For 2018, Claas Lexion 700 series hybrid (rotary/straw-walker) and 600 series straw-walker combines will be available with a new 12in touch-screen version of the CEBIS MOBILE terminal. It can be used to control the CEMOS AUTOMATIC, CEMOS DAILOG and CRUISE PILOT automatic combine operating functions.
Available as an option on all Lexion 700 and 600 models, CEMOS AUTOMATIC is claimed to “boost daily throughput and grain quality”. Claas says that it is now specified on over 25% of all Lexion 700s sold.
On both the Lexion 700 and 600 models, when engaged, CEMOS AUTO CLEANING works in conjunction with a grain quality camera. According to Claas, it continuously and automatically adjusts the fan speed and the upper and lower sieves far more often than would be possible by the operator.
This, says the company, ensures that “optimum grain quality is maintained at all times”. Depending on the crop and the operator’s requirements, there is the option of selecting four operating strategies: Maximum Throughput; Optimum Fuel Consumption; High Grain Quality; or a balance of these three.
Image source: Shane Casey
Lexion 700 hybrid models can also be fitted with CEMOS AUTO SEPARATION, which automatically adjusts the speed of the rotors and the rotor cover plates – again depending on the operating strategy selected. Again, CEMOS AUTO SEPARATION reacts and changes the settings constantly – to such an extent, says Claas, that over the course of a day it can provide higher quality and throughput than would be “humanly possible“.
A silhouette of the combine continuously displays the settings for all the main functional areas of the combine, such as: rotor and fan speed; grain moisture; and grain tank fill level. At the bottom of the screen, two slide controls allow the operator to alter the balance between grain cleanliness, straw quality and throughput.
Image source: Shane Casey
With CEMOS DIALOG, this function monitors and analyses all the combine settings and throughput, and will display suggestions on the CEBIS MOBILE screen – as to how the operator can further improve throughput or quality. Alternatively, says Claas, the operator can “interrogate” CEMOS DIALOG on ways to improve specific aspects, such as grain quality.
At the bottom of the CEBIS MOBILE screen, under the combine silhouette, is the ‘cockpit’; it is used to display the CRUISE PILOT status. CRUISE PILOT automatically controls the speed of the combine, by monitoring machine parameters such as: ground speed; crop volume in the feeder housing; throughput in tonnes/hour; and engine load. The display, says Claas, will also show the factor that is limiting combine performance under current conditions.
‘There’s an app for that’
Even where CEMOS AUTOMATIC or DIALOG is not fitted, or not available on models such as the Tucano and Avero, Claas says that operators can derive some benefits from the CEMOS app, which is available for iOS and Android smart-phones.
Using a smart-phone, if an operator has a particular problem or wants advice on how to improve efficiency and throughput, they can use the app to find hints and suggestions.
The app, says Claas, can also be used to estimate grain loss. Having entered various values, the driver is given an “accurate prediction” of the percentage of grain loss; he or she can then use the app to get suggested changes to combine settings.