Future Forward – Agritechnica 2019

Chris McCullough scoured Agritechnica 2019 to pick out some of the top agricultural innovations to hit Europe this year

Agritechnica 2019 saw 450,000 visitors flock through the doors to look at the latest in agricultural technology. With the guiding theme of ‘Global Farming – Local Responsibility’, the exhibitors presented innovative solutions for future questions of the industry and society.

JOSKIN AND DEERE JOIN FORCES

The only gold medal for innovation awarded at this year’s Agritechnica went to a joint effort by Joskin and John Deere for development in electric drives.

The heavyweight manufacturers introduced a system where two axles on a tridem manure spreader are electrically driven by motors.

The eAutoPower gearbox for the new 8R large tractors from John Deere represents the first electro-mechanical power split gearbox in agricultural technology.

Two electric motors are used as a continuously variable actuator and are specified to not only supply the drive, but provide up to 100kW of electric power for external consumption.

On the tractor side, this electrical integration results in improved gearbox efficiencies and reduced maintenance costs.

Used in combination with an axle drive on a manure spreader it improves traction, reduces slip and improves track guidance on steep slopes.

AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC SPRAYER

One of the many new concepts introduced at Agritechnica was John Deere’s autonomous robotic electric powered sprayer.

This novel machine has been designed purposely smaller in size to operate 24 hours per day and to work as part of a team of multiple units.

It has a 560-litre spray tank and a 30-foot (9.1m) boom. The high ground clearance of 1.9m and four-wheel steering make it extremely versatile, while the four tracks minimise ground pressure and greatly extend the operating window.

Although there is a lot more development work required before this machine becomes a reality, John Deere says it is confident this approach will be popular in years to come.

KRONE XTRAPOWER

Silage contractors that need a bit of extra boost when harvesting to keep forward speed and chop quality maintained can now purchase power online.

Krone has developed XtraPower technology, which is a novel online shop system that allows contractors to boost engine power by 50 to 100hp (37 to 75kW) within a few minutes, simply by booking it online.

After purchasing the extra power for the registered machine, the purchase is enabled on the machine and activated by the operator.

When the crops don’t require extra engine power, the operator selects ‘pause’ on the terminal screen and engine speeds drops automatically to its previous level.

XtraPower is currently available for the Krone Big X 680 models with 687hp (512kW) base power engines. By opting into XtraPower-50 or XtraPower-100 the operator can boost the output of the V8 engine to 730hp (544kW) or 775hp (578kW).

XtraPower is provided in various time packages ranging from 10 to 250 hours.

KRONE SWADRO RAKE

Another new grass rake has hit the market as Krone introduces its new Swadro TC1370 four rotor model.

With a hydraulic rotor suspension, electric height control and adjustable headland lift, the latest model has working widths from 10.8m to 13.7m and swath widths from 1.4m to 2.6m.

Tractor attachment is either via the standard two-point headstock or the optional 80 ball hitch. Hydraulic connection also offers the choice between a standard load-sensing solution and connection to a regular oil circuit as an option. Buyers can also choose between a standard air or optional hydraulic braking systems.

The transport running gear is fitted with either standard 620/40R22.5 or 710/35R22.5 tyres.

McHALE V6 750 BALER

Irish machinery manufacturer McHale introduced its new V6750 round baler, fitted with a load of features for the grassland farmer.

This is a semi-automatic variable chamber baler fitted with a 15 knife chopper unit and heavy-duty rotor. It is equipped with a double drive system which allows the machine to operate in the toughest of conditions.

The machine has a high capacity pick up with a working width of 2.1m, has five tine bars and a tine spacing of 70mm.

It comes with centralised grease blocks as standard but automatic greasing is available as an option. Net and bale density can be adjusted from the cab through the Expert Plus control console.

Bale size from this unit varies from 0.6m to 1.68m. Fitted as standard with 500/50-22.5 tyres the new V6 750 can go anywhere.

HORSCH HARROW

Designed to help organic farmers keep weeds at bay and reduce pesticides use on other farms the new Horsch Cura ST was launched at Agritechnica.

This three point linkage harrow comes in different widths ranging from 6m to 15m and comprises of a six bar design with tine spacing of 2.8cm.

The support pressure of the harrow tines is continuously hydraulically adjustable. Every harrow tine can be charged with a pressure ranging from 500 to 5,000g and maintains almost the same forces for the whole spring deflexion. Another benefit is that every tine is fastened individually and efficiently secured against being pushed to the side, meaning they can be easily changed if need be.

The machine on the stand was a 12m version with a retail price of around €28,000 (A$45,500).

JCB TELESCOPIC HANDLER

JCB added a new telescopic handler to its vast range at Agritechnica, called the Loadall 532-60 AGRI.

Key features on the new model include a joystick switch-controlled four-speed powershift transmission, the JCB EcoMAX four-cylinder 4.4-litre 109hp (81kW) engine and a 3,200kg maximum lift capacity at 6.2m full height or 1,400kg at 3.34m forward reach.

Exhaust gases are cleaned using selective catalytic reduction and a diesel oxidation catalyst to meet Euro Stage IV/US Tier 4 Final emissions compliance.

It can be specified on 20-inch tyres to bring the machine’s height down to just 2.4m from 2.49m on 24-inch tyres, together with a slight reduction in overall width.

Top speed on the 380/75 R20 tyres is 33km/h and the 460/70 R24 tyres increase this to 40km/h.

FENDT’S FIRST TELEHANDLER

Fendt revealed quite a unique telehandler at the show with a cab that lifts up to a viewing height of 4.25m, giving the operator a bird’s eye view of their surroundings.

The new Cargo T955 is Fendt’s first telehandler and has been developed in a joint venture with German manufacturer Sennebogen, best known for building large industrial machinery, including port cranes.

The single model in the range has a load capacity of 5.5 tonnes and a lifting height of 8.5m.

There is no dashboard to obstruct the lower part of the continuous windscreen and the cab is vibration dampened, to increase operator comfort.

Variable driving speeds of up to 40km/h can be achieved.