The Strength of the Axial-Flow Legacy

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF AXIAL-FLOW COMBINE

The Strength of the Axial-Flow Legacy

For nearly 50 years, Axial-Flow combines have set the harvesting standard when it comes to performance and productivity. It’s a legacy that’s built on a design that’s proven itself year after year, in more than 134 types of grains, in all conditions.

In the 14 generations of Axial-Flow combines, we’ve seen changes that have brought even more power and performance.

“When introduced, the Axial-Flow combine boasted 170 horsepower and a 180-bushel grain tank,” explains Leo Bose, harvest marketing manager with Case IH. “Today, our AF 11 combine delivers over 775 horsepower and a 567-bushel grain tank.” From Class 6 versatility to powerful class 10+ performance, there’s an Axial-Flow combine to meet the needs for every producer.

What’s remained consistent over the years is the Case IH commitment to deliver on the same core principles of every Axial-Flow combine: Grain Quality, Grain Savings, Simplicity, Crop Adaptability, Matched Capacity and Resale Value.

• GRAIN QUALITY. Gentle grain-on-grain threshing is the hallmark of the Axial Flow design. From feeding to cleaning, the entire system is designed to minimize grain damage.
• GRAIN SAVINGS. Thorough threshing and efficient separation put more grain in the tank and more profits in your pocket.
• SIMPLICITY. Axial-Flow combines are designed with fewer moving parts for unmatched reliability and easier serviceability.
• CROP ADAPTABILITY. Designed to harvest more than 134 types of grains in many conditions, the Axial-Flow combine is versatile enough to match diverse harvesting needs.
• MATCHED CAPACITY. The Axial-Flow feeder, rotor, grain handling, residue management and power systems are designed to optimize crop flow and maximize productivity.
• RESALE VALUE Case IH combines reward owners with impressive resale value. A wide variety of kits are also available to enhance performance, upgrade technology, boost productivity and maximize your investment.

Building on Success

Today’s Axial-Flow combines take advantage of advanced technology that enhances the harvest experience and benefits the bottom line. “From the first yield monitors in 1994, to auto guidance in 2006 to Harvest Command in 2019, we continue to bring technology that delivers,” Bose says. Harvest Command, which brings new levels of automation to harvest, has been a tremendous advancement that has seen widespread adoption. “All of our combines now come with Harvest Command,” Bose says. “This automation allows the combine to work at peak efficiency and automatically adjust depending on conditions.”

The use of Axial-Flow combine technology has had a tremendous impact on harvest, making producers more efficient and productive. But there’s a machine component as well. “We continue to refine our technology to make the combine work more efficiently,” Bose says. “Crops change, conditions change, cropping practices change. We want technology to help producers make the most out of their equipment.”

Listening to Customers

“It's the feedback that we get and receive from the customers that ultimately enhance and create new features,” Bose says. “Our customers are involved in all phases of combine development, from the idea on paper to testing and development in the field. Ultimately, it’s those customers who are buying a combine, and we want their feedback so we can enhance our Axial-Flow combines. That's one of the core principles that allows us to do what we're doing daily.”

Model Year 2026 Product Offerings

Case IH continues to offer a wide range of combine models that can meet every operation’s needs for power, performance and productivity. Combined with a variety of features that can be added to every combine, you truly can make an Axial-Flow combine your very own.

For the Model Year 2026, Case IH offers the 6160, 7160, 7260, 8260, 9260, AF9, AF10 and AF11. That covers every class of combine with the proven Axial-Flow technology.

New for 2026 is a reel-reversing capability. When the feeder becomes plugged, the reel will reverse to help rake the crop material away from the feeder, allowing you to clear plugs fast and easy, without leaving the comfort of the cab.

WHAT DO YOU NEED IN A COMBINE

Finding the perfect combine fit

Deciding on your next combine? A good place to start is to have an open and honest conversation with your Case IH dealer to find that perfect combine to match your operation’s needs.

“When asked about what combine they might need, I start with a lot of questions,” says Jeff Adams, marketing manager AF combines, Case IH. “Where do you farm? What crops do you grow? How many acres do you farm? How many employees do you have? It’s critical to know the needs of a customer before talking about features and benefits of specific combine models.”

That’s one of the benefits of the Case IH Axial-Flow combine lineup. “We have a wide range of combine models that each offer specific benefits for our customers,” says Ryan Lepp, harvesting product marketing manager.

“There are still producers who are using a Class 6 combine with a six-row corn head because that is what matches their planting equipment and is maneuverable enough to get in and out of their field,” Lepp says. “Still others need combines like our Class 10+ AF11 with a 61-foot draper head. No two producers are the exact same, and their harvest demands may differ. That’s why we offer a wide range of models to fit our customer needs.”

The number of acres harvested per year will help steer the decision-making, but also the normal harvest window. “If a producer has to deal with weather issues year after year, they may want to look at a combine with more capacity,” Adams says. “If you are currently operating a Class 6 combine and need a bit more capacity, you might want to consider moving up a class size.”

Technology packages in all

While there’s a significant difference in horsepower and grain tank capacity between a Class 6 and Class 10+ combine, one thing is constant: Every Case IH Axial-Flow combine comes with the same technology packages designed to help you farm more efficiently. “With a combine, you want every pass to be as efficient as possible. Our technology like Harvest Command works the same in every combine we make,” Adams says. “Harvest Command has proven itself as a game-changing technology. Now, every operator can optimize harvest activity. You are running it at peak efficiency all the time, not just hitting that sweet spot 80% of the time. That means more grain in the tank.”