Combines axial flow Gleaner coming in septemberIJ

My dealer says the class 8 axial-flow combine is 2-3 years away yet. According to him they are quitting the R-42. Doesn't make much sense to me but he heard they will keep R-52 with few changes and will introduce R-65 and R-75 with new cabs and changes in sheet metal...not sure why they wouldn't make R-55. He is the only one I've heard make these claims, most of which contradict predictions of many others so he might have bad info. In my opinion the most important thing they could do is incorporate much of the Hyper "stuff" into these machines. For years they had the highest capcity and one of the top performing combines on the market. Not so anymore, there are many good machines out there now. Time to jump ahead again!

I talked to the main guy for challenger line at a state fair and said that they where comin out with the a new massy_cat combine. I belive they both are goin to have cat engins. He also said that they redid the hyrdo handle to a joystick. He said that AGCO was pretty much threw with cummins because of the close partnership between cat and agco now. The new challenger wheel tractors wont have cat's in em for 2-3 years because the cat engin is wider so they have to redsign the frame and front axle and all. He also said that CAT dealers are goin to sell both combines, the challenger and the lexion. THe lexion is goin to be the advande machin kinda like fendt, and massy is goin to be the cheaper, simpler made without all the bells. He also said that CAT is goin to start putting CVT trannys to start replacing hydros. SO Agco is goin to trade trannys for engins. This came straigh frome the horses mouth. THe combine will come out at the farm show. He said the class 6s would be avalible this fall, and the 7s to be ready in spring, and evenualy 8 a year or 2. I don't know what they are doin to gleaners, but i bet they will make some cool changes.

What's a CVT transmissionIJ

CVT = Continuously Variable Transmission - in other words, a Fendt Tranny. I'd think it would be a real improvement over the typical hydro tranny. More efficient but more expensive too.

I vote for a joy stick w_ aviation style trim tab buttom for header height and lateral tilt operated by the thumb. Unloading auger w_ push on push off for the index finger (the pickle button). Reel lift should be a momentary on rocker below the unloading auger switch. Then the full left_right hand turret unloader is activated by a thumb or pinkie push on push off button. Swing is controled by joy stick twist (momentary actuation) or perhaps a foot pedal like used for trolling motor control.

I OBJECT!! We have taken polls here on G_T before and the great majority want to keep the existing style hydro handle. Your hand rests COMFORTABlY and NATURAllY on the handle and it's nearly impossible to push a button that you didn't want pushed. When you sit in your lazy Boy recliner watching TV, do you sit with your hand resting palm down or with your thumb on topIJ I thought so!

I forgot to metion that this combine was soposly started from scratch 3-4 years ago. I thought it took atleast 8 and usaly 10 to redo adn make a new combine. But this one only has 8-9 belts and chains.

Having those functions immediaetly avaliable is a operational enahncement. The current handle is good but the reel lift rocker is just plain awkward to activate. Why take your hand off the hydro handle to click the auger swing when the wantabe Indy driver swings in with the bankout. We have horns on the steering wheel for immediate access in autos not somewhere on the dash. OK so I'm a little over done but I remeber trying to reach a chaff dump switch and master radiate switch up on a dash while inverted at 8 g's with some soviet flyware coming at us. Well you can't get your hand out of your lap. Very bad thoughts about the guy that put it there. The combo handles are great. Please try one.

There's no doubt a reason why you were a fighter pilot - you have the ability for some very quick thinking! And I mean that as a compliment. I don't consider myself a moron, but I don't want ANY chance of accidently swinging the unloader out if I didn't intend it to be swung out. Two years ago, we had to replace our tube and swivel due to leaving it out while opening a field up and hitting an oak tree. Wouldn't have happened except the combine operator allowed a rider and got distracted - failed to fold it back. Would you still have wished for that chaff dump switch on your control stick if had meant the destruction somehow of your plane if activated at the wrong timeIJ Maybe so, but you probably had extensive training on how to handle emergency situations - something we don't receive from our Gleaner dealers when they deliver the combine.

What can I say I just love those buttons. What about a more accurate readout for seperator wind adjustmentIJ As wind is increased cfm increases and also presureIJ Is the presure change readableIJ Although water manometer would be unfeasable a realtime readout of "wind" might be helpful. 60n wheat needs x presure. Canola needs x. Something more defined than the scale of units 1-7. I want Gleaner to continue to be the best most advanced product