If the maximum productivity is to be obtained from a machine such as a combine, it is important that the operator makes the maximum use of that machine’s potential. However, such is human nature, regardless of whether they are using a combine or something like a digital camera, having established the basics of how the machine works, most people will then stick to their ‘comfort zone’ and rarely explore further to utilise that item’s full potential.
With a combine, it is often the case that having been shown the basics, a new or less experienced operator will generally stick to the standard settings. It is only once they have got more experience, that an operator will then set-up their own favourite settings, which they will then regularly use and often only look at adjusting these settings maybe once a day or less.
To overcome this and to draw upon their extensive experience in developing and operating combines, Claas has developed Cemos (Claas Electronic Machine Optimisation System), which brings all of this wealth of experience into the combine cab, and was awarded a Gold Medal at Agritechnica in 2009.
Cemos is a dialog-based assistance system that encourages the operator to look beyond their ‘comfort zone’ and access advice on how they can improve the combine’s performance, then try these settings out, analyse the result and ultimately either reject or accept and save these new settings.
To achieve this, Cemos collates and evaluates some 50 different parameters covering 11 criteria from throughout the combine. When prompted by the operator using the Cebis Mobile terminal mounted in the cab, Cemos will analyse the operator’s current settings and provide suggestions as to how specific settings can be altered in order to improve combine performance.
Initially the operator will select which aspect of the combine’s performance they wish to improve, such as crop flow, throughput, grain losses, grain quality or returns.
Having made his selection, for instance grain losses, Cemos will firstly ask and provide options as to where the losses occur. Having made their selection, for instance separation, Cemos will provide a suggested solution, such as a change to a specific rotor speed, with the option to accept or reject this change. The screen will also display a ‘help’ button which provides the operator with a detailed explanation as to why this suggestion is being made.
Should the operator accept the suggestion, Cemos will make the change and then display the difference that that selection has made. If required, further options can then be selected and tried to further improve performance. Once the operator is fully satisfied that an improved setting has been found, these new settings can be finally activated and saved.
By having access to all this information Cemos gives the operator, however experienced they are, the confidence to look at alternatives, be integrated into the adjustment process and be more adventurous in how they set-up and operate the combine. For less experienced drivers or those new to the Lexion, it is also an invaluable ‘helping hand’, enabling them to quickly learn how to set-up and utilise the combine to its full potential.
As a result, not only can throughput be increased and operating costs cut, but grain quality is improved and losses reduced.
For more information visit: www.claas.com.
