Bushel Plus launches modular concave system for John Deere X9 combines

Bushel Plus has introduced a new modular concave system for John Deere X9 Series combines, designed to facilitate faster crop changeovers, cleaner grain samples, and enhanced harvest efficiency. The company said the X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves are now available through its global dealer network.

The new system replaces traditional full-length concaves with a fixed split-frame structure and interchangeable inserts designed for different crops, including wheat, barley, corn, and soybeans. According to Bushel Plus, the design allows farmers to switch between crops in about 15 minutes, down from several hours, without removing the entire concave assembly or re-leveling components.

Marcel Kringe, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bushel Plus, said the approach is designed to minimize downtime and enhance operator safety during harvest. “The base frame stays in the machine, while lighter inserts slide in and lock into place,” he said, adding that precise alignment helps maintain consistent threshing performance without the need for cover plates.

The company stated that the concaves are designed to enhance threshing efficiency while minimizing cracked kernels and foreign material. Field testing across North America revealed lower grain losses and cleaner samples across a range of crops and conditions, according to Bushel Plus, enabling operators to harvest at higher speeds while maintaining grain quality and reducing fuel consumption.

The X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves are made from AR-200 abrasion-resistant steel, which the company said extends service life across varied harvest conditions. The new models are designed to work alongside Bushel Plus’s existing Classic X9 MAD Concaves, allowing farmers to mix and match systems and protect prior investments.

Bushel Plus said the modular design is particularly suited to growers focused on premium grain quality, such as seed producers, where consistent threshing and minimal kernel damage are critical. The company recommends installing the split-frame concaves in positions that require the most frequent crop-specific adjustments.