Cutting-edge fuel efficiency delivers sweet success for sugar cane grower in Australia

When Greensill Farming adopted the Canetec AX7500 cane harvester powered by the Cummins QSL9 engine, they weren’t just upgrading equipment. They were investing in performance, fuel savings and productivity.

Greensill Farming is an agribusiness growing sugar cane, sweet potatoes and watermelons in Queensland. The family company has more than 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) under cultivation and is one of the largest sweet potato growers in Australia. The Greensills have been farming for three generations and needed a machine that could handle high volumes while delivering measurable efficiency. Their AX7500 harvester now cuts over 100,000 tonnes of cane annually, and the results speak for themselves.

Peter Greensill, CEO explained that the core design features of the Canetec AX7500 met Greensill’s requirements of reduced weight, fuel efficiency, and cleaning capability in terms of separating the trash from the cane billets. “We’re achieving a better cane/trash ratio at faster ground speed with the AX7500,” he emphasizes. Fuel performance of the AX7500, with the 325 hp Cummins QSL9 engine, is another strong point. In fact, Greensill describes the machine as “extremely efficient”, typically achieving 0.6 liters/tonne which far exceeds industry expectations.

Fuel efficiency that exceeds expectations

The Cummins QSL9 engine delivers exceptional fuel performance, typically using just 0.6 litres of fuel per tonne of cane harvested. This level of efficiency exceeds industry expectations, reducing operating costs and supporting more sustainable farming practices. According to Peter Greensill, CEO of Greensill Farming, “We’re achieving a better cane/trash ratio at faster ground speed with the AX7500. It’s extremely efficient.”

Smart design for maximum uptime

The inherent efficiency of the Cummins QSL9 engine plays a critical role in the fuel equation. The engine is rated 300 hp at 2100 rpm, but Canetec designed the AX7500 to operate at the lower 1900 rpm where output peaks at 325 hp. Other design features contribute to the operational efficiency. The combination of the InnoTherm cooling package and Canetec’s fan control system ensures high ambient temperature capability, reduced fuel consumption, and simplified maintenance. These features translate into more time in the field and less time in the shop.

Advanced emissions technology for global markets

Canetec’s AX7500 is also equipped to meet stringent global emissions standards. The Cummins QSL9 engine integrates cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment technologies, enabling Tier 4 Final compliance. This means a 95% reduction in particulate matter and a 90% reduction in NOx emissions.

No compromise on packaging or performance

Despite the advanced emissions requirements, Canetec was able to integrate the Tier 4 Final engine without redesigning the cooling system. 

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