Bushel Plus Ltd. has introduced a major update to its MAD Concave lineup with the launch of the X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves, a modular system engineered specifically for John Deere X9 Series combines.
Bushel Plus is a global leader in harvest optimization technology, dedicated to helping farmers reduce grain loss and maximize yield potential. Trusted in more than 35 countries, Bushel Plus collaborates with dealers, agronomists, and equipment manufacturers to deliver innovative solutions that improve on-farm harvest efficiency and profitability.
The new X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves design focuses on faster crop transitions, cleaner grain samples, and improved harvest efficiency across a wide range of crops.
Unlike traditional concaves that require full removal during crop changes, the new split frame system uses a fixed structural base that stays mounted inside the combine. Lightweight crop‑specific inserts—designed for wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, and other crops—slide into the frame and lock into place, eliminating the need for time‑consuming adjustments.
“Think of it as a base frame that stays in the machine, while smaller concave inserts tailored for wheat, barley, corn, or soybeans can be swapped quickly and easily,” explained Marcel Kringe, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bushel Plus. “Each insert fits precisely into the fixed split frame, maintaining correct spacing and alignment for optimal threshing and separation, eliminating the need for cover plates.”
For farmers who routinely switch between small grains and corn, the new system can reduce changeover time from hours to roughly 15 minutes. By minimizing heavy lifting and repeated leveling, the design also reduces operator fatigue and lowers the risk of injury during in‑season adjustments.
The concaves are built from AR‑200 abrasion‑resistant steel and are engineered to deliver cleaner samples with fewer cracked kernels and less foreign material. According to Bushel Plus, the system supports higher harvesting speeds while maintaining grain integrity and reducing fuel consumption.
“Field testing across North America shows the X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves consistently deliver lower losses and cleaner samples, no matter the crop or conditions,” stated Kringe. “Farmers can harvest faster, maintain grain quality, and reduce fuel costs - improving both efficiency and profitability.”
The new split frame models are also compatible with the company’s Classic X9 MAD Concaves. Farmers can mix and match components, placing the modular inserts in the positions where quick changes are most beneficial while maintaining performance in other sections. This approach allows growers to upgrade gradually without losing the value of previous investments.
Kringe noted that the system is especially beneficial for seed producers and others who require top-tier grain quality, as the modular design allows for precise configuration and rapid adjustments as harvest conditions shift.
The X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves are available now through Bushel Plus’s global dealer network. More information, including dealer locations, can be found at www.bushelplus.com or by calling 1‑833‑376‑7726.