One of the secrets that made the world record possible is the twin rotor technology which has been refined for New Holland’s latest combine harvester. The large twin rotors ensure an unmatched throughput capacity. Extensive research by New Holland’s development engineers has resulted in fully integrated systems that optimise the speed of the crop flow depending on the type of crop and the load of the combine harvester.

More than just power

The world record holder has a number of interesting features beyond its sheer productivity and power. The spacious cab has a glass surface of 5.8 square metres and is isolated very effectively from the noise the huge engine and the crop harvesting process makes. “Stepping into the cab of this harvester is like stepping into the cockpit of a plane”, says Peter Tylleman, Production Supervisor for the CR 9090 at the New Holland plant in Zedelgem. This is a pointed way of expressing the difference between sitting in the driver’s seat of a modern high-tech harvester and the kind of machinery that comes to mind when a layman thinks of agricultural technology.

The CR9090 is a good example for the way in which the progress of information technology has changed the fabric of modern life. The steering of New Holland’s flagship is enhanced by a variation of the global positioning system used in road cars, DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System), and a variety of systems monitor the grain flow’s steadiness and quality.

Extreme vibrations

A Henkel film crew had the chance to take a look behind the scenes of the New Holland production facility in Zedelgem, Belgium. In an interview, New Holland vehicle engineer Frank Duquesne explains the difficult conditions under which the company’s customer has to operate: “After all, farmers and contractors have to bring in the harvest in a very short period of time. As a result, the reliability of our combine harvesters is very important.”

This is where Henkel’s anaerobic adhesives come into play. To ensure the high level of reliability, New Holland applies a large range of anaerobic products. “We use Loctite to support critical bolt connections, such as those in the cleaning shoe. Here
– under the most severe vibrations – the bolted joints must remain secure during the machine’s entire lifespan”, explains Duquesne.

One of the most severely stressed components in these high-performance 600-horsepower combine harvesters is the twin rotor thresher mentioned earlier. High-strength Loctite 270 threadlocker is used to secure the thresher bolts. As these parts are difficult to access later, this is the only way to make sure that they will withstand the extreme vibrations created by the threshing action during the constant, hard harvesting which may last weeks.

A central gear drives the two 2.5m long thresher rotors. The New Holland engineers use Loctite 638, an anaerobic high-strength adhesive, in assembling the shaft hub joints. With the help of an activator, the adhesive cures in no time and securely fixes the central gear – even when threshing up to 551 tons in eight hours.

Never compromise reliability

Many important components of New Holland’s combine harvesters are moved and controlled by hydraulics. Loctite 542 is used in the assembly of the hydraulic system to prevent any leaks, even under the harshest conditions. By ensuring that the machines run smoothly, this Loctite thread sealant plays a key role in the high degree of mechanisation in today’s agriculture.

Loctite anaerobic products are not only used because of the numerous technical advantages they offer, but also because they help to optimise assembly processes. Loctite 515 flange sealant, for example, is used during pre-assembly for efficient and cost-effective protection of the axle bearings against moisture from the washing process. This avoids an expensive and time-consuming extra step without compromising the reliability of components.

Delivering results

Using the right materials and components is only half the battle, though. The best components won’t get you anywhere without people who know how to use them in the most effective way. That’s why New Holland devotes a lot of time and resources to training their staff. In 2008, the company opened a new training centre for its own employees.

“Henkel was the only supplier whose representative has become a fixed part of the training schedule, because New Holland considers adhesives a key technology in their manufacturing”, explains Talitha van Drom, the Henkel key account manager responsible for the cooperation with New Holland. The aim of the training is to give New Holland’s employees background knowledge about adhesive technology. “We have been able to clear up some misunderstandings and smoothed the workflow”, says van Drom, who held the training herself.

It is the combination of dedication to their staff, cutting-edge technology and robustness that makes New Holland products so successful. Henkel has a long tradition firmly rooted in the same values, which is part of the reason why the two companies have been working well together for years. The main reason why New Holland has chosen Henkel as the key supplier has got nothing to do with similar philosophies, however: it’s the simple fact that in any demanding environment Loctite products are the first choice – because they deliver, no matter how tough the job is.