Must-see dairy machines and technology at Agritechnica

23-10-2023 | |
Must-see dairy machines and technology at Agritechnica

New farm machinery and technology that can help dairy farmers make their businesses more efficient will be presented at this year’s Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany. Ahead of the event in November, the organisers awarded 1 gold medal and 17 silver medals for innovations that stood out. Here we look at some of the medal winners and other machines destined to be revealed at the big show.

New Holland to launch new combine harvester

The much coveted Agritechnica Gold Medal has been awarded to New Holland for its overall concept CR twin axial rotor combine harvester, which will be launched at the show. Being 95% new, fully automated and powered by a big FPT engine, the new series, New Holland says, will reduce grain loss to near zero. The core element of the new CR combine harvester is the drive technology with an engine that is mounted longitudinally according to the rotors’ angle of inclination. There are no drives on either side between the chassis and the running gear; as a result, the width of the chassis has increased considerably. This space has been used to widen the threshing channel and therefore to increase the installed technical output of the combine harvester. This new combine remains unidentified in terms of model numbers until its show launch.

New Holland alternative fuel tractors

New Holland won 2 Agritechnica silver medals for its already presented alternative fuel tractors, the T4 Electric Power tractor and the T7 Methane Power LNG tractor. As well as being battery powered, the T4 houses several safety features including camera systems mounted on the cab roof and at the front in the bonnet, enabling a 360° view around the tractor. With the T7.270 LNG, New Holland is the first manufacturer to present a gas tractor with LNG tanks. Thanks to a special double wall technology, the vacuum-insulated tanks can be adapted to the spatial conditions typical in tractors, which enables a tank capacity of 200 kg in the T7.270 LNG.

Fendt reveals new automatic mower

Fendt won a silver medal for its new automatic mower conditioner adjustment, which aims to achieve constant dry matter content across a field and a cut. The biomass growth is determined either by creating an application map using satellite data or by having a sensor record the yield data directly while driving over the field. The data collected in this way is sent via Isobus to the mower’s job computer, which calculates the appropriate settings and forwards them directly to the electric motor on the conditioner’s counter comb. The result is a more homogeneous feed, both within a field and within a cut.

Stoll’s new telescopic front loader

Stoll won silver for its innovative new teleloader equipped with a telescopic swing arm and an extendable joint. With a design size for 4-cylinder medium class tractors, the swing arm can be extended 0.7m, which, in combination with the extendable joint, enables the horizontal range to be increased by 1m and the lifting height by as much as 1.5m. The front loader proves particularly suitable for livestock farmers handling round and square bales who do not have sufficient work to justify purchasing a telehandler. The electrohydraulic actuation of the front loader can be used to implement safety functions. These include, for example, automatic shut-off of the master cylinders in the event of excessively heavy loads when the swing arm is extended. The joint additionally means that the front loader is movable in itself, which can help to improve visibility while driving.

Steyr unveiling Hybrid CVT tractor

Steyr received a silver medal for its new Hybrid CVT. Power on this model is boosted to 260hp by the electrically powered front axle, which also features a newly-developed independent suspension. The combination of higher power in a lighter package is made possible primarily because of the combination of hydro-mechanical CVT drive to the rear axle and the hybrid module on the front axle. The E-CVT function means the tractor is powered purely hybrid-electrically at up to 75kW and a low 1,100rpm. More responsive E-Shuttling results in 41% faster manoeuvring at low engine speeds and a 15% reduction in fuel use. E-Boost provides additional electric power, such as after slowing down at a junction, after which full travel speed can be re-attained 25% faster than with a conventional transmission.

Fendt reveals its 600 Vario Series tractors

Fendt introduces its new 600 Vario Series tractors. This new range of 4 models comprises the Fendt 614 Vario, 616 Vario, 618 Vario and 620 Vario. And for the first time, Fendt DynamicPerformance, which can boost power by 15hp, is available for all models in the 600 series. Under the hood, and exclusively for Fendt, is the newly-developed 4-cylinder, 5-litre AGCO Power CORE50 engine, which meets all required emission standards worldwide. Exhaust gas after-treatment takes place via a diesel oxidation catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter and with selective catalytic reduction without exhaust gas recirculation. This engine is also prepared for alternative fuels, such as HVO, to operate with lower CO2 emissions in future. There are also maintenance-free hydraulic tappets built into the engine, and first oil service is at 500 hours, so the initial 50 hours interval has been omitted.

Horsch presents Leeb Xeric pneumatic fertiliser spreader

Horsch’s new Leeb Xeric 14 FS fertiliser spreader will be a talking point, with a capacity of 14m3, working widths up to 48m, a powerful metering output and high operational speeds up to 20kph, the Xeric will be particularly beneficial to the larger farmers and contractors. Horsch says the Leeb Xeric sets new standards of accuracy when working in windy conditions. The fertiliser spreader with boom allows for a precise longitudinal and lateral distribution. Regardless of the wind and fertiliser quality, it ensures a precise application of fertiliser. The pressurised 14m3 fertiliser tank is equipped with a hydraulic cover and can be filled comfortably and quickly. The machine is equipped with an automatic section shut-off, a variable quantity control as well as the option of adapting the application rate when cornering, thus guaranteeing precise fertiliser application.

JCB 560-80 telehandler preview

The British company is previewing its new high-power JCB Loadall 560-80 AGRI Pro with 6 tonnes maximum lift, 8m maximum lift height, 129kW (173hp) JCB Dieselmax engine and 40kph JCB DualTech-VT transmission. Also, new on the stand will be the new high-lift JCB Loadall 542-100 AGRI Super/Xtra/Pro, with 4.2 tonne maximum lift capacity, 9.8m maximum lift height, 97kW (130hp), 112kW (150hp) or 129kW (173hp) JCB Dieselmax engine and 50kph JCB DualTech-VT transmission. The JCB Loadall 530-60 AGRI Super with 3 tonnes maximum lift capacity, 5.97m maximum lift height on 20in tyres and 6.03m on 24in tyres is on show complete with 97kW (130hp) JCB Dieselmax engine and new 2-range hydrostatic transmission. Making their debut at Agritechnica will be the JCB Loadall 514-40, the JCB 35-22E battery powered Teletruk, the JCB 457S wheeled loader, the JCB TM420S telescopic wheeled loader and the JCB Fastrac 4220 iCON and 8330 iCON tractors.

Kverneland launching new ROC machines

Kverneland will introduce the new RS 380, RS 730 and RS 1000 models. The new additional RS models have a number of innovative features that are particularly suitable for use in multiblade and short crops. The unique suspension and steering of the newly-developed deflector plate with roller crop press allows adaptation to all harvesting conditions. Hydraulic damping is active immediately after the variable adjustment of the hold-down device. The 6-row steered pick-up, where half of the rows of tines are 30° apart, specially shaped tines and an adjusted speed ensure a clean pick-up of the crop and even transfer to the belts. The optimally controlled tines start picking up in an almost vertical position, which reduces feed losses and allows very gentle adjustment for excellent forage quality. The special saw-tooth design of the fibreglass-reinforced slats ensures enough grip on the belt to transport light as well as heavy, moist crops evenly.

Valtra to introduce sixth generation S Series tractors

Valtra will introduce its 6th-generation S Series tractors, nicknamed ‘The Boss’. The S Series weighs in with 6 models ranging from 280hp to 420hp, topping off with Valtra’s largest and most powerful tractor. The 8.4litre AGCO Power engine and CVT transmission offer a 5% reduction in revs and up to 10% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the S predecessor. A new design, improved access, spacious cab and increased number of LED lights are just some of the new features of this S Series. The new series brings a number of upgrades, including a range of suspension options for front axle and cab, and now S Series tractors can also be fitted with Valtra’s Skyview cab option and Valtra Unlimited customisations. Valtra’s SmartTurn automatic headland turning completes the autonomous field driving experience with four turning patterns, Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-turn and K-turn.

Faresin to reveal first electric mixer wagon

Italian manufacturer Faresin will reveal its first all-electric Leader PF 1.14 self-propelled mixer wagon with 14 m3 capacity. The 91kW, 210Ah lithium iron-phosphate battery integrated with Farmatics telematics for remote control is installed in the rear engine compartment. The machine is also equipped with a system that recovers energy during braking and when releasing the accelerator. Traction power is provided by a 51kW electric motor positioned in the rear axle. The Leader PF Full Electric has four drive and steering wheels that allow 3 types of steering. It is also equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension that can be adjusted. A 45kW electric motor supplies power for all types of mixes thanks to the eight mixing speeds. A special cleaning function allows the auger to completely discharge the mixture inside the mixing tub and is equipped with a powerful 2,000mm wide milling cutter.

Agritechnica will take place from 12-18 November in Hanover, Germany. Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), Agritechnica is held every two years and this year will see 2,600 exhibitors from 53 countries set out their stalls across 24 halls.

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Mccullough
Chris Mccullough Freelance multi-media journalist