Harvesting Functions

All 8000 Series Austoft ^® cane harvesters now come standard with a new, high-horsepower topper motor on the severing drum:

• 20% increase in severing drum rpm
• 44% increase in motor horsepower
• Better suited to top new, heavier cane varieties

Knock-Down Rollers

• Hydraulic adjustable
• Adjust effortlessly for changing crop conditions

Basecutter

• Cuts cane efficiently and precisely at ground level
• Feeds cane butt-end first into the feedroller train
• Removable Discs have five replaceable blades on each disc
• Deliver clean cutting to ensure ideal rattoning conditions
• Preserve stools to maximize future yields

45-Degree Crop Dividers

• Deliver the best performance in down cane
• Gently lift and separate the stalk row to be harvested from adjacent rows
• Feature exclusive rotating toes (replacing the fixed shoes)
• Rotating toes move less soil and minimize dirt entrance and harvester wear

Optional Side Trim Knives

• Cuts the lodged cane not separated by crop dividers
• Minimizes stool damage
• Exclusive hydraulic height adjustment adjusts height to accommodate changing crop conditions
• Height Adjustment is easily performed from cab

Topper

• Removes the tops from the cane stalk and spreads them evenly on the ground
• Standard single-cut topper--Recommended in regions where trash and cane stalks decompose quickly
• Optional shredder topper cuts and shreds the tops into 3.9-in. (100-mm) pieces, designed to supply more fragmented material and spread more evenly on the ground--best option for locations where cultivation is required for trash blanketing

Cleaning System Design

• Hydraulically driven via a vertical shaft mounted in a two-piece, high-density plastic hood
• Separates trash from cane billets, and deposits trash in a controlled flow behind the machine
• Fan operating speed is reduced from 1,300 rpm to 850 rpm
• Design reduces vortex effect while also reducing cane losses by up to 50%
• Required operating power is reduced by approximately 30 hp (22.4 kW), promoting more efficient fuel consumption

Lower Cane Losses

• The 850-rpm operating speed reduces cane losses from 38.8 lb./ton (176 kg/ton) to 10.6 lbs./ton(4.8 kg/ton), an exceptional 28.2 lb.(12.8-kg/ton) drop

Extractors

• The primary extractor uses the anti-vortex system to clean the cane billets, removing leaves and other matter
• The secondary extractor is a hydraulically driven fan mounted inside the plastic directional hood at the end of the elevator. and cleans the billets a second time, removing remaining dirt and ensuring the cleanest sample

Trash Reduction

• Operating at 850 rpm, the anti-vortex system reduces the percentage of trash (leaves and stems) by approximately 20 percent compared to other systems
• Results in higher-quality cane shipped to the refinery
• Enhances cane mill yield

Increased Load Density and Transport

• Four-blade chopper drums reduce billet length from 9.4 to 6.7 in. (240 to 170 mm)
• No cane loss. despite smaller billets, due to the anti-vortex system
• Load density is increased by 18% for in-field transport and 14% for on-highway transport
• Higher-density cargo means lower transportation costs and a potential increase in the area of cane supplied to the mill

Elevator System

The strong, reliable elevator system conveys the billets via a chain and flights to the secondary extractor

• Consists of a swing table, swing system, bowl and chain conveyor
• The bin flap directs the cane billet discharge flow into the cart or bin

Stool Protection

The Auto Tracker preserves next year’s crop by cutting near the ground without damaging or pulling out stools:

• Reduces the number of stools pulled out by the basecutter by 27.2%
• Reduces basecutter stool disturbance by 28.3%
• Reduces the number of stools pulled out by the basecutter at the row heads by 62.9%

Calibration

After the Auto Tracker system is calibrated, there’s no need to worry about constant cutting height adjustment:

• Height is automatically adjusted through pressure and exclusive height sensors to an ideal cutting height
• The operator uses the manual system for about the first 10 minutes of harvest
• Data accrues in the manual module
• Auto Tracker saves that information and determines the most adequate hydraulic pressure and cut height averages for that area

Additional Auto Tracking Features

• Pressure/cut height can be easily adjusted, if necessary, when harvesting lodged cane with the simple touch of the adjustment key
• The automatic turn lift feature is activated when you slow the engine
• System automatically lifts the harvester to allow turning
• Harvester returns to cutting position when the throttle position is raised again
• The electronic display features just four simple keys
• Large numbers and backlighting make night viewing easier
• The clog alarm advises you when the system is overloaded, prevents choke stops

360-Degree Visibility

• Large windows and four rearview mirrors provide 360-degree visibility from the cab
• Unobstructed view to the front to observe cane being harvested, crop dividers and the topper
• Rearview mirrors provide unrestricted view of the elevator and haul-out bin

Halogen Quartz Lighting

Comfortable night harvesting is possible with the cab's halogen quartz lighting

• Adjustable headlights illuminate the work area in front of the machine
• Lights mounted on the rear of the cab roof illuminate the elevator and haul-out bin

Additional Cab Features

• A quiet, 78-dBA noise level is maintained by eliminating air gaps, isolating the cab on rubber mounts, and using the best-quality noise insulation material
• The fully adjustable, air-suspended seat is standard and features a movable armrest
• A tilt steering wheel and sun visor also are standard features
• An efficient air-conditioning system with well-distributed vents keeps you comfortably cool on hot days
• Electronic controls and instruments are well-lit, easy to read, and conveniently placed for straightforward harvesting operation
• Pockets inside doors provide convenient storage