Alpego eyes electric power harrow
Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.
Choosing the event to launch the behemoth with a working width of 10 metres, the new machine incorporates six new mechanical and electronic patents and offers an innovative design, developed in collaboration with the Italian School of Design (SID). The design is said to offer high productivity while reducing fuel consumption per hectare worked, thereby cutting CO2 emissions.
Tipping the scales at around 7.5 tonnes, the Jumbo X was developed following customer requests for something wider than the current 8m Jumbo Super Rapido.
Designed for 450- 600hp tractors, the machine is configured with a 3m central power harrow, and two 3.5m outer units. A two-stage folding function sees the outer harrows folded vertically, before a second set of hydraulic rams then lowers the units to keep the transport height to 4m, with a transport width of 3m. During transport, some of the machine’s weight is carried on the transport trolley. The company stresses that 10m is the maximum operating width as it is not possible to go any wider, while remaining road legal.
A reinforced frame with three main sections helps ensure mechanical reliability and flexibility, while the cardan transmission layout and cooling of the gearboxes enhances the machine’s durability. An integral flotation system allows the harrow to adapt perfectly to the terrain, ensuring a consistent working depth.
The patented 4-wheel cart, positioned close to the tractor, simplifies transport, while the Power Hub system and Blindato bearings on the rear rollers increase operational life and protect against soil, dust or water contamination.
Tests conducted by the University of Bologna confirm that the wider, 10 metre working width results in a 14% per ha fuel saving when compared to an 8m power harrow. Working at speeds of 5-8km/h, outputs of around 5ha/h are said to be easily achievable.
Germany, France and Italy are the three main power harrow markets in Europe, so these three countries are likely to be the destination of the 10 pre-production units planned for next season.
Additionally, Jumbo X enables automatic management of end-of-field manoeuvres, making it easy to lift the side wings, while the ISOBUS system allows the operator to oversee and control working parameters directly from the in-cab monitor, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. An innovative Load Cell allows for modulation of tractor power to enhance machine efficiency.
