John Deere CH570 Sugar Cane Harvester

HAM

On the HAM screen, operators can identify areas of inefficiencies and take corrective actions that will reduce logistic costs.

The HAM accumulates information for:

• Harvesting time and distance traveled
• Headland turnaround time and distance traveled
• Time and distance traveled on the road
• Harvester idle time while waiting for transport or other
• Total time the engine is running and distanced traveled

Data is accumulated from the original start at the factory and from the last reset done. The information can be downloaded for further analysis using the USB data logging port.

Front end

The CH570 crop dividers, side knives, knock down rollers, and floating sidewalls were redesigned for a smooth, uniform feed, reducing cane losses and soil content.

Inner scrolls tilted inward

The inside scrolls were angled toward the inside to improve feeding in heavy cane; as a result, the crop-divider knockdown rollers are no longer needed.

Outside scrolls standard

The outside scrolls are now standard to prepare the operator for different circumstances. The length of the scrolls was increased so the separation of lodged tangled cane begins closer to the ground.

Self-adjusting sidewalls

Heavy-duty chainless floating sidewall maintains the proper height to reduce cane losses and risk of damage during operation or maneuvering.

Adjustable side knives

Side knives’ restyled geometry

The geometry of the optional side knives has been restyled for a gentler cut while allowing cane to flow freely when not in use.

Also, the height is adjustable to quickly adapt to all possible cane conditions from the cab.

Parallel-linkage crop dividers

Parallel-linkage crop divider

Scrolls guide cane into the throat

The linkage design improves parallelism of the crop divider base regardless of machine height. This also enhances the operation of the optional floating crop dividers with less pressure variations and fewer adjustments required.

There is significant improvement on the tilt adjustment with better use of the hydraulic cylinder travel for a more precise control.

The design also adds reliability and serviceability with:

• Larger pins, from 25 mm to 32 mm (1 in. to 1.25 in.)
• Replaceable bushings on lower link (main frame side)
• Larger, hardened bushings and bosses (RMT) in link arms with increased bearing area

The parallel-linkage crop dividers adapt to ground unevenness for cleaner cane and reduced losses. A wide throat and 45-degree approach angle gently handle even the heaviest cane and consistently maintain the proper orientation to the ground. The benefit is that it reduces dirt content while minimizing whole stalk losses under the crop-divider toe as the row height varies.

The crop divider scrolls gently lift and feed cane into the harvester throat with a much lower approach angle, avoiding the bulldozing effect seen with other harvesters.

The hydraulic crop dividers and knockdown rollers tilt option turns a 20-minute field adjustment into an instantaneous, on-the-move operation. The toe tilted down lifts the sprawling crop, ensuring all cane is fed into the machine. In standing cane, the toe angled up reduces soil content. The knockdown roller set in the outer position facilitates feeding heavy-lodged cane.

The large, adjustable knockdown rollers with deep-tooth paddles effectively feed the heaviest lodged and tangled cane into the base cutter and prevent wrapping of cane leaves and vines.

Optional crop divider and knockdown roller hydraulic tilt

Crop divider and knockdown roller hydraulic tilt

With the innovative hydraulic tilt, the knockdown rollers will align simultaneously so that both maintain contact with the cane, improving feeding and minimizing breakage, especially with brittle varieties.

Optional floating crop dividers

Floating crop dividers ensure proper ground contact

Optional floating crop dividers follow the ground profile without plowing while constantly keeping the toe under lodged cane. The benefits are lower soil content, reduced cane loss, and minimum soil disturbance.

Feedroller path

Straight feedroller path

The feedroller path is straight and opens wide to reduce cane breakage and improve feeding to the chopper. Large, deep-paddle lower rollers improve the removal of dirt and mud. A pair of finned lower feedrollers more evenly spread cane across the chopper system for more uniform billet length.

Feedroller serviceability

External bearings and shock absorber pads on motor mounts

Access for maintenance is better than ever with externally-mounted bearings and bolt-on cradle stops with rubber shock-absorber pads.

Optional features

Floating crop dividers and contour basecutter height control

The unique floating crop divider technology was inherited by the CH570 and enhanced with an updated linkage system. The floating crop dividers follow the ground profile without plowing while constantly keeping the toe under lodged cane. The benefits are lower soil content, reduced cane loss, and minimum soil disturbance.

The precision of the exclusive contour basecutter height control is enhanced with the addition of a pressure signal to the existing position input. The system ensures that cane is cut at the desired height, resulting in higher yield (tons of sugar/ha), cleaner cane, and healthier stubble for improved future crops.

Operators can count on these systems to accurately control the base cutter and crop dividers. This allows more time to concentrate on other functions such as topping, following the row, and loading.

Double click to activate end of row and return to cut

To reduce headland turnaround time, end-of-row and return-to-cut technology is also available. The harvester and crop dividers rise simultaneously with a single button when exiting the field and, upon entering the next row, the unit returns to the predefined cutting height setting.

Stress and fatigue are significantly lessened while optimizing harvester performance. The end-of-row and return-to-cut systems make the harvester operation so simple that the learning curve for inexperienced users is diminished considerably.

On-screen monitoring, logging, and performance mapping

Exclusive John Deere technology

Data-driven decisions

Harvest Monitor is the latest industry-exclusive technology from John Deere.  Harvest Monitor gathers and analyzes valuable harvest information, enabling sugarcane producers to make smarter decisions that drive down harvesting costs and improve overall farming practices.

From the cab, the operator can monitor total tons harvested, harvester productivity, trash percentage, and fuel consumption. The operator can then use this information to make on-the-fly adjustments to optimize performance.

Through the John Deere Operations Center, the data can be processed to generate yield and other valuable maps and reports that will guide producers into making the right decisions on soil and water management, chemical application, crop renewal, field layout, equipment logistics, and much more.

Harvest Monitor is available as an option on the CH570 and CH670 Harvesters and can also be purchased as a field-installed kit for both models as well as 3520 Harvesters built after 2013.

Harvest Monitor features

Harvest Monitor installed on a CH570

Harvest Monitor is much more than just a yield monitor. It includes:    

• Optical yield monitor
• Optical extraneous matter (trash) monitor
• Fuel per ton monitor
• Pour-rate monitor
• Elevation monitor
• Transport load counter

Harvest Monitor was designed to operate efficiently in all weather conditions.  It is a low maintenance system with no additional wear items thanks to its optical technology that does not require direct contact with the cane.

Optical yield and trash monitor technology

Harvest Monitor

High-resolution optical sensors

High-resolution, stereoscopic optical sensors and pattern recognition technology are used to scan the flow of cane as it passes through the elevator, identifying cane volume and differentiating it from trash.  Four light-emitting diode (LED) lights illuminate the sampling area to ensure uninterrupted visual clarity.

Flow of cane being scanned

Image recognition

The system converts the volumes to mass in order to obtain tons of cane and extraneous matter level.

Georeferenced data

StarFire™ 6000 Receiver

Sugar cane field yield map

Data points are georeferenced to precise field locations using global positioning system (GPS) technology. With appropriate software, a variety of informative maps can be generated.  The system operation requires a GPS receiver (StarFire 6000 Receiver is recommended).

On-screen monitoring

Harvest Monitor screen

On-screen live cane flow

Harvest Monitor screen shot

While harvesting, the display will show:

• Harvester pour rate (ton/h)
• Extraneous matter (trash percentage)
• Fuel consumption (L/ton or gal./ton)
• Yield (ton/ha or ton/acre)
• Transport load count
• Live elevator cane flow video

Average, best, and current values of extraneous matter, fuel consumption, and pour rate are displayed instantaneously or as historical figures. Also available on the display is a summary report of all data.

Pour rate is defined as how fast the cane flows through the machine and is measured in tons per hour (ton/h).  A soft key enables the operator to toggle between elevator hours (elevator pour rate) and total harvester hours (harvester pour rate). This soft key also changes the reading of fuel consumption using either elevator or total harvester hours.

A yield map can also be seen on the display, as well as live video of cane as it flows through the elevator.

Transport load counter

Screen shot showing load counter

To keep records of the number of wagons completed, the operator will click the “Save Load” soft key every time a unit is loaded. The screen will show the total loads from a field, shift, whole season, or another preselected period of time. The sugar mill destination can also be recorded for each load.

Data-driven smart decisions on the go

CH570 operating in the field

Based on live information, the operator can make quick adjustments to the harvester to maintain a profitable harvesting rate while delivering the preferred level of cane quality.  Some of these adjustments are:

• Primary extractor fan rpm
• Ground speed
• FieldCruise™ mode

Primary extractor fan blades

Chopper blades

The system will also help to determine when the chopper and extractor fan blades need to be replaced, or if other related service is required in order to maintain optimum operating performance.

In-field equipment transloading into highway trucks

Multiple harvesters

The live yield data simplifies daily logistics decisions, including the number of transport units required and the correct timing to efficiently complete the assigned cane quota. In addition, field harvesting progress and remaining unharvested area can be seen on the screen for a great visual of the operation that can facilitate the transition to the next field.

Elevation monitor

Surveying the field while harvesting

Map showing low and high areas

Georeferenced samples that include elevation readings are taken every second.  As the harvester travels down each row, numerous elevation readings representing the topography of the area harvested are recorded.

Example of a typical field:

• Row spacing: 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
• Operating speed: 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph)
• Readings per hectare: 4,444
• Represented area: 1.5 m by 1.5 m (4.9 ft by 4.9 ft)

Mapping and data management

Generated maps

Decisions on agronomical practices and logistics

The Harvest Monitor data can be processed through John Deere’s Operations Center to generate maps and reports that will help optimize operations.  The data is ADAPT compatible so it can also be handled with available third-party software programs in regions where Operations Center is not accessible.

Different types of maps can be created for a clear visualization of current farm conditions:

• Yield variability
• Harvester productivity
• Fuel consumption
• Extraneous matter
• Field elevation

Examples of third-party maps

Location map using Google Earth™ mapping service

Elevation map

Total mass map (cane and trash)

Cane map

Extraneous matter (trash) map

Fuel-rate map

The maps and reports will help to determine the best solutions for:

• Chemical application                                               
• Water management
• Cultivating practices
• Gap planting
• Crop renewal                                               
• Variety selection and performance                                                      
• Seed rate
• Land leveling
• Field layout                                               
• Equipment operation management
• Logistics

Information can also be used to evaluate results of previously-implemented solutions to make adjustments if needed.

Calibration

CH570 working with weigh wagon

Calibration screen

During harvesting, the Harvest Monitor can be calibrated manually by entering weight information for the load supplied by the mill.

It can also be calibrated automatically when operating with a weigh wagon equipped with a compatible system.  Each time the harvester operates next to the weigh wagon, Harvest Monitor will interact with it and self-calibrate.

The weigh wagon must be equipped with an appropriate load cell system. Both the harvester and tractor require matching wireless communication devices, available as a field-installed option. 

NOTE: The wireless communicating device is available as an option.  The load cell system is not offered by John Deere.  It can be acquired from third parties, but it needs to be previously validated for compatibility.

The maps can also be calibrated using field report data supplied from the sugar mill.

Field-installed kits

All units on a harvesting front should be equipped with Harvest Monitor to cover the complete farm.

Kits are available for all CH570 and CH670 Harvesters and for 3520 Harvesters starting with serial number 1T83520THDT121205. The 3520 requires a GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display mounted overhead.

System operation needs a StarFire GPS receiver (StarFire 6000 Receiver is recommended). 

Google Earth is a trademark of Google Inc.

Comfort and convenience

CH570 cab interior

The premium smart cab is 30 percent more spacious and offers all the necessary comfort, convenience, and intelligent features operators will ever need.

Reduced noise levels (76 dB) plus improved air conditioning cooling with overhead vents will keep the operator relaxed during long working hours.

CH570 cab exterior

Operators can access the cab conveniently from the right or from the left.

The wide windshield is curved for enhanced visibility and strength. The left- and right-hand folding arms, adjustable rear view mirrors, and the in-cab convex mirror facilitates viewing the elevator and wagon.

The cab comes standard with windshield and side glass wipers with washer fluid nozzles.

Eight lights are used on the cab, including four high-luminosity lights that greatly facilitate night operation.

Air suspension seat

The air suspension seat has multiple adjustments and swivels so operators can find the perfect fit and viewing angle.

Training is made safer and easier with a training seat standard in every CH570.

Double-tilt telescopic steering column

Adjust the double-tilt telescopic steering column to driving preferences. Road controls are now located on the steering column.

Integrated refrigerator

The refrigerator, 37 L (1.3 cu ft) in size, keeps beverages and food items cold, even in a warm environment. The compressor-style refrigerator functions with independent temperature control and is powered from a 12-V receptacle in the rear cab wall that is powered when the ignition switch is in the run position.

Access to the refrigerator is easy because the instructor seat can either be lifted, exposing the contents in the active refrigerator, or the front door of the refrigerator can be opened, also providing access to the contents.

Optional light-emitting diode (LED) auxiliary lights

Auxiliary LED light on elevator

Auxiliary LED light on cooling package

Standard auxiliary lights are halogen type, located on the elevator (2) and the cooling package (2). For optimum brightness on the wagon, add the optional LED auxiliary light kit.

Optional topper boom light

The optional auxiliary light kit includes a topper boom light to service base cutter and front-end components.

Versatile displays and intuitive controls

CommandARM™ control panel

User-friendly, and quick to locate, the CommandARM control center is home to every operating feature needed for a simple yet productive day. That includes hot keys for all common harvesting adjustments as well as air conditioning, radio, and lighting controls. Navigate through the CommandCenter™ system screens using the navigation control knob located on the CommandARM.

GreenStar™ 3 2630 CommandCenter Display

The Greenstar 3 2630 CommandCenter 25-cm (10-in.) Display puts vital machine and harvesting information within easy reach and with touchscreen technology, it is simple to make quick adjustments. It provides 70 degrees of swivel for transport or viewing preference. Also, the banner bar has been improved with engine on/ off key. A banner bar will show hours for harvester, engine, elevator, AutoTrac™ assisted steering system, floating crop dividers, and contour base cutter height control. Once the engine is started, it shows engine and harvesting functions. Icons turn green when active.

It is video capable and it can run AutoTrac.

To maintain quality and uniformity of the operation, save fuel and protect assets, supervisors can lock important settings such as:

• Primary extractor fan rpm that will also reduce cane loss while maintaining the highest cleaning levels
• Track harvester maximum speed while the harvesting functions are on
• Engine FieldCruise™ controls in low-yield fields

A feature allows the supervisor or operator (if authorized) to set the hydraulic pressures, and frequency (duration of over pressure) that will activate an alarm alerting of a choke on either the base cutter or the chopper. The display also includes diagnostic trouble-code readings that will alert the operator of a possible malfunction.

Digital cornerpost display

The color, digital cornerpost display graphically illustrates everything an operator needs to know about engine and harvesting parameters. It is located in the optimal line-of-sight to minimize operator disruption.

Multifunction control lever

The multifunction control lever fits the operator’s hand comfortably to give smooth, hydrostatic speed control. It also controls all frequently used harvesting functions.

Three programmable buttons are included to customize harvester functions to operator preferences.

No longer on the floor, the elevator swing is easily controlled from the multifunction control lever. One extra click and the elevator will swing 90 degrees.

Standard whole topper

5.2-m (17-ft) reach

With unmatched 5.2-m (17-ft) topper reach, a strong boom design, and a cushion accumulator, the CH570 is capable of handling the tallest cane.

The topper removes the majority of cane leaves prior to harvesting, conserving precious harvesting horsepower and wear edges. An optional shredder topper facilitates residue management.

A piston motor replaced the gear type for higher torque and efficiency.

Optional topper extensions

Whole topper without extensions

Topper extensions

Optional extensions can be added to the standard whole topper to more effectively guide leaves into the topper's blades. It also works well in parts of the world where flowering sugar cane is prevalent. Optional 2.4-m (7.9-ft) or standard 1.8-m (5.9-ft) versions of the whole topper are available for improved gathering and cleaning.

Optional shredder topper

Shredder topper

An optional shredder topper is also available for growers interested in residue management. Shredder toppers leave smaller residue particles that dry faster, decompose quicker, and mix into the soil easier when cultivating. 

These particles will not tangle into other implements like whole-leaf residue often does.

Basecutter and chopper

Piston motor-driven basecutter

Piston motor-driven chopper

The CH570's basecutter and chopper set the benchmark for cutting and feeding in the global market. The standard 251-kW (337-hp) engine option has the basecutter and chopper on one high-pressure hydrostatic circuit driven by a powerful piston pump maximizing efficiency. The 280-kW (375-hp) option includes an additional piston pump so that the basecutter and chopper are in two independent circuits, increasing the capacity to process the heaviest cane.

Basecutter and buttlifter

Hard-surfaced closed buttlifter

The basecutter is driven by a powerful hydraulic piston motor. Its center-driven design with just four gears, balances the load and reduces wear, and is housed in a more robust cast-iron gearbox.

The basecutter features large, standard 61-cm (24-in.) disks that can be upgraded to 55.9-cm (22-in.) steel disks to allow dirt to flow through in muddier conditions.

Contour basecutter height control is a factory option that adjusts the basecutter height to achieve a predetermined cane stubble height.
 
Once cut, the CH570's rotating, standard three-paddle closed buttlifter kicks the cane stalks up into the feedroller path and removes excess dirt before it enters.

Optional four-bar open buttlifter

This option will allow more dirt removal than the current three-paddle closed option.

Chopper

The modular chopper assembly is independent from the harvester’s main frame, providing a better fit and easier service. It sits on rubber mounts to absorb vibrations.

The chopping area is larger with longer blades and contact is even through the whole length.

Simpler service, longer component life, uniform higher quality billets, and better feeding into the primary cleaning chamber are the results.

Chopper with exclusive sill roller

A powerful, hydraulic-piston motor drives the 380-mm (15-in.) differential chopper fitted with either six, eight, or 10 95-mm (3.75-in.) blades. The externally-mounted bearings are simple to replace. The chopper shafts have no splines to wear, and they can easily slide out from the side for service. The chopper cover is International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliant.

Eight-blade and 10-blade overlap choppers are also available, increasing the life of the blades in most conditions and simplifying removal and replacement.

The blades are 910-mm (35.8-in.) long or 6.3 cm (2.5 in.) longer than previous model.

Approximate billet length:

• Six blade - 230 to 250 mm (9 to 10 in.)
• Eight blade - 180 to 200 mm (7 to 8 in.)
• Ten blade - 150 to 180 mm (6 to 7 in.)

Sill roller

An exclusive sill roller helps to feed the cane billets into the primary extractor. Even billet movement augments cleaning. It also prevents billet back-feeding and accumulation on the sill.

Ladders and handrails

Ladder access from either side

Non-skid surfaces for added grip

Ladders and handrails are located on both sides of the machine. This eliminates the need to walk around the machine when the topper, scrolls, or elevator are in use. All steps are high-grip, eruption-plate steel for additional footing. 

Service platforms have non-skid surfacing and are surrounded by handrails for walk-around access. All ladders, platforms, and handrails meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.

Warning and signal lights

Elevated light-emitting diode (LED) warning and signal lights

Front road and operating lights and well-protected turning and warning lights

The location of the LED warning and signal lights meet ISO regulations, and are elevated for better clearance from potential damage. A field kit is available for model year 2017 and older CH570 models.

Engine compartment work lights illuminate a technician's work area and 12 operating lights cover the harvester for superior working visibility in low-light or foggy conditions.

A reverse alarm is also standard on all CH570 Cane Harvesters.

Optional beacon lights

Beacon light

The optional beacon light kit includes two lights, one for each folding mirror arm.

Maintenance lockouts

Tilting cab lockout

The forward tilting cab lockout is a rigid steel locking prop that holds the cab firmly in the up position so the engine can be serviced.

Chassis lift cylinder lockout

The chassis lift cylinders can be raised and locked in the up position for safe maintenance on basecutter, knockdown rollers, scrolls, etc.

Topper boom cylinder lockout

The topper boom cylinder can also be locked with a steel lockout sleeve for maintenance on or below the topper head.

More features

Fire extinguishers (supplied locally)

The CH570 is equipped by the dealer with onboard water and chemical fire extinguishers

Reversing fan

CH570 cooling package

The CH570 Cane Harvester's cooling package features a self-cleaning reversible cooling fan that keeps the cooling package clean. With the new variable-speed control system, it will maintain the engine operating at the appropriate temperature to optimize engine performance and reduce fuel consumption.

The variable speed is controlled by hydraulic oil, charge air cooler and engine coolant temperatures.

The cooling fan reverses automatically every 20 minutes or sooner if the charge air cooler (CAC) temperature reaches a preset value or also as-needed on a manual basis. The reversing fan also increases machine reliability and can reduce the expense of replacement parts.

This self-cleaning design eliminates the need for regular stops to remove trash from the cooling system's air-intake surfaces, providing longer operating time throughout the season.

Elevator and cleaning system

High-capacity elevator

Primary extractor in action

The CH570's reliable cleaning system yields the cleanest cane in the industry. Cleaner cane, less billet loss, and less downtime will bring more profit.

Primary extractor

The largest primary extractor in the industry

Wider blades and conical hub

The CH570 boasts the largest primary extractor fan in the industry — using four blades that measure 152 cm (5 ft) in diameter. This fan cleans at lower speeds, reducing horsepower consumption and cane losses.

The fan speed can be adjusted effortlessly from the cab to adapt to the different cane conditions by simply varying the pump displacement. The fan is driven by a robust and efficient hydrostatic system with piston pump and motor.

The fan is mounted directly to the motor shaft, which means no bearings, no blade balancing, less vibration, and fewer components. The motor drive support system features four rubber-mounted legs to improve fan stability and reduce vibrations. The primary extractor fan's motor is internally mounted and does not need to be removed for transport.

The conical hub cover reduces air voids and recirculation while the wide-design blade produces more airflow at lower rpm. The hard-surfaced blades combined with operating at a much lower speed results in significantly longer blade life.

Smart power primary extractor setting

The smart power primary extractor feature is available to automatically reduce the extractor fan speed to a preset minimum when the elevator is turned off.

Elevator

Robust structural tube frame elevator with perforated floor

Heavy-duty swing table

The CH570 features a high-capacity, structural tube-frame elevator for extended durability. The elevator's perforated floor allows additional dirt to fall through after primary extraction. The top and bottom idler sprockets reduce wear and prolong the elevator's chain life. 

The tall sidewalls and 18-cm (7-in.) reversible slats will handle the heaviest cane, keeping billets from toppling over and falling back down the elevator. All of this sits on the CH570's heavy-duty swing table, designed to withstand the heaviest loads and toughest field conditions. The swing table also features an exclusive slew wiper to keep the area clean.

The elevator hoses are routed inside the solid frame, promoting longer life by improving protection and minimizing exposure. Bolt-on elevator extensions are also available to provide additional reach for wider row spacing. The extensions are 30.5 cm (12 in.) for wheel or track units; and 61 cm or 86 cm (24 in. or 34 in.) for track units only. The 61-cm (24-in.) extension can be ordered for a wheel harvesters but it requires the less-secondary-extractor option.

On the CH570, the elevator controls were moved from the floor pedals to the multifunction control lever for ease of operation. The control switches feature a double-detent system so that the elevator swings approximate 90 degrees without having to depress the switch continuously. The above will help the operator to concentrate on other functions when turning around on the headland while the elevator is rotating.

More features

Grease cylinder chain tensioning

Nitrogen accumulator

The CH570's elevator also has a grease cylinder for easy elevator chain tension adjustment and a nitrogen accumulator to minimize shock loads.

Secondary extractor

Secondary extractor and bin flap

Optional without secondary extractor

The secondary extractor provides even more cleaning prior to loading. Its unique design allows trash to be blown away from the wagons more efficiently. The hood rotates a full 360 degrees, so it can be set at any angle. 

The hydraulically-adjustable bin flap directs billets into the wagon. The ideal fan speed allows the best cleaning with low horsepower consumption. For growers who burn cane, a less-secondary-extractor option is available.