CASE IH has extensively revised its AF X-Clusive 2388 combine for the 2006 harvest to give it more power, improved threshing and cleaning ability, and a wide choice of headers to suit every need. The reputation of this North American-built combine was already second to none, but with these improvements it is now truly a machine for the harvesting professional.

The combine is powered by a revised version of the previous 8.3-litre, six-cylinder Case IH engine that is now Tier III compliant and produces 300hp (ISO 14396) at the rated speed of 2,200rpm. Engine power rises progressively to 320hp at 2000rpm providing the operator with more power as load increases and resulting in improved combine performance. Turbocharged and featuring an after-cooler, the engine retains a power boost facility that provides an extra 11hp when unloading grain on the move.

With a three-speed hydrostatic transmission that offers infinite control of ground speed, the operator is always able to select the perfect speed for crop and field conditions. In combination with the AF X-Clusive’s 680-litre diesel tank, the new engine is capable of spending a full day in the field without refuelling.

At the heart of the AF X-Clusive’s threshing system is an Axial-Flow® rotor, which is the result of more than 25 years of innovation in rotary combines by Case IH. The latest AFX rotor provides advanced threshing and separation that is proven to deliver top-quality grain in a cost-effective way.

A strong feature of the new rotor is the impeller at the front of the rotor that progressively accelerates the crop to threshing speed. This creates a vacuum that pulls both the crop and the dust into the rotor cage, giving the operator excellent visibility in front of the header.

To optimise productivity in any crop, the speed of the rotor is infinitely variable and can be controlled at the touch of a button. The AF X-Clusive’s lightweight concaves and separation grates can also be easily accessed and interchanged to optimise the 2388 for grain, maize, beans or other combinable crops.

At the front of the combine, there is a wider choice of headers than ever before with the option of the 2030, 2040 and 2050 Series grain headers or the 2100 Series corn headers.

The 2030 Series header is already well established. It has the cutterbar positioned close to the crop auger and is available in 17ft, 20ft and 24ft cutting widths. The 2040 has been designed to better cope with high-volume, long-straw crops, and has the cutterbar fixed 15cm further forward than the 2030 Series. It is available in both 20ft and 24ft cutting widths.

The 2050 Series header is brand new to the AF X-Clusive and features an adjustable cutterbar that can be set to the ideal position for the crop being harvested. For short-straw crops the knife, which like the 2030 and 2040 Series is belt driven, is positioned as close as possible to the auger. For long-straw crops, like oilseed rape, the cutterbar can be moved up to 50cm further forward.

The position of the 2050 Series header’s cutterbar, which is available in 20ft and 24ft widths, is controlled electro-hydraulically from the cab and the bottom of the header remains closed over the entire stroke of the knife, with no filler plates required at any stage of its movement.

The 2100 Series corn headers are available in five, six and eight-row versions, with the larger models folding hydraulically for transport. The header features adjustable cob stripper plates to ensure optimum results as the rollers draw the stalks downwards. The stalk choppers below can be individually disengaged if required. The entire header is constructed using tough but lightweight materials to ensure optimum efficiency and extended service life.

All AF X-Clusive grain headers of 20ft or wider feature Case IH’s Field Tracker header control system as standard. Electro-mechanically controlled via sensors and skids under the header, this system is designed to keep the header parallel to the ground so that it automatically hugs the contours of the land.

The benefit of more than 25 years of development has resulted in a combine that provides proven harvesting technology within an advanced, powerful package. The latest computerised control systems allow you to start work in any crop with the minimum of preparation safe in the knowledge that you are working productively and cost-effectively.

As part of the Case IH harvest offering, the 2388 combine delivers great value through its low cost of ownership and top quality grain production. Due its uncomplicated design, the combine is capable of working for years without interruption.