Exclusive John Deere technology
Data-driven decisions
Harvest Monitor is an 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.
SmartClean system is the latest enhancement of Harvest Monitor that allows automatic control of primary extractor fan speed based on the operator’s preferences in order to obtain the most profitable balance between cane cleanliness and reduced loss.
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 installed on a CH960
Harvest Monitor is much more than just a yield monitor. It includes:
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.
Harvest Monitor
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.
SmartClean illustration
With the use of sensors, the SmartClean system detects cane being lost through the primary extractor and displays it on the CommandCenter screen as an index. The level of residue or cane leaves being removed is also detected and displayed as an index.
Aiming at the best economic outcome for the operation, the operator selects the target level of the following parameters and lets the system continuously and automatically find the appropriate primary extractor fan speed:
SmartClean system setting page
SmartClean enables operational consistency throughout the day regardless of weather conditions and individual operator practices. Understanding the residue level is important for biomass power generation projects to determine residue collection logistics and viability.
StarFire™ 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.
Home page showing Harvest Monitor information (LH) and video (RH)
While harvesting, the display will show:
The CommandCenter display layout is configurable so the operator can have Harvest Monitor and SmartClean system displayed together on the same screen. 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.
A yield map can also be seen on the display, as well as live video of cane as it flows through the elevator.
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.
CH960 operating in the field
With SmartClean activated and based on live information, the operator can make other quick adjustments to the harvester, like ground speed and FieldCruise™ settings, to maintain the most profitable harvesting rate while delivering the preferred level of cane quality and reduced loss.
Primary extractor fan blades
Chopper blades
The information may also help to determine if 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.
Surveying the field while harvesting
Field elevation map
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:
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.
Different types of maps can be created for a clear visualization of current farm conditions:
Crop yield map
Yield contour map
Extraneous matter (trash) map
Harvester speed map
Field elevation map
The maps and reports will help to determine the best solutions for:
Information can also be used to evaluate results of previously implemented solutions to make adjustments if needed.
*Google Earth is a trademark of Google LLC.
CH570 working with weigh wagon
During harvesting, Harvest Monitor can be calibrated manually by entering weight information for the load supplied by the mill or from a weight wagon on operations that use it.
The maps can also be calibrated using field report data supplied from the sugar mill.
CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester
The John Deere CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester provides double the productivity of a single row-unit in most conditions by harvesting two rows of cane simultaneously at the same speed.
Feature benefits:
Functionality:
Since the CH9 Series models harvest at the same speed as the single-row units in most conditions, the wagons are loaded in half the time, reducing total infield transport equipment cycle time considerably. In a typical operation, this translates into 50 percent fewer harvesters, 28 percent fewer tractors and wagons, and 36 percent fewer operators required per front while saving 30 percent in fuel. In multi-front operations, this additional harvesting capacity can also be used to decrease the number of fronts by increasing their quotas. Regardless of the solution adopted, the total number of operators, tractors, wagons, and harvesters is reduced significantly.
Chopper gearbox with external timer
The improved chopper system features an external timing system that not only significantly shortens timing events but can also help improve harvesting performance and crop quality. Consistent blade engagement from a properly timed chopper positively impacts cleaning, billet size consistency, and billet quality. A faster and simpler timing procedure makes managing chopper performance easier than ever. The external timing system is now available standard on all Sugarcane Harvester models.
Chopper gearbox
Tool and position indicator
The external timing arrangement is located on the chopper gearbox, and includes a tool and position indicator.
The improved chopper system also includes higher capacity bearings and self-leveling cartridge mounts for better reliability.
Self-leveling and fully adjustable chopper cartridge mounts
Controlled traffic with CH9 Series (A - hardpan interrow, B - undisturbed interrow, and C - hardpan interrow
The CH9 Series tread matches the row spacing so the tracks travel centered on the interrow away from the stubble. By straddling two rows, the center interrow remains untouched, leaving 50 percent of the rows are undisturbed. In addition, the compacted area is reduced by 60 percent, fostering better growing conditions for improved yield and ratoon life.
Feature benefits:
Root system development with and without compaction
Functionality:
By straddling two rows, the center interrow remains untouched so 50 percent of the rows are undisturbed. In addition, the compacted area is reduced by 60 percent. Thanks to better cane growing conditions fostered by the John Deere two-row harvester system, improved yield and ratoon life are expected.
CH9 Series cleaning system in action
Wider entry to the primary extractor, less billet contact with the fan, and a 78 percent larger secondary extractor reduce cane loss while maintaining low extraneous matter levels. In addition, only 50 percent of the uncut rows are exposed to contact with the harvester for further loss reduction.
Feature benefits:
Primary extractor with wide cane entry
122-cm (48-in.) secondary extractor
Functionality:
Twice the pour rate of a single-row unit required reengineering of the cleaning system to deliver high-quality cane. The CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester optimizes the use of the primary extractor cleaning area with wider entry offered by the longer chopper drums. It is in this first section where most of the trash removal takes place. Relocating the fan further back and tapering the cane inlet greatly contributes to cleaning efficiency and reduced loss.
Lower loss is also possible thanks to the higher cane flow that minimizes the risk of billets being pulled away by the fan.
A redesigned, higher-capacity secondary extractor with tapered inlet and 78 percent larger area provides even more cleaning before the cane is loaded into the wagon.
CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester
The John Deere CH9 Series Two-Row Harvester was designed with both durability and value in mind. CH9 Series components can handle the most unforgiving conditions while providing dependable performance throughout the harvest. Longer life and ease of service dramatically reduce downtime and boost productivity, putting more money in your pocket where it belongs.
Feature benefits:
Rugged CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester
Functionality:
The CH9 Series components have been overdesigned to ensure long-term durability. The John Deere 13.6L (830-cu in.) engine is 50 percent larger than the CH570 9.0L (549-cu in.) engine, and the Tier 3 option uses no more than 70 percent of the maximum power capacity available for other applications. The harvester uses John Deere 850 Crawler Dozer tracks that are two levels above the single-row tracks and won’t need to be refurbished during the season. The elevator is 30 percent larger, and it uses harden steel floors, strips, and sprockets plus heavy-duty slats and bearings. Higher torque capacity gears and bearings are used on the final drive, which provide 60 percent longer life.
CH9 Series equipped with RowAdapt in base
With the John Deere exclusive RowAdapt system, the CH9 Series Sugar Cane Harvester adjusts automatically to different row profiles, row cultures, and changing terrain.
Feature benefits:
Basecutters adapt to row height variations
Functionality:
Once the contour basecutter height control and floating crop divider have been enabled, the RowAdapt system is ready to go to work.
The basecutters are independent and will accommodate height differences of up to 200 mm (7.9 in.) between the two rows being cut on uneven terrain.
The crop divider floating control system is calibrated so that the appropriate pressure is exerted on the interrow to allow the base of the crop dividers to barely contact the ground. At the same time, it keeps the toe under lodged crop so that the scrolls lift up and feed the cane effectively into the harvester throat.
The contour basecutter height control system uses the crop dividers’ position and disk cutting pressure inputs to operate. The system automatically adjusts to the target cutting height selected by the operator.
| Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere CH960 Sugar Cane Harvester |
| Engine Make | John Deere | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard power @ 2100 rpm | 360 kW 485 hp 490 CV |
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| Cooling system type | Automatically controlled, hydraulically driven reversing cooling fan | |||
| Fuel capacity | 1135 L 300 gal. |
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| Standard chain and shoes | Sealed chain Shoes: 560 mm 22 in. |
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| Maximum whole topper reach | 4.2 m 13.75 ft |
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| Crop dividers: Float control | Automatic float control | |||
| Basecutter: Standard disc diameter | 58.4 cm 23 in. |
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| Chopper: Standard blade configuration | Ten blade (five per drum), differential | |||
| Fan diameter | 1.5 m 5 ft |
| Make | John Deere | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | 6136NW301 | |||
| Family | ||||
| Emission certification | Tier 3/Stage III A | |||
| Standard power @ 2100 rpm | ||||
| Standard power @ 2000 rpm | ||||
| Standard power @ 1900 rpm | 360 kW 485 hp 490 CV |
|||
| Standard power @ 1700 rpm | 400 kW 540 hp 544 CV |
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| Optional engine model | 6136NW401 | |||
| Optional engine emission certification | Final Tier 4/Stage IV | |||
| Optional power @ 2100 rpm | 420 kW 567 hp 572 CV |
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| Optional power @ 2000 rpm | 440 kW 595 hp 600 CV |
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| Cylinders | Inline six, wet sleeves | |||
| Displacement | 13.6 L 830 cu in. |
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| Injection pump | Electronically controlled | |||
| Aspiration | Turbocharger with air-to-air aftercooling | |||
| Engine speeds | Low idle 800 rpm Full throttle 1900 rpm |
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| Alternator | 200 amp 12 V |
| Type | Automatically controlled, hydraulically driven reversing cooling fan |
|---|
| Type | Two hydrostatic pumps providing variable speed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track machine travel speed | 0 to 9.0 km/h 0 to 5.6 mph |
| Parking | Multiple wet disk, spring applied hydraulic released |
|---|
| Fuel | 1135 L 300 gal. |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (Tier 4 Engine only) | 78.2 L 20.7 gal. |
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| Hydraulic oil | 309 L 81.6 gal. |
| Sprocket | Five-segment, bolt-on sprocket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track guides | Welded guides with bolted wear plates | |||
| Rollers | Eight bottom rollers and two carrier rollers | |||
| Standard straight track shoe width | ||||
| Standard track chain | ||||
| Track tread width | Standard: 3.6 m 11.8 ft |
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| Standard chain and shoes | Chain and shoes, option 1 Sealed and chain with 560-mm (22-in.) bent shoes for 3-m (9.83-ft) tread option only Sealed and lubricated chain with 5604-mm (22-in.) bent shoes |
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| Optional bent track shoe widths | ||||
| Optional track chain |
| Air conditioning | Pressurized cab with air conditioning and heating | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-tipping cab | ||||
| Seat | Air suspension with swivel | |||
| Radio | Standard premium with Bluetooth® wireless | |||
| Emergency shut-off switch | ||||
| Pressurized cab | ||||
| GPS guidance | AutoTrac ready standard | |||
| Connectivity | JDLink™ ready | |||
| Speedometer | ||||
| Data management |
| Standard | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Cab | Four halogen head lights and four working light-emitting diode (LED) lights | |||
| Auxillary for loading | Four LED lights | |||
| Service | Two LED lights on topper boom and two halogen lights on engine/cooling package compartment |
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorption | Nitrogen accumulator | |||
| Maximum whole topper reach | 4.2 m 13.75 ft |
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| Severing disc | Eight bolt-on blades | |||
| Whole topper | ||||
| Shredder topper | ||||
| Extended width whole topper |
| Type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crop divider assemblies | Two side assemblies and one center assembly | |||
| Center crop divider assembly scrolls | Includes two inside scrolls | |||
| Side crop divider assemblies scrolls | Includes one inside and one outside scroll each | |||
| Scrolls | ||||
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
| Inside scrolls approach angle | 46 degree (angle) | |||
| Factory hard surfacing | Skirts, slip-on shoes, toes | |||
| Float control | Automatic float control | |||
| Tilt control | Hydraulic |
| Side knives | Two | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center knife | One | |||
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
| Height control | Hydraulic | |||
| Blades | Three bolt-on blades per disk |
| Knockdown roller assemblies | Two assemblies consisting of one front and one lower roller each | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
| Manual height adjustment | ||||
| Hydraulic height adjustment | Synchronized front and lower roller travel |
| Basecutters | Center to center distance 180 cm 70.9 in. Two independent |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
| Height control | Automatic contour basecutter height control | |||
| Discs per box | Two | |||
| Legs | Vertical with bolt-on wear plates | |||
| Gearbox housing | Cast | |||
| Standard drive | ||||
| Optional drive | ||||
| Standard disc diameter | 58.4 cm 23 in. |
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| Optional disc diameter | ||||
| Discs center distance | 63 cm 24.8 in. |
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| Number of blades per disc | Five |
| Buttlifters | Two | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
| Type | Four-bar open |
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible drive | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of rollers | ||||
| Feed train assemblies | Two front split feed trains and one rear common feed train | |||
| Feedroller train | Each feed train has upper floating rollers and lower feedrollers | |||
| Front split feed trains number of rollers | Each feed train has four upper rollers and four lower rollers including the buttlifter | |||
| Rear feed train number of rollers | Three upper rollers and four lower rollers including the transition roller | |||
| Bearing location | External |
| Drive | Hydraulic, reversible | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drum center distance | 38.1 cm 15 in. |
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| Bearing location | External | |||
| Blade width | 9.5 cm 3.74 in. |
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| Blade configuration | Standard 10 blade (five per drum), overlap Option 1 Eight blade (four per drum), overlap |
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| Sill roller | Standard |
| Fan drive | Hydrostatic, variable speed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan diameter | 1.5 m 5 ft |
|||
| Fan number of blades | Four | |||
| Maximum fan speed | 930 rpm | |||
| Hood rotation | Hydraulically controlled | |||
| Wear ring | Highly abrasive-resistant steel |
| Chain adjustment | Grease cylinder | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprocket drive | Hydraulic motor driven, reversible | |||
| Width | 112 cm 44.1 in. |
|||
| Elevator swing | Hydraulically controlled, trunnion cylinders | |||
| Total swing angle | 170 degree (angle) | |||
| Shock absorption | Nitrogen accumulator | |||
| Slat height | ||||
| Optional elevator extensions |
| Fan drive | Hydraulic | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan number of blades | Three | |||
| Fan diameter | 1.22 m 4 ft |
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| Hood rotation, degrees | ||||
| Bin flap position | Hydraulically controlled |
| Machine weight | 35,545 kg 78,363.2 lb Weight may vary with options |
|---|
| Date collected | 17 January 2020 |
|---|
1 Internal John Deere comparison between CH950/CH960 and CH570 Sugar Cane Harvester models, based on field conditions. Individual results may vary.
Images of equipment models may be digitally or AI generated, are for illustration purposes only, and are subject to change. Equipment models shown are typically base models and may not reflect the actual product, features, options, or attachments. Equipment availability may be limited. See your John Deere dealer for additional information.
