Case Study January 29, 2026 | FNG Group
- Razors Edge Concaves - Thunderstruck Ag Brazil
- Chapadão do Céu – GO, Fazenda Nova Geração/IACO
- Ricardo Borges / FNG Group
- John Deere S680 – 40ft/12.2m header
- Green Mung Beans
- 1359 acres
- 413 acres
- Anemilson Nogueira
Report Objective
This report aims to present, in a technical and economic format, the results obtained during the in-field demonstration of the Razors Edge concaves, comparing their performance with original (OEM) concaves, evaluating:
- Reduction of grain loss
- Reduction of mechanical grain damage
- Reduction of fuel consumption
- Increase in operational performance
- Direct financial impact on harvest profitability
- Economic viability of the investment
Evaluation Methodology
Loss samples were collected using a ScherGain Drop Pan.
Three loss collections were conducted and averaged using:
- Original concaves (OEM) – installed on a John Deere S680
- Razors Edge Concaves – installed on a John Deere S680
Samples were collected within a 0.5 m² area (Drop Pan collection area), then:
- Converted to loss per hectare (kg/ha)
- Calculated as total loss across the harvested area
Financial conversion considers:
- Total harvested area
- Average field productivity
- Total loss across the harvested area
- Market price per bag at time of harvest
Drop Pan
Use & Benefits
The ScherGain Drop Pan provides fast, accurate grain loss measurement so operators can make immediate, informed adjustments in the field. Designed for safe and efficient use, it allows for precise sampling at the collection point, giving a clear picture of machine performance in real time.
By isolating losses from the threshing and separation system, header, and natural field conditions, the Drop Pan helps pinpoint exactly where grain is being lost. With that information in hand, operators can quickly correct issues, protect yield, and maintain peak harvest efficiency.
Loss Table
Technical & Economic Evaluation
Technical Results
Economic Viability Analysis
Financial Analysis: Losses
- Difference (bu/ac) = OEM Loss − Razors Edge Loss
- 60lb bushels saved = Difference (bu/ac) × Total area
- Total value saved = 60lb bushels saved × Price per bushel
Financial Analysis: Fuel Consumption
- Difference (gal/ac) = OEM Consumption (gal/ac) − Razors Edge Consumption (gal/ac)
- Gallons saved (total) = Difference (gal/ac) × Total area (Mung Bean)
- Total value saved = Gallons saved (total) × Fuel price per gallon
Note: Fuel consumption calculations may vary, as we were informed that the machine using the Razors Edge Concaves had an alteration in its original configuration (chipped).
We will consider the consumption from the test being conducted at Fazenda Nova Geração, which will be performed side by side and monitored by Mr. José.
Operational Efficiency
Gain, speed and engine load
After installing the Razors Edge Concaves, we were able to notice a significant difference in the load required from the engine, visible on the monitor and felt by the operator. As a result, we were able to increase harvest speed by 1 km/h. Field conditions were quite challenging during the test, and in more favorable conditions, the speed factor is expected to improve even further.
Engine load at 3.4 km/h 
Sample 
Engine load at 4.4 km/h 
Sample Considerations
- 11:00 am
- Cloudy
- 91°F
- above 19%
- 4 hours
The settings used on the comparison combine equipped with the OEM concave were the farm’s standard settings. The settings used on the combine equipped with the Razors Edge Concave followed Thunderstruck’s recommended configurations. With these settings, we were able to increase the average harvest speed by 0.5 km/h, improving harvest quality and efficiency.
Conclusion
Field test objectively confirmed that Razors Edge Concaves deliver relevant technical and economic gains compared to the original (OEM) concaves.
Results showed an average loss reduction of 1.10 bu/ac, decreasing from 1.21 bu/ac to 0.11 bu/ac. This represents a direct increase in production capture and an estimated financial impact of $22,621.50 in the mung bean area alone.
A significant reduction in fuel consumption was also observed, from 6.73 gal/ac to 5.88 gal/ac, generating an estimated savings of $1200.66 in the mung bean area alone.
In addition, Razors Edge Concaves enabled an increase in operating speed of 1 km/h without compromising harvest quality, demonstrating greater efficiency in the threshing and separation system.
It is concluded that Razors Edge Concaves offer loss reduction, operational savings, and increased efficiency with a direct, measurable, and highly attractive financial return, establishing them as a technically proven and economically viable solution for large-scale farming operations.
Evaluation Team
- Operations Manager
- Operator of the machine with Razors Edge Concaves
- Operator of the machine with OEM concave
- Grain cart driver
- Thunderstruck Ag BR
- Thunderstruck Ag BR