This document is an operator's manual for the CASE IH AXIAL-FLOW® 7230, 8230, and 9230 Tier 4a Combine harvesters, with PIN YDG222001 and above, published in August 2013. It provides comprehensive information on the machine's operation, safety, maintenance, and specifications.
Function Description
The CASE IH combine harvesters are self-propelled units powered by an on-board diesel engine, designed for agricultural purposes. Their primary function is to harvest cereal crops, small seed crops, maize, and soybeans. This involves cutting or picking up crops from a swath, threshing and separating grain from straw, and temporarily storing the grain until it can be unloaded into transport vehicles. The machine is built to comply with national and local exhaust emissions requirements through a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual details various technical specifications crucial for operation and maintenance:
- Engine: The combine is powered by an on-board diesel engine designed to meet government emissions standards. The manual emphasizes that tampering with the fuel system and engine is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe penalties. Engine service and repairs must be performed by a certified technician.
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System: This system includes an SCR catalyst, a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)/AdBlue® injection unit, a DEF/AdBlue® tank, and a DEF/AdBlue® dosing control unit. The SCR system converts harmful Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) molecules in the exhaust into harmless elemental Nitrogen and water by injecting a DEF/AdBlue® solution.
- DEF/AdBlue®: This is a clear, colorless, non-toxic, aqueous urea solution (32.5%) with a slight ammonia odor, classified under the minimum-risk category of transportable fluids. It must comply with ISO 22241-1 standards, and users should look for the API® DEF Certification Mark™.
- DEF/AdBlue® Storage: Shelf life is dependent on ambient temperature: 36 months at ≤10 °C (50 °F), 18 months at ≤25 °C (77 °F), 12 months at ≤30 °C (86 °F), and 6 months at ≤35 °C (95 °F). Storage above 30 °C (86 °F) significantly reduces shelf life. The machine has an internal tank heater to thaw frozen DEF/AdBlue®.
- Prohibited Additives: Anti-gelling or freeze point improvers must not be used with DEF/AdBlue® as they can degrade performance and damage SCR components.
- Machine Orientation: "Left-hand" (LH) and "right-hand" (RH) are determined by standing at the rear of the machine and facing the normal direction of travel.
- Product Identification Number (PIN): The combine PIN plate is located below the right side operator's platform, visible over the right front tire or track. The engine PIN is on a plate on the valve cover, or on the left-hand/exhaust side of the engine.
- Tire Combinations and Tread Positions: The manual provides a table for permitted sideways driving slopes based on tire size and overall width, ranging from 35% (19°) for 710/70R42 (3.5 m width) to 40% (22°) for 900/65R32 (4.0 m width) and 30-inch tracks (3.8 m width).
- Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system operates under high pressure, and leaks can cause serious injury. It is critical to relieve pressure before disconnecting lines and to use only manufacturer-authorized service parts for replacements.
- Electrical System: The machine's electrical system should be regularly inspected for loose connections or frayed insulation. Welding on the machine requires disconnecting alternator wires and battery cables, and attaching the earth cable close to the welding area.
- Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC): Add-on equipment must not exceed national emission limits and should not generate electro-magnetic fields greater than 24 V/m near electronic components. Non-compliance voids the warranty.
- Operator Presence System: This system prevents certain functions (ground drive, parking brake, AFS Accuguide™, unloading, feeder) from operating if the operator is not in the seat.
- Power Take Off (PTO): PTO-driven machinery can cause serious injury. Guards must be in place during operation, and the feeder drive switch must be off, engine stopped, and key removed before working near the PTO shaft.
Usage Features
The manual outlines various features related to the safe and efficient use of the combine:
- Intended Use: The combine is specifically designed for harvesting combinable crops on cultivated land. Prohibited usage includes fitting non-CASE IH approved parts or using the machine for pulling heavy loads other than the header trailer.
- Operator's Seat and Instructional Seat: The machine has one operator station in the cab. An instructional seat is provided for training new operators or for service technicians to monitor machine function. When the instructional seat is occupied, the machine should be driven slowly on level ground, avoiding public roads, quick starts/stops, and sharp turns. Seat belts must be worn, and doors kept closed.
- Safety Rules: Emphasizes reading the manual, understanding safety decals, and operating the machine only by trained and authorized personnel. Bystanders and pets must be kept away from the machine, especially during harvest.
- Machine Stability: Caution is advised on slopes, as raised equipment, full tanks, and other loads can change the center of gravity. Counterweights must be installed according to specifications to maintain stability.
- Access and Egress: Always face the machine and use provided steps and grab handles, maintaining three-point contact. Steps and platforms must be clean and clear of debris. Never jump off or climb on a moving machine.
- Grain Tank Safety: Never enter the grain tank while the engine is running. Use a wooden clearing club for blockages.
- Road Travel: Comply with local laws, use appropriate lighting, ensure the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem is visible, and lock brake pedals together. Maintain a safe speed and signal turns.
- Fire Prevention: Regular cleaning of crop materials, trash, and debris from hot components (engine, transmission, exhaust, battery) is crucial. Inspect the electrical system for damage. A fire extinguisher must be on or near the machine, maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
- Hazardous Chemicals: Users must be aware of hazardous chemicals (fuels, oils, acids, solvents) and consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for safe handling, storage, and disposal.
- Electrical Storm Safety: Do not operate during an electrical storm. If caught in a storm, remain in the cab and avoid contact with the ground or objects outside the machine.
- Connecting a Header: Ensure no one is between the machine and attachment during coupling or in front during detaching. Warn bystanders by sounding the horn three times before engaging the PTO.
- Working at Heights: Use installed steps, ladders, and railings. Do not stand on non-designated surfaces or use the machine as a lift.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides detailed maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity:
- Maintenance Schedule: Follows a structured schedule including daily, 10-hour, 50-hour, 100-hour, 200-hour, 300-hour, 600-hour, 1200-hour, 1500-hour, 3600-hour/2-year, and as-required maintenance.
- Safety During Maintenance: Before servicing, attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag. Always stop the engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for rotating parts to stop. Use jack stands when working on axles.
- Fluid Checks and Changes:
- Daily/10 Hours: Engine oil level, Power Take Off (PTO) gearbox oil level, hydraulic oil tank level, deaeration tank coolant level.
- 50 Hours: Tire pressure, drain water separator, cab fresh air filter, cab recirculated air filter, feeder drum, chain tension.
- 100 Hours: Rotor gearbox oil.
- 300 Hours: Bubble up gear box oil, brake fluid level, parking brake, transmission oil level, final drive oil level, lower unloading gearbox oil, feeder conveyor gearbox oil, header gearbox oil.
- 600 Hours: Transmission oil change, final drive oil change, lower unloading gearbox oil change, feeder conveyor gearbox, header gearbox, unloading elbow.
- 1200 Hours: Engine coolant replacement, hydraulic oil reservoir.
- As Required: Fuel prefilter/water separator, engine mounted fuel filter, engine crankcase breather filter, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)/AdBlue® in-line filter, DEF/AdBlue® tank vent filter.
- Grease Decal Reference: Provides locations and intervals for grease fittings on both right-hand and left-hand sides.
- Filter Maintenance: Regular replacement of various filters, including air filters, fuel filters, and DEF/AdBlue® filters.
- Tire Maintenance: Check tire pressure regularly. Tires and rims are heavy and require special tools and qualified personnel for service. Replace damaged tires and rims.
- Brake System: Regularly check brake efficiency and replace pads before they are totally worn out.
- Air Conditioning System: Service, repair, or recharging must be performed by a trained service technician due to high pressure and harmful gases.
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the machine, especially around hot components and moving parts, is essential for fire prevention.
- Storage: Includes post-season and preseason service procedures.
- Troubleshooting: Provides information on display alarms and symptoms for diagnosing issues.
- Torque Specifications: Details standard torque data for hydraulic fittings, O-ring Face Seal (ORFS) fittings, and hardware.
- Chain Wear Tables: Provides information on roller chain wear.