All the Ins and Outs of the CR11 beast from New Holland
After ten years of design, tinkering, and testing, it’s finally ready: the CR11 combine harvester from New Holland. This gigantic machine is built in Zedelgem, Belgium. Under optimal conditions, this beast can thresh a whopping 120 tons of wheat per hour. It’s not just the dimensions that are impressive—technologically, there’s plenty to talk about. Here are all the details.
During a demonstration of the CR11 combine in Germany’s Magdeburger Börde, conditions were less than ideal, observed Future Farming. The straw wasn’t fully ripe, and there was even a light drizzle. However, the show went on: the wheat was mature, yielding 9 tons per hectare.
Fitted with a MacDon header spanning 15.2 meters, the CR11 demonstrated exceptional efficiency. After its first pass, only 0.3 grams of grain loss per square meter was detected in the loss tray – an impressive 0.1% loss rate while processing 75–80 tons of wheat per hour. This showcases the CR11’s potential.
New Holland developed the CR11 to maximize threshing capacity while minimizing losses, aiming as close to 0% as possible. Although specific conditions play a critical role, the machine has reportedly achieved over 120 tons per hour on multiple occasions. As for pricing, New Holland estimates the CR11 will cost around 15% more than the current flagship model, the CR10.90.
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Chain-free drive concept
The CR11 builds on the threshing principles of New Holland’s CR series. Grain passes through a radial drum into two axial drums for threshing and separation before being cleaned over sieves. The CR11 keeps this concept but introduces larger components: wider intake, longer threshing rotors, and more sieves.
A significant innovation is its chainless drive concept. The left rotor connects to a short driveshaft and an angular gearbox, powering the Dynamic Feed Roll (DFR) without belts or pulleys. If the machine clogs, a reverse function empties it within 30 seconds.
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Emptying the machine
To elaborate on this innovation: traditionally, the first threshing drum, known as the New Holland Dynamic Feed Roll (DFR), was driven from the side of the machine using belts, pulleys, and variators. The DFR operates at a slightly higher speed than the axial threshing rotors, actively feeding grain into the machine and serving as a stone catcher.
Now, New Holland has eliminated these belts entirely. Instead, they have cleverly utilized the left axial threshing rotor as a driveshaft. The axial threshing rotors are powered from the rear of the machine.
At the front, just below the cab, an angular gearbox redirects power to the left side of the machine, where a wide belt drives the DFR. A clever feature here is the addition of a dual belt tensioner. This system, operated by a hydraulic cylinder, allows the drive direction to be reversed.
The advantage? If the machine becomes clogged, you can simply press a button, and the entire machine will reverse itself, emptying completely in just 30 seconds. This significantly reduces downtime and ensures smooth operation.
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Longitudinally mounted engine
The reverse capability of the driveline is made possible by a hydromechanical CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a three-speed gearbox. This CVT powers the threshing rotors, including the DFR, and is mounted entirely at the rear of the machine, directly behind the engine.
A notable feature is the longitudinal mounting of the FPT Cursor 16 engine, a 15.9-liter powerhouse delivering 775 horsepower. At the front of the engine, behind the grain tank, three large cooling fans are positioned side by side, drawing in cooling air. According to New Holland, this location experiences the least dust turbulence, even in crosswinds. The CVT is mounted just behind the engine, alongside the hydraulics and the 1,500-liter fuel tank.
Interestingly, the engine is not mounted horizontally but at an angle. The reason lies in the driveline design: a long driveshaft runs forward from the CVT to power the header, which requires 285 horsepower. Any angle in the driveshaft reduces efficiency. To minimize these angles, the engine is tilted forward slightly. This configuration reduces power loss and maximizes efficiency.
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Lateral shaking system
The two threshing rotors in the CR11 have been upgraded, now measuring 61 cm in diameter (up from 56 cm) and 3.5 meters long (up from 2.9 meters in the CR10.90). The front portion of each rotor is dedicated to threshing, while the rear half handles separation. The aggressiveness of threshing can be adjusted in three ways:
- Concave clearance
- Rotor speed
- Electronically adjustable vane angle
The adjustable vane angle determines how many times the crop cycles through the rotor—either 2.5 or 7 times—before exiting as straw.
At the front of the rotors, interchangeable concave segments with various openings can be installed depending on the crop. These segments, weighing 15–20 kg each, come with a mounting aid for easier handling. The aid allows the segments to be inserted from below into a clamping holder and pressed upward, simplifying replacement. The machine’s design ensures ample space around the concaves for comfortable access.
Following the preparation pan, the machine features two upper and lower sieves, providing a total sieve area of 8.76 square meters. A standout feature is the inclusion of pressure sensors on the preparation pan and upper sieve, along with an electric actuator that enables lateral shaking of the cleaning system.
This functionality is particularly useful in challenging conditions, such as: Threshing on slopes (up to a 28% incline) and uneven feeding when only one side of the header is in useIn these scenarios, the sensors detect uneven grain distribution across the sieves. The system then automatically engages lateral shaking to ensure the grain is evenly distributed, optimizing cleaning efficiency and reducing loss.
Threshing on slopes (up to a 28% incline)Uneven feeding when only one side of the header is in useIn these scenarios, the sensors detect uneven grain distribution across the sieves. The system then automatically engages lateral shaking to ensure the grain is evenly distributed, optimizing cleaning efficiency and reducing loss.
This combination of larger rotors, customizable concaves, and intelligent cleaning automation underscores the CR11’s capability to handle demanding harvesting conditions with precision.
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11-meter unloading pipe
Beneath the sieves, two cross augers transport grain to the clean grain elevator. The front auger feeds the elevator from the front, while the rear auger completes the fill. If you opt for a Near-Infrared (NIR) sensor, it will be mounted in this area. The grain tank has a massive capacity of 20,000 liters, and the GPS receiver is cleverly installed on top of the tank. When the tank folds down, the GPS receiver is enclosed inside, acting as an anti-theft measure. The machine itself weighs approximately 26 tons and features 66 cm wide hydraulically suspended tracks, maintaining a transport width of just 3.5 meters—an improvement over the 61 cm tracks of the CR10.90.
At the bottom of the grain tank, two cross augers feed grain into the 11-meter-long unloading pipe. This length accommodates headers up to 18 meters wide, a configuration available for the CR11. For transport, the unloading pipe folds at a 90-degree angle behind the machine to reduce its protrusion. The unloading system delivers grain at an impressive rate of 210 liters per second. If unloading into a truck or trailer, you can relax a belt to reduce the rate to 160 liters per second, providing more control.
It’s crucial to completely empty the unloading pipe after use. If not fully emptied, up to a ton of grain can remain inside. While the system includes an emergency stop to prevent damage, regularly leaving grain in the pipe can lead to long-term wear and inefficiencies. To ensure optimal performance, New Holland recommends always fully emptying the pipe after use.
Hydraulic stone trap
The stone trap is a key feature for preventing damage and maintaining efficiency. In the CR11, the stone trap has been upgraded to a hydraulic system, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Instead of stepping out to empty the trap, operators can simply press a button to activate the system.
When engaged, the hydraulic mechanism: Opens the stone trap briefly to release debris and causes the trap to “clatter” several times to ensure thorough clearing. This automated process reduces the risk of interruptions and improves safety by eliminating the need for operators to manually clear blockages.
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Up to 18 meters wide
The rear of the CR11 combine harvester has undergone significant updates, with the most notable change being the reversed operation of the straw chopper. Now, the straw is directed over the rotor and through the counter-knives. After passing through the chopper, the straw is distributed by two spreaders designed to evenly cover up to an 18-meter working width.
During a demonstration with a 15.2-meter header, the straw was observed being flung toward the edge of the standing crop. This precise distribution is made possible by LiDAR sensors mounted on either side of the combine. These sensors can “see” through dust and monitor the distribution of straw.
When conditions such as sidewinds are detected, the automation adjusts the spreaders to maintain even coverage.
The system allows operators to configure the combine for 18-meter straw spreading, ideal for the wide headers used in regions like Australia, Canada, and North America. In Europe, such wide headers are typically impractical due to transport regulations. However, New Holland specialists emphasize the importance of using the widest possible header to maximize the machine’s efficiency. A combine as large and powerful as the CR11 requires substantial material input to operate at optimal capacity.
This capability underscores the CR11’s adaptability for global markets, catering to both massive-scale farms and varying regulatory landscapes.
LiDAR sensors on either side of the straw spreader continuously monitor the distribution of straw. Using data from these sensors, the system compensates for conditions like sidewinds, ensuring an even spread.
To minimize downtime, the stone trap opens hydraulically from the cab. The automation ensures it also gives a few quick shakes to thoroughly clear debris.
The cab has been updated with new screens and more black accents in the design. The controls remain familiar from other CR combines. It’s only from the seat that you truly appreciate how imposing and wide the header is.
On the left, you can see the preparation pan, and on the right, the upper sieves. Both are equipped with electric actuators that enable lateral shaking movements independently of each other. Combined with pressure sensors beneath the sieves, this system ensures that the automation evenly distributes the grain for optimal cleaning efficiency.
The grain tank has a capacity of 20,000 liters. At the back of the tank, there is a small door that can be opened for easy access. The GPS receiver is mounted on the front of the tank and folds inside the bunker during transport, doubling as a theft prevention measure.
This is the right side of the machine. The black (shielded) driveshaft comes from the CVT transmission and directly powers the header. The white plastic panels cover the threshing section during operation, providing protection and ensuring smooth functioning.
A 18-meter header is almost impossible to transport legally on the road. That’s why a 15.2-meter header is used here. According to New Holland, the CR11 can lift and power any header designed for grain or corn. The machine delivers 285 horsepower to the header, ensuring optimal performance.
