JD unveils its latest beast
John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up – including three new high-horsepower four-track models.
While global player John Deere and German manufacturer Horsch are believed to be well down the track with autonomous field robots, it looks like Dutch start-up company AgXeed will be the first to enter series production with the aptly named AgBot.
Power is provided by an off-the-shelf Deutz four-pot churning out 156hp, this in turn is mated to a generator that powers an electrical driveline at speeds of up to 13.5km/h.
The AgBot is also able to power implements with up to 136hp available through 700-volt electrical connections. An example is the Imants rotary spader/subsoiler, which was converted to electrical drive for field trial in the 2020 European autumn.
Offering infinitely variable track width from 1,800 to 3,000mm, the robot can carry up to three tonnes out front and upt to eight tonnes on the rear linkage and hydraulic flow of up to 80 litres per minute. Implement mounting is via a largely conventional three-point linkage, although implements are folded over the top of the unmanned machine for transport.
To move between farms a separate twin-wheel axle and drawbar assembly is used to move the unit.
The machine's autonomous functions combine technologies such as GPS, positional sensors and optical recognition to avoid obstacles.
A second unit is about to hit the paddocks of Europe in the coming weeks. This time it is configured with a 100kW (125hp) electrically-driven PTO system that will allow the use of standard implements like power harrows or rotary hoes. This unit, which will be followed by a third later in the year, will also feature independent track suspension.
The first 10 production machines are expected in 2022, with an expected price tag of around €250,000 (NZ$420,000). Larger volumes are expecte to follow the following year.
By that stage, the company says the AgBot will be available with interchangeable tracks with a maximum width of 910mm.
Red meat farmers have dealt a major blow to their umbrella farmer body, Beef + Lamb New Zealand - rejecting an increase in directors’ fees.
The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.
Southland-based Mataura Valley Milk can now lay claim to be the first all-electric dairy factory in New Zealand.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.
There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.
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