John Deere CH960 Sugar Cane Harvester
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CH960  Sugar Cane Harvester Model Photo

 

Features

Harvest Monitor™ with SmartClean™ system enables cost saving decisions on harvesting and farming practices

On-screen monitoring, logging, and performance mapping
Exclusive John Deere technology Exclusive John Deere technology
Data-driven decisions Data-driven decisions

Harvest Monitor is an industry-exclusive technology from John Deere. Harvest Monitor gathers and analyzes valuable harvest information, enabling sugarcane producers to make smarter decisions that drive down harvesting costs and improve overall farming practices.

 

From the cab, the operator can monitor total tons harvested, harvester productivity, trash percentage, and fuel consumption. The operator can then use this information to make on-the-fly adjustments to optimize performance.

 

SmartClean system is the latest enhancement of Harvest Monitor that allows automatic control of primary extractor fan speed based on the operator’s preferences in order to obtain the most profitable balance between cane cleanliness and reduced loss.

 

Through the John Deere Operations Center, the data can be processed to generate yield and other valuable maps and reports that will guide producers into making the right decisions on soil and water management, chemical application, crop renewal, field layout, equipment logistics, and much more.

Harvest Monitor features
Harvest Monitor installed on a CH960 Harvest Monitor installed on a CH960

Harvest Monitor is much more than just a yield monitor. It includes:    

  • Optical yield monitor
  • Elevator optical extraneous matter (trash) monitor
  • Primary extractor cane loss monitor
  • Primary extractor residue (trash) discharge monitor
  • Fuel per ton monitor
  • Pour-rate monitor
  • Elevation monitor
  • Transport load counter

Harvest Monitor was designed to operate efficiently in all weather conditions. It is a low maintenance system with no additional wear items thanks to its optical technology that does not require direct contact with the cane.

Optical yield and trash monitor technology
Harvest Monitor Harvest Monitor

High-resolution, stereoscopic optical sensors and pattern recognition technology are used to scan the flow of cane as it passes through the elevator, identifying cane volume and differentiating it from trash. Four light-emitting diode (LED) lights illuminate the sampling area to ensure uninterrupted visual clarity.

Flow of cane being scanned Flow of cane being scanned
Image recognition Image recognition

The system converts the volumes to mass in order to obtain tons of cane and extraneous matter level.

SmartClean system, an intelligent way of cleaning cane
SmartClean illustration SmartClean illustration

With the use of sensors, the SmartClean system detects cane being lost through the primary extractor and displays it on the CommandCenter screen as an index. The level of residue or cane leaves being removed is also detected and displayed as an index.

 

Aiming at the best economic outcome for the operation, the operator selects the target level of the following parameters and lets the system continuously and automatically find the appropriate primary extractor fan speed:

  • Elevator extraneous matter (trash)
  • Primary extractor cane loss
  • Primary extractor residue discharge
SmartClean system setting page SmartClean system setting page

SmartClean enables operational consistency throughout the day regardless of weather conditions and individual operator practices. Understanding the residue level is important for biomass power generation projects to determine residue collection logistics and viability.

Georeferenced data
StarFire™ Receiver StarFire™ Receiver
Sugar cane field yield map Sugar cane field yield map

Data points are georeferenced to precise field locations using global positioning system (GPS) technology. With appropriate software, a variety of informative maps can be generated. The system operation requires a GPS receiver.

Data-driven smart decisions on the go
CH960 operating in the field CH960 operating in the field

With SmartClean activated and based on live information, the operator can make other quick adjustments to the harvester, like ground speed and FieldCruise™ settings, to maintain the most profitable harvesting rate while delivering the preferred level of cane quality and reduced loss.

On-screen monitoring
Home page showing Harvest Monitor information (LH) and video (RH) Home page showing Harvest Monitor information (LH) and video (RH)

While harvesting, the display will show:

  • Harvester pour rate (ton/h)
  • Extraneous matter (trash percentage)
  • Primary extractor cane loss (index)
  • Primary extractor residue discharge (index)
  • Fuel consumption (L/ton or gal./ton)
  • Yield (ton/ha or ton/acre)
  • Transport load count
  • Live elevator cane flow video

The CommandCenter display layout is configurable so the operator can have Harvest Monitor and SmartClean system displayed together on the same screen. Average, best, and current values of extraneous matter, fuel consumption, and pour rate are displayed instantaneously or as historical figures. Also available on the display is a summary report of all data.

 

A yield map can also be seen on the display, as well as live video of cane as it flows through the elevator.

Transport load counter

To keep records of the number of wagons completed, the operator will click the “Save Load” soft key every time a unit is loaded. The screen will show the total loads from a field, shift, whole season, or another preselected period of time. The sugar mill destination can also be recorded for each load.

Primary extractor fan blades Primary extractor fan blades
Chopper blades Chopper blades

The information may also help to determine if the chopper and extractor fan blades need to be replaced, or if other related service is required in order to maintain optimum operating performance.

In-field equipment transloading into highway trucks In-field equipment transloading into highway trucks
Multiple harvesters Multiple harvesters

The live yield data simplifies daily logistics decisions, including the number of transport units required and the correct timing to efficiently complete the assigned cane quota. In addition, field harvesting progress and remaining unharvested area can be seen on the screen for a great visual of the operation that can facilitate the transition to the next field.

Elevation monitor
Surveying the field while harvesting Surveying the field while harvesting
Field elevation map Field elevation map

Georeferenced samples that include elevation readings are taken every second.  As the harvester travels down each row, numerous elevation readings representing the topography of the area harvested are recorded.

 

Example of a typical field:

  • Row spacing: 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
  • Operating speed: 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph)
  • Readings per hectare: 4,444
  • Represented area: 1.5 m by 1.5 m (4.9 ft by 4.9 ft)
Field elevation map Field elevation map

The maps and reports will help to determine the best solutions for:

  • Chemical application                                               
  • Water management
  • Cultivating practices
  • Gap planting
  • Crop renewal                                               
  • Variety selection and performance                                                      
  • Seed rate
  • Land leveling
  • Field layout                                               
  • Equipment operation management
  • Logistics

Information can also be used to evaluate results of previously implemented solutions to make adjustments if needed.

 

*Google Earth is a trademark of Google LLC.

Mapping and data management
Decisions on agronomical practices and logistics Decisions on agronomical practices and logistics

The Harvest Monitor data can be processed through John Deere’s Operations Center to generate maps and reports that will help optimize operations.

 

Different types of maps can be created for a clear visualization of current farm conditions:

  • Yield variability
  • Harvester productivity
  • Fuel consumption
  • Extraneous matter
  • Field elevation
Examples of generated maps
Crop yield map Crop yield map
Yield contour map Yield contour map
Extraneous matter (trash) map Extraneous matter (trash) map
Harvester speed map Harvester speed map
Calibration
CH570 working with weigh wagon CH570 working with weigh wagon

During harvesting, Harvest Monitor can be calibrated manually by entering weight information for the load supplied by the mill or from a weight wagon on operations that use it.

 

The maps can also be calibrated using field report data supplied from the sugar mill.

Double productivity without increasing speed

CH9 Series Two-Row 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.

Improved yield with controlled traffic

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

Reduce cane loss with the redesigned cleaning system

CH9 Series cleaning system in action 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 Primary extractor with wide cane entry
122-cm (48-in.) secondary extractor 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.

Reduce downtime during the season with larger, more robust components

CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester 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 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.

Efficiently harvest two rows of cane independently using the RowAdapt™ system

CH9 Series equipped with RowAdapt in base 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 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.  

Key Specs

Engine Make John Deere
Standard power @ 2100 rpm 360 kW
485 hp
490 CV
Cooling system type Automatically controlled, hydraulically driven reversing cooling fan
Fuel capacity 1135 L
300 gal.
Standard chain and shoes Sealed chain
Shoes: 560 mm
22 in.
Maximum whole topper reach 4.2 m
13.75 ft
Crop dividers: Float control Automatic float control
Basecutter: Standard disc diameter 58.4 cm
23 in.
Chopper: Standard blade configuration Ten blade (five per drum), differential
Fan diameter 1.5 m
5 ft

Engine

Make John Deere
Model 6136NW301
Family
Emission certification Tier 3/Stage III A
Standard power @ 2100 rpm
Standard power @ 2000 rpm
Standard power @ 1900 rpm 360 kW
485 hp
490 CV
Standard power @ 1700 rpm 400 kW
540 hp
544 CV
Optional engine model 6136NW401
Optional engine emission certification Final Tier 4/Stage IV
Optional power @ 2100 rpm 420 kW
567 hp
572 CV
Optional power @ 2000 rpm 440 kW
595 hp
600 CV
Cylinders Inline six, wet sleeves
Displacement 13.6 L
830 cu in.
Injection pump Electronically controlled
Aspiration Turbocharger with air-to-air aftercooling
Engine speeds Low idle
800 rpm
Full throttle
1900 rpm
Alternator 200 amp
12 V

Cooling system

Type Automatically controlled, hydraulically driven reversing cooling fan

Transmission

Type Two hydrostatic pumps providing variable speed
Track machine travel speed 0 to 9.0 km/h
0 to 5.6 mph

Brakes

Parking Multiple wet disk, spring applied hydraulic released

Capacities

Fuel 1135 L
300 gal.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (Tier 4 Engine only) 78.2 L
20.7 gal.
Hydraulic oil 309 L
81.6 gal.

Tracks

Sprocket Five-segment, bolt-on sprocket
Track guides Welded guides with bolted wear plates
Rollers Eight bottom rollers and two carrier rollers
Standard straight track shoe width
Standard track chain
Track tread width Standard: 3.6 m
11.8 ft
Standard chain and shoes Chain and shoes, option 1
Sealed and chain with 560-mm (22-in.) bent shoes for 3-m (9.83-ft) tread option only
Sealed and lubricated chain with 5604-mm (22-in.) bent shoes
Optional bent track shoe widths
Optional track chain

Cab and controls

Air conditioning Pressurized cab with air conditioning and heating
Front-tipping cab
Seat Air suspension with swivel
Radio Standard premium with Bluetooth® wireless
Emergency shut-off switch
Pressurized cab
GPS guidance AutoTrac ready standard
Connectivity JDLink™ ready
Speedometer
Data management

Lights

Standard
Optional
Cab Four halogen head lights and four working light-emitting diode (LED) lights
Auxillary for loading Four LED lights
Service Two LED lights on topper boom and two halogen lights on engine/cooling package compartment

Topper

Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Shock absorption Nitrogen accumulator
Maximum whole topper reach 4.2 m
13.75 ft
Severing disc Eight bolt-on blades
Whole topper
Shredder topper
Extended width whole topper

Crop dividers

Type
Crop divider assemblies Two side assemblies and one center assembly
Center crop divider assembly scrolls Includes two inside scrolls
Side crop divider assemblies scrolls Includes one inside and one outside scroll each
Scrolls
Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Inside scrolls approach angle 46 degree (angle)
Factory hard surfacing Skirts, slip-on shoes, toes
Float control Automatic float control
Tilt control Hydraulic

Crop divider knives

Side knives Two
Center knife One
Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Height control Hydraulic
Blades Three bolt-on blades per disk

Knockdown rollers

Knockdown roller assemblies Two assemblies consisting of one front and one lower roller each
Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Manual height adjustment
Hydraulic height adjustment Synchronized front and lower roller travel

Basecutter

Basecutters Center to center distance
180 cm
70.9 in.
Two independent
Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Height control Automatic contour basecutter height control
Discs per box Two
Legs Vertical with bolt-on wear plates
Gearbox housing Cast
Standard drive
Optional drive
Standard disc diameter 58.4 cm
23 in.
Optional disc diameter
Discs center distance 63 cm
24.8 in.
Number of blades per disc Five

Buttlifter

Buttlifters Two
Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Type Four-bar open

Feedrollers

Drive Hydraulic, reversible drive
Number of rollers
Feed train assemblies Two front split feed trains and one rear common feed train
Feedroller train Each feed train has upper floating rollers and lower feedrollers
Front split feed trains number of rollers Each feed train has four upper rollers and four lower rollers including the buttlifter
Rear feed train number of rollers Three upper rollers and four lower rollers including the transition roller
Bearing location External

Chopper

Drive Hydraulic, reversible
Drum center distance 38.1 cm
15 in.
Bearing location External
Blade width 9.5 cm
3.74 in.
Blade configuration Standard
10 blade (five per drum), overlap
Option 1
Eight blade (four per drum), overlap
Sill roller Standard

Primary extractor

Fan drive Hydrostatic, variable speed
Fan diameter 1.5 m
5 ft
Fan number of blades Four
Maximum fan speed 930 rpm
Hood rotation Hydraulically controlled
Wear ring Highly abrasive-resistant steel

Elevator

Chain adjustment Grease cylinder
Sprocket drive Hydraulic motor driven, reversible
Width 112 cm
44.1 in.
Elevator swing Hydraulically controlled, trunnion cylinders
Total swing angle 170 degree (angle)
Shock absorption Nitrogen accumulator
Slat height
Optional elevator extensions

Secondary extractor

Fan drive Hydraulic
Fan number of blades Three
Fan diameter 1.22 m
4 ft
Hood rotation, degrees
Bin flap position Hydraulically controlled

Weight

Machine weight 35,545 kg
78,363.2 lb
Weight may vary with options

Additional information

Date collected 17 January 2020

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