Case IH unveils axial-flow series combine

Just three months after kicking off the “Year of the Combine” with the introduction of the Class 10+ AF11, Case IH is announcing the new Axial-Flow 260 series combine, which includes subscription-free technology and a single-rotor, self-leveling design. The combine will be available in Class 7, 8, and 9 configurations.

Included in the base package of the Axial-Flow 260 series is a host of precision technology tools, including Harvest Command, Pro1200 dual displays, AccuGuide, and AccuSync. These subscription-free tools remain with the combine for the life of the hardware, potentially increasing resale value. 

“There is a core set of tech that comes with the base package of the unit, and then if you want a little bit more, you have the option to upgrade into a more advanced package down the road,” says Kendal Quandahl, Case IH precision segment lead for North America.

“Every customer has the same goal, to raise as much as possible with the fewest amount of inputs, but everyone approaches that differently,” she adds. “This leaves that option open in the aftermarket and you can work with your dealership to upgrade the machine to fit your unique needs.”

Available technology

Developed from customer feedback, the Dual 1200 display system provides a thorough snapshot of harvest progress. 

“I hear producers say ‘Within three to four minutes, I can be navigating and understand right where everything’s at,’ ” says Leo Bose, harvesting segment lead at Case IH.

Harvest Command combine automation optimizes settings to maximize throughput and grain quality with access to machine metrics, field performance, and grain quality in real-time. RowGuide Pro combines GPS and advanced sensors to maintain on-row accuracy, even if stalks are not present. 

“If you have a skip in a row or go across a waterway, there’s not a typical row there,” Bose says. “With RowGuide Pro, it automatically sets an A-B line to make sure it stays on path until it gets to a point where it senses crops again. Now you can keep up your speed and not have to stop and count rows or back up.”

To help minimize soil compaction, the combine offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system as an option. The larger footprint increases flotation by 14% compared with fixed-track offerings, according to Case IH. 

“ActiveTrac continually monitors weight and compensates for differences between a full and empty combine,” Bose says. “This means you’re always as level as possible.”

Luxury seating including massage, heating, and new air conditioning technology, along with simple seat controls, improves operator comfort during long harvest days.

“The Axial-Flow 260 series combine represents a significant leap forward in integrated technology throughout the harvesting process for growers,” Bose says. “We purposefully bundled precision technologies so there are no subscriptions or activations required to run the machine. The subscription-free connectivity gives customers the ability to remotely view machine and agronomic data via the new Case IH FieldOps platform, which will launch later in 2024.”

Axial-Flow 260 series combines will be available for ordering in June 2024 and delivery in early 2025. Pricing will be available from dealers in the next few weeks. Visit caseih.com or your local dealer for more information.