chopper.
Elsewhere in the revised cab, changes include new-style brake pedals and foot pegs, a
luxury steering wheel and premium cloth or leather seats, plus new multizone climate
control with floor level air ducts. A new Bluetooth radio allows operation of the radio and
a mobile phone via the radio control panel in the roof liner, or one of the IntelliView 12
touchscreens. Externally, new mirrors provide a wider view angle, with the right-hand
unit optionally electrically foldable, while windscreen access steps aid glass cleaning.
A comprehensive lighting package includes four LED beacons (two at the front and two
strips at the rear), 13 cab-mounted LED worklights, two stubble LED lights, one
unloading auger LED light, one graintank LED light, eight rear LED worklights, two LED
sidelights, three undershield LED strips, two engine service LED strips and an LED sieve
strip. Optional ‘far distance’ lights of 36,000 lumens with 500m reach can be integrated
under each of the cab roof wings. There is also an additional portable worklight.
Precision to match performance
New CR10 and CR11 combines are equipped with precision farming technology packages
designed to match the needs of the largest farms. A Core PLM Intelligence package
covers the most commonly-specified requirements, such as IntelliSense, where
automatic adjustments occur according to the harvest strategy chosen by the
operator, whether limited loss, best grain quality, maximum capacity, or fixed
throughput. The second option is an Advanced PLM Intelligence bundle, aimed at
those with the most advanced demands.
Correction signal packages for IntelliSteer automated steering and other functions such
as yield and moisture mapping are available from the factory in two accuracy levels with
three delivery options.
Via the optional IntelliField software, at no cost owners and operators are instantly
provided with in-field data and can share boundaries, guidance lines and coverage data
where multiple machines are operating in the same field.
A drivetrain to match the most demanding conditions
The CR10 and CR11 feature a two-speed hydrostatic transmission and TerraLock semiautomatic
diff lock which is engaged manually and disengaged automatically depending
on steering angle and forward speed. Models specified with SmartTrax are available with
three track belt width options of 660mm/26in, 810mm/32in and 910mm/36in, with
rubber or hydraulic cushioning. Respective overall machine widths are 3.49m, 3.79m
and 3.99m. For certain markets a wide beam configuration is available in combination
with 910mm/36in tracks, with an overall machine width of 4.8m
Where a wheeled machine is preferred, New Holland and Michelin have co-developed
900mm-wide tyres of 2.32m diameter (VF 900/65 R46), to minimise compaction and
maximise traction. Alternatives tyre options are VF 800/70 R46 (2.32m diameter) and
VF900/60 R38 (2.05m diameter). Rear tyres on both wheeled and tracked combines are
available in widths from 500 to 750mm. Other options include 710/70 R42 or 800/70
R38 duals, and LSW tyres up to 1400mm wide.
The engine in the new CR10 is a turbocharged six-cylinder 12.9-litre FPT Cursor 13 fed
by a 1,300-litre fuel tank, while the powerplant in the CR11 is the 15.9-litre FPT Cursor
16, also a six-cylinder turbocharged unit, with a 1,500-litre fuel capacity. Respective
maximum power outputs are 635hp and 775hp. A new design layout sees the engines
installed longitudinally in the same direction and at the same angle as the rotors, for
maximum efficiency, with cooling air being drawn from behind the grain tank. The CR10
features two cooling fans, with three on the CR11. All exhaust manifold/turbo/after
treatment installation is full isolated to reduce surface temperature of hot components.
Harvesting engine speed is 1,900rpm, resulting in subdued noise and minimized fuel
consumption. In road mode, engine speed is 1,300rpm, for maximum travel speed with
minimum fuel consumption and noise.
All drives are taken via a transmission connected directly to the rear of the engine,
minimising power loss. The engine oil filter is sited on the engine’s right, for easy
accessibility, while the air filter is located conveniently at the left side of the combine
frame, and can be removed from the ground without climbing to the engine deck.
An optional engine air compressor comprises an engine-mounted single cylinder
compressor and reservoir with 10m coiled hose and air gun stored next to the tool box.
This supplies five outlets, located at the cab door entry, below the operator platform,
next to the battery box, in the engine area and at the rear ladder. Engine accessories
include brushes installed on each rotary dust screen, providing continuous cleaning in
heavy dusts produced by crops such as maize/corn and sunflowers.
On the all-new hydraulic system on CR10 and CR11 combines, hydraulic hose routing
has been redesigned in dedicated routing highways to improve access and simplicity. All
harvest hydraulic drives are disengaged mechanically via a clutch in the main engine
gearbox at start-up or during road travel, reducing drag and saving up to 20hp/15kW of
power. The use of load-sensing pumps further reduces hydraulic power demands and
improves efficiency. Oil filtration has also been enhanced throughout the hydraulic
system for increased reliability and reduced maintenance.