Case IH unveils Optum for CTF practices
Case IH has unveiled a new 3-metre centre set-up for the the Optum tractor range, designed to meet the needs of growers operating under Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) practices.
Spanning 6.1-12.5m working widths, seven G500V models each feature knife movement over a 575mm fore/aft range to ensure consistent crop flow in all crop types and conditions.
Wider models feature new hydraulically operated gauge wheels that can be switched from the cab between transport and field mode, making it unnecessary to manually raise the wheels before loading the header onto its transport trailer.
In addition, attachment and removal times are reduced with all connections grouped on the left-hand of the harvester, alongside a single PTO connection.
The VariCut headers feature an in-line knife drive, with fully-linear output shaft motion, for smooth operation with minimal vibration. The belt drive has been replaced by gearboxes and a telescopic PTO, reducing overall driveline maintenance requirements and easing the operator workload to maximise comfort.
The 10.5m and 12.5m models feature 100% synchronised dual knife drive, with the right-hand knife driven via the intake auger, which is said to minimise vibration. A knife speed increase from 660rpm to 735rpm enables higher forward speeds without compromising cutting performance.
The auger stripper setting is now altered from the rear of the header, encouraging operators to regularly check for correct adjustment, and to ensure even and consistent crop flow. The new auger height adjustment assembly provides two pre-set positions: High, primarily for rapeseed/ canola, and Low for small grains. Change is achieved by simply loosening four bolts and rotating the over-centre cam system.
