Protecting the Case IH 9250 with Fireward’s Automatic Fire Suppression System

When Fred Hilsdon, Managing Director of Harrowden Farms, set out to protect his combine, he wasn't kitting out a new machine. He was protecting one the farm already owns and relies on, a Case IH 9250.

Why Retrofitting Fire Suppression on Old Farm Machinery Is a “No-Brainer”

While some farmers prefer to wait until they upgrade to a new piece of agricultural machinery before fitting a fire suppression system, Fred saw the value and sense of protecting valuable farm equipment before it was too late.

There were several reasons why retrofitting his Case IH 9250 with Fireward’s Automatic Fire Suppression System was a “no-brainer”:

Fred shared his reasoning for getting a fire suppression system installed:

• He intended to run the combine for at least another five years.
• The risk of fires seems to be increasing, as hotter summers become more common, and temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius for longer periods.
• Machinery is more complex, and there are more areas for dust and combustible debris to accumulate.
• It’s getting more difficult to replace machines at short notice over harvest.

His decision was also based on lived experience. Harrowden Farms has survived small fires in the past by catching them early and dealing with them while still small. Neighbours who haven’t been so lucky have lost entire combines and balers to fire.

The financial impact can be catastrophic, as Fred explains:

“Losing a combine at harvest could be crippling as there is only a small window to harvest. We could be faced with delays in getting a replacement machine, which in turn could mean lost yield and quality.”

Inside the Fireward System Protecting Fred’s Case IH 9250

Fred's 9250 runs Fireward's dual agent system, which pairs two suppressants for fast and effective protection:

• A dry powder knocks flames down in seconds and reaches hidden fires deep in the engine bay.
• A wet chemical cools hot surfaces around heat points like the turbo, exhaust manifolds and DPF to stop re-ignition.

Detection runs on a network of pneumatic tubing routed through the highest-risk areas. If a fire starts, the tube bursts at 180℃, the pressure drop triggers discharge and the agents release through targeted nozzles. With just a single moving part, it's one of the fastest-acting systems on the market. And because it's fully automatic, it requires no manual intervention, improving operator safety.

The system is independently certified to P-Mark SPCR 199 and AS-5062:2016, and backed by a three-year parts and labour warranty.

Why Protecting Combines With Automatic Suppression Systems Is Essential

Harrowden Farms already takes fire seriously. Fred's team stays on top of machinery hygiene to prevent debris from building up, as well as carrying fire extinguishers and water on the combine.

But that’s not always enough when dealing with vital and expensive agricultural machinery. A fire extinguisher only works if everything goes right at the worst possible moment. Someone has to spot the fire, reach the unit and put it out under pressure. When comparing handheld fire extinguishers vs automatic fire suppression systems, there’s a clear winner.

Automatic suppression systems work regardless of when the fire starts or who’s around. That makes all the difference, according to Fred:

“It is extremely reassuring to know that the system is active 24/7. The combine stays hot for several hours after being parked up, so there is still a risk then.”

A Smooth Process From Start to Finish

Protecting an older machine is just as easy as a brand-new one when you work with a trusted leader like Fireward. As Fred explains:

“The whole process with Fireward has been very efficient and straightforward.

From the sales process to installation and commissioning, it has been very smooth with excellent communication all the way through.”

For agricultural operations serious about fire prevention, partnering with experienced fire suppression specialists like Fireward ensures access to cutting-edge technology, professional installation and ongoing support throughout harvest seasons.

All of our solutions are built in partnership with Reacton Fire Suppression Ltd., manufactured to ISO 9001:2015 standards, and accredited by P-Mark SPCR 199 (A+ Rated) and ActivFire AS 5062:2016.

For members of NFU Mutual, there is also a 15% discount on combine insurance premiums when a Fireward automatic fire suppression system is installed.

Want to protect your operators and valuable farm machinery? Get a quote today.

Protecting People and Assets 24/7

To find out more about Fireward’s Automatic Fire Suppression systems, get in touch by calling 0800 151 0249 or email at: sales@fireward.co.uk.