PAMI Evaluation Report

Case IH 8380 Mower Conditioner

Manufacturer: Hay and Forage Ind., P.O. Box 4000, Hesston, Kansas, USA 67062-2904 | Tel: (316) 327-6158

Distributor: JI Case Canada, 240 Henderson Drive, Box 5051, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3M3 | Tel: (306) 924-1618

Retail Price: $27,139.00 (September 1990, Portage la Prairie, MB). Options included: auger slip clutch, crop dividers, short crop forming shields and 540 rpm hydraulic pump.

Figure 1: Case IH 8380 Mower Conditioner

A black and white photograph shows the Case IH 8380 Mower Conditioner parked on grass. The machine is a large agricultural implement with a long, articulated drawbar. Key components labeled in the image include: (1) Drawbar Extension, (2) Hydraulic Pump, (3) Swing Tongue, (4) Cutterbar, (5) Push Bar, (6) Bat Reel, (7) Floatation Tires, and (8) Main Frame.

Summary of Work

Rate of Work

The average continuous ground speed for the Case IH 8380 mower conditioner was 6.1 mph (9.7 km/h). Average continuous work rate was 11.8 ac/h (4.7 ha/h). The Case IH 8380 was capable of cutting and conditioning at speeds up to 8 mph (12.8 km/h). Average daily work rates are lower than continuous work rates due to time for turning and other field irregularities.

Quality of Work

The performance of the Case IH 8380 mower conditioner in all crops tested was very good. The twin knife cutterbar was excellent cutting alfalfa, native grasses, brome, timothy and clover. Performance of the conditioning rolls was very good in all crops tested and windrow formation was very good. Floatation was very good and was easily set to meet field conditions. Leaf loss was minimal.

Windrow Formation

Windrow formation was very good and fully adjustable. When the windrow forming shields were adjusted to their narrowest settings, they produced a clean-edged compact windrow. Wider, flatter windrows resulted when shields were spread further apart. In cross wind conditions, sometimes a clump of crop would be dropped outside the windrow. Windrows up to 9.0 ft (2.7m) wide or as narrow as 3.3 ft (1.0 m) could be achieved. The centre delivery discharge allowed a continuous windrow to be formed around corners.

Cutterbar Performance

Cutting ability of the two opposing knife bars was excellent in all crops tested. The Case IH 8380 was very effective when cutting native grasses due to the high cyclic rate of the knives. Damp and fine stemmed crops did not adversely affect cutting ability. In damp field conditions, dirt could build up on the skid shoes and eventually plug the cutter bar. The Case IH 8380 utilized nuts and bolts to attach the over serrated sickle sections to the knife bars, making individual sickle replacement easy and convenient. The Case IH 8380 produced ideal stubble in most crops, though stubble was ragged in areas that were trampled or lodged. Stubble height was controlled by adjustable skid shoes beneath the header.

Floatation

Floatation was very good, provided by twelve large tension springs. Three adjustable skid shoes were located on the header underside, allowing cutter bar height adjustments of up to 5 in (127 mm). For crops requiring floatation above 5 in (127 mm), cylinder stops were provided.

Conditioner Performance

Conditioner performance was very good. The Case IH 8380 was equipped with two counter-rotating conditioning rolls (9.1 ft / 2.8 m length each) that meshed together in a spiral design. The upper roll was 8.0 in (203 mm) diameter rubber, and the lower roll was 7.8 in (197 mm) diameter steel. The rolls crushed or broke crop stems, increasing moisture evaporation. The advantage of a conditioned crop is one-half to one day advance baling.

Figure 2: The Effect of Conditioning in Alfalfa

A line graph illustrates the moisture content percentage of alfalfa over time in hours. Two lines are plotted: 'UNCONDITIONED' and 'CONDITIONED'. The 'UNCONDITIONED' line shows a slower decrease in moisture content compared to the 'CONDITIONED' line, indicating that conditioning significantly speeds up the drying process.

Leaf Loss

Leaf loss was minimal and considered very good. Some leaf loss was observed in crops of alfalfa that were quite heavy and did not allow sunlight to penetrate to the bottom of the plant.

Ease of Operation

Hitching

Ease of hitching was considered good. The Case IH 8380 was equipped with a drawbar extension that had to be bolted to the tractor drawbar before the mower conditioner could be attached. Once attached, the mower conditioner hitch was lowered onto the hitch extension pin. A suitable cotter pin secured the connection. The hitch jack was raised and stored. The PTO driven hydraulic pump was attached to the tractor's power shaft. Hook-up was completed with the attachment of three hydraulic hoses and the safety chain. Hitching was easy and took one person about ten minutes.

Figure 3: Drawbar Extension

A diagram shows a drawbar extension, a metal component designed to connect the mower conditioner to a tractor's drawbar. It depicts a pin and a cotter pin used for securing the connection.

Hydraulic Controls

Ease of operating the hydraulic controls was very good. The Case IH 8380 was equipped with two separate hydraulic control circuits. Mower height was controlled by single-acting cylinders attached to each ground wheel, which also lifted the machine for safety lock placement. Header movement was controlled by the appropriate hydraulic lever. A second hydraulic circuit powered a double-acting cylinder that swung the tongue from side to side, allowing the header to be moved easily to either side of the tractor.

Transporting

Ease of transporting was good. The machine was prepared for transport by centralizing the centre pivot tongue and installing a roading pin to lock the tongue perpendicular to the header. The header was raised to its maximum height and cylinder locks were placed on the wheel cylinder rams and pinned to prevent the header from lowering during transport. The 17.8 ft (5.4 m) overall width required caution when meeting oncoming traffic or traversing bridges. It is recommended that the manufacturer consider a modification to the hydraulic pump to lock it in its transport position when transporting by truck. The Case IH 8380 towed well at 30 mph (50 km/h) and had sufficient ground clearance.

Lubrication

Ease of lubrication was very good. The tongue served as the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Checking the fluid level was easy. Many sealed bearings require no additional lubrication. There are fifteen 50-hour lubrication points and two 20-hour lubrication points. Chain cases and gearboxes require lubrication and level checks every 250 hours. Normal daily lubrication took one person about 15 minutes. All grease pressure nipples were easy to access, except those within universal joints.

Field Operation

Field operation was very good. The machine was placed in field position by raising the mower to its maximum height and removing transport locks. The tongue roading pin was removed, and the tongue was moved to the field position. The header was lowered, the PTO engaged, and the machine advanced into the crop. Adjustments to header floatation were often needed to match ground conditions. Cutting on both sides of the tractor was possible, and moving the mower conditioner from one side to the other was simple. Steering around corners and obstacles required some operator practice.

Ease of Adjustments

Lean Bar

Ease of adjusting the lean bar was fair. The adjustment allowed for a high or low position, with a range of 4 in (100 mm). This adjustment was difficult for one person and took two people about 10 minutes.

Cutterbar

Adjustment of the cutterbar was fair. The operator's manual does not instruct the operator to raise or lower the header before making adjustments. It is recommended that the manufacturer add instructions for placing the header in the proper position before attempting to adjust the knife guard angle. Guard angle adjustments were provided on each side of the header, allowing operation at 4°, 7°, and 10° from horizontal, selected by placing anchor bolts in appropriate holes.

Reel

Ease of adjusting the reel speed was very good, with speeds adjustable for four settings (64 to 74 rpm) by adding or removing shims. This took one person about 10 minutes. Reel position was also adjustable for height (2 in / 50 mm movement, very good) and fore and aft position (very good, 15 minutes). Reel tines release timing adjustment was very good and easily accomplished by loosening and retightening bolts on the cam track, taking about 5 minutes.

Augers

The dual feed augers were not adjustable for speed or position. Auger stripper angles were poor and difficult to adjust accurately due to their location. It is recommended that the manufacturer develop a method for more accurate stripper angle adjustment. Several times, the augers plugged with cut crop, and unplugging was difficult and time-consuming. A modification to allow manual rotation of the augers and conditioning rolls would aid in unplugging. Auger chain tension adjustment was very good.

Conditioner Rolls

Ease of adjusting conditioner roll pressure was very good, achieved by increasing spring length. Roll gap spacing was easily adjusted using adjustment nuts, with indicators for accurate measurement. This took one person about 5 minutes. Roll timing adjustments were very good and accurate, taking about 15 minutes.

Floatation

Ease of adjusting header floatation was very good. Adjustments were required to prevent cutterbar plugging in soft and damp field conditions. Adjustments were made by removing lock plates and rotating bolts until the desired floatation was achieved, ensuring equal upward pressure on both ends of the header. This took one person about 15 minutes.

Swath Gate

Ease of adjusting the windrow width and height was good. The adjustable windrow forming panels offered a range from a narrow 3.3 ft (1.0 m) to a wide 9.0 ft (2.7 m). Each side was individually adjustable. Adjustments were easy and took minimal time.

Knives

Ease of maintaining the knives was very good. Individual sickle sections were attached to the knife bars with nuts and bolts, making replacement straightforward and quick.

Power Requirements

Average and peak power requirements for the Case IH 8380 were 26.9 hp (20.1 kW) and 30.1 hp (22.5 kW) respectively. Average drawbar pull at 5 mph (8 km/h) was 623 lb (2771 N). PAMI used tractors ranging from 75 hp (56 kW) to 140 hp (105 kW). Tractors required at least two remote hydraulic outlets capable of supplying 1750 psi (12.1 MPa) and a PTO shaft capable of 1000 rpm (540 rpm optional).

Operator Safety

Safety on the Case IH 8380 was very good if normal safety precautions were followed. The test machine was supplied with a lighting kit for transport. The 8380 complied with all ASAE Standards for safety. All pulleys, sprockets, universal joints, and shafts were adequately guarded and labeled. A bracket was provided for a slow-moving vehicle sign, and a hitch safety chain was provided as standard equipment.

Operator's Manual

The operator's manual was very good and contained useful information on specifications, serial numbers, checklists, safety, general information, lubrication, operation, maintenance, adjustments, optional equipment, storage, and troubleshooting. The manual was well written and illustrated, with factual and accurate information. It did not include a statement instructing the operator on the header position required before cutterbar angle adjustments.

Mechanical History

The mechanical history of the Case IH 8380 mower conditioner is outlined below. The evaluation focused on functional performance, not extended durability.

Discussion of Mechanical History

Lift Cylinder

At 4 hours, the lift cylinder on the right side of the machine failed to lift the header clear of the ground. The problem was corrected by replacing the cylinder.

Sway Bar

At 106 hours, the lower link pin in the right sway bar failed. Damage was confined to the sway bar assembly and the sickle head on the right knife bar. The sway bar was replaced as a unit, and the sickle head was also replaced.

Figure 4: Failed Knife Drive Mechanism

A close-up photograph displays several mechanical parts. These include a link pin, a sway bar assembly, and a sickle head, which are components of the knife drive mechanism that experienced failure during testing.

Hydraulic Motor

The oil seal on the output shaft leaked a small quantity of oil throughout the duration of the test. No attempt to repair was made.

Figure 5: Leaking Oil Seal on Hydraulic Motor

A photograph shows a hydraulic motor with an oil seal on its output shaft. A dark fluid stain indicates a small oil leak that was present throughout the test duration.

Recommendations

1. A modification to the hydraulic pump that would lock it in its transport position when transporting by truck.
2. An addition to the operator's manual that would instruct the operator to place the header in the proper position before attempting to adjust the knife guard angle.
3. A method that would allow a more accurate adjustment of the stripper angles.
4. A modification to allow the manual rotation of the augers and conditioning rolls that would be an aid in unplugging.

The Manufacturer States That

With regard to recommendation number:

1. A modified design will be investigated for future production.
2. Instructions in the Operator's Manual for changing the guard angle will be clarified.
3. Due to their location, auger strippers are difficult to adjust to the proper auger clearance. Ways to improve this will be investigated.
4. A shaft flat is provided on the machine to allow rotation with a wrench. Instructions will be added to the Operator's Manual.

Appendix I: Specifications

Overall Dimensions

• Transport Position: length 25.3 ft (7.7 m), width 17.8 ft (5.4 m), height 6.3 ft (1.9 m)
• Field Position: length 19.5 ft (5.9 m), width 24.0 ft (7.3 m), height 5.4 ft (1.6 m)

Drives

• Main Drive: Hydraulic
• Secondary Drives: Mechanical

Header

• Effective width of cut: 16 ft (4.8 m)
• Range of cutting height: 1.0 to 5.0 in (25 mm to 127 mm)
• Guard angle: 4°, 7°, 10°
• Guard type: Twin forged steel
• Guard spacing: 3.0 in (76 mm)
• Knife speed: 1800 strokes per minute
• Knife section: Over serrated
• Length of knife bars: 8.0 ft (2.4 m)

Reel

• Number of bats: 5
• Diameter: 3.5 ft (1.06 m)
• Number of tines per bat: 24
• Bat teeth spacing: 4.0 in (100 mm)
• Reel speed range: 64 to 74 rpm

Augers

• Speed (upper): 310 rpm
• Speed (lower): 515 rpm
• Length: 15.7 ft (4.7 m)
• Outside diameter (upper): 9.0 in (230 mm)
• Outside diameter (lower): 9.0 in (230 mm)
• Inside diameter (upper): 6.0 in (152 mm)
• Inside diameter (lower): 6.0 in (152 mm)
• Flighting pitch: 10.5 in (268 mm)

Conditioning Rolls

• Number of rolls: 2
• Length: 9.1 ft (2.7 m)
• Roll construction (upper): Rubber
• Roll construction (lower): Steel
• Roll diameter (upper): 8.0 in (203 mm)
• Roll diameter (lower): 7.8 in (197 mm)
• Roll speed (upper): 990 rpm
• Roll speed (lower): 900 rpm
• Roll pressure control: Roller chain and springs

Weight

• Left wheel: 2759 lb (1252 kg)
• Right wheel: 2733 lb (1240 kg)
• Hitch: 1078 lb (498 kg)
• Total: 6570 lb (2980 kg)

Tires

• 2, 12L x 15, 6-ply

Drives

• Number of chain drives: 2
• Number of belt drives: 1

Hydraulic Controls

• Header lift: Two single acting cylinders (one per wheel)
• Pivot hitch: One double acting cylinder

Appendix II: Machine Ratings

The following rating scale is used in PAMI Evaluation Reports:

• Excellent
• Very Good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor
• Unsatisfactory

Summary Chart Ratings:

• Retail Price: $27,139.00 (September 1990 f.o.b. Portage la Prairie MB)
• Rate of Work: Average continuous speed was 6.1 mph (9.7 km/h), Average continuous work rate was 11.8 ac/h (4.7 ha/h)
• Quality of Work: Windrow Formation: Very Good; Cutterbar Performance: Excellent; Floatation: Very Good; Conditioner Performance: Very Good; Leaf Loss: Very Good
• Ease of Operation: Hitching: Good; Hydraulic Controls: Very Good; Transporting: Good; Lubrication: Very Good; Field Operation: Very Good
• Ease of Adjustments: Lean Bar: Fair; Cutterbar: Fair; Reel: Very Good; Auger Strippers: Poor; Conditioner Roll Pressure: Very Good; Conditioner Roll Timing: Very Good; Floatation: Very Good; Swath Gate: Good; Knives: Very Good
• Power Requirements: Tractor Size: 75 hp (56 kW) was sufficient
• Operator Safety: Very Good; conformed with ASAE Standards
• Operator Manual: Very Good; contained useful information
• Mechanical History: Only a few mechanical problems were noted