When 2 June 2023 rolled around, the fields were alive with the hum of heavy machinery, for it was the day of the Class 8 Combine Race. With five power-packed entries from leading manufacturers and a gutsy independent farmer, the event promised an adrenaline-filled spectacle of speed and state-of-the-art technology.

THE COMPETITORS

NEW HOLLAND
CR7.90:

This contender, technically a Class 7 combine, is a plucky participant in the Class 8 race. The CR7.90, despite its smaller power output of 300 kilowatts and lesser sieve capacity, innovates with a twin rotor setup. This setup recycles grain via a pre-sieve system, effectively boosting its capacity.

CASE IH 8250:

At the helm of this formidable machine is Tommie Scholtz, a farmer imported from Bergville with his combine. The Case IH 8250 is equipped with a smart harvest command system that automatically adjusts for optimal harvesting, preventing unnecessary seed wastage. Furthermore, its single rotor setup ensures proficient grain cleaning. The Axial-Flow system has been at the centre of Case IH for decades. How will it stand the test of time?

FENDT IDEAL 8:

This brand-new machine from Fendt boasts a power output of 401 kilowatts and a twin rotor setup, featuring the longest rotors in the industry, a testament to Fendt's innovative design and engineering prowess.

CLAAS 7600:

With Andre Du Preez in the driver's seat, the Claas 7600 utilizes a hybrid system. The traditional threshing system is supported by two additional rotors for separation, ensuring most of the threshing gets done by the three drums upfront, boosting overall operational efficiency. With Andre having the home ground advantage, how will he do?

JOHN DEERE S780:

John Deere introduces the unique TriStream system with its S780 model. The single rotor setup is specially angled and tapered, assisting in threshing and guaranteeing a smooth grain flow through the combine.

Adding to the lineup is the son of Andre’s brother, also Andre Du Preez or Doepi, continuing the legacy of competing in the annual Combine Race, representing the spirit of independent farming amid these corporate behemoths. As the race kicked off, a minor delay at the start saw the Fendt Ideal, New Holland, and Case IH machines lagging, but Andre Du Preez's Claas 7600 quickly took the lead. The New Holland, facing a power disadvantage, began falling behind, while Tommie Scholtz's Case IH 8250 found itself locked in a fierce battle with the leading CLAAS 7600. The competition took an unexpected twist when Doepi, due to a sieve malfunction, had less grain material going through his combine. This enabled him to accelerate and overtake the field. 

The thrilling competition concluded with a photo finish. Video footage showed the CLAAS barely ahead of the Case, but after factoring in all timings and revisiting the drone footage, the Case IH 8250 was declared the winner, finishing just a second ahead of the CLAAS. John Deere bagged the third spot, followed by Fendt in fourth and New Holland in fifth place. The final points, based on a 100- point scale, considered speed (50 points), quantity of gravel under the sieve (10 points), broken seeds on top of the sieve (10 points), wastage behind the combine (20 points), and cobs left behind by the combine (10 points).

The event, organized by the Grootpan Studiegroep and Du Preez Landgoed, calculated the rankings based on several criteria, including speed, gravel quantity under the sieve, broken seeds on the sieve's top, wastage behind the combine, and leftover cobs. The final scores stood at Case IH leading with 92.08 points, Claas Lexion earning 85.95 points, Fendt Ideal with 82.72 points, John Deere accumulating 75.81 points, and New Holland securing 63.44 points. The Class 8 Combine Race 2023 offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of agricultural machinery and competition, with Case IH taking home the victory. It was a thrilling day, and all participants deserve commendation for their superb performances.