Fourth generation Proserpine cane grower Gary Raiteri introduced the first Case IH Austoft sugarcane harvester into his business in 1997 and in the almost 20 years since he has purchased another six.
Mr Raiteri said when the family first began growing sugarcane, they were cutting it by hand, but today good quality harvesters are the backbone of their operation.
“If they aren’t going, we’re not going, so having reliable machines is critical to the success of our business,” he said.
With a team of six and a limited number of days per year to cut, he estimates optimal productivity sits at approximately 800 to 1000 tonnes per day, and it’s their Austoft harvesters that enable them to achieve this capacity.
“Machinery breakdowns, maintenance and upkeep all add up to less hours in the paddock, which becomes a problem when there’s only so many days in a year we can be cutting.
The only way we can reach 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes a year is with equipment that gets the job done efficiently.”
The Raiteris purchased their latest Case IH Austoft 8800 series harvester in 2013 and have another on order.
“We are always trying to improve our yield and related efficiencies through the latest and greatest technologies available – whether that’s to do with irrigation practices or machinery, and we’re confident that with Case IH, we are working with the best.”
He said the 8800 Series makes light work of a hard day’s work, thanks to joystick operation and cab controls being easier to operate.
“I can and comfortably do 800-1000 tonnes in a day and still feel fresh at the end of it.”
He said cited the automatic base cut height control (Auto Tracker) as a key feature that ensures precise, uniform cutting with reduced losses and stool damage.
“With the Auto Tracker, the harvester does half the job for you, plus it’s better for the crop – and that keeps farmers happy when we’re contracting.
“The improved hydraulics are also a standout feature, It cuts through cane without a worry, where other machines have struggled.”
He said farming is an important part of his family’s identity, and having the peace of mind that they have the backing and support of Case IH – especially its extensive after sales service in the area, is very important to them.
“At the end of the day, sugarcane is our livelihood and without machines like theirs we don’t have a business.
“We’ve entrusted our farm to them, because we trust them to get the job done each and every time.”