Friday, 10 November 2023 09:25

User friendly new generation potato harvesters

Written by  Mark Daniel
GRIMME’s latest machine’s new hydraulic drivesystem can be adjusted independently of the engine speed (PTO speed) of the tractor. GRIMME’s latest machine’s new hydraulic drivesystem can be adjusted independently of the engine speed (PTO speed) of the tractor.

The latest generation of the GRIMME’s EVO 280 potato harvester is equipped with an integral hydraulic drive-system, alongside updates for ease of maintenance and user-friendliness.

Well known for its high separation performance, enormous throughput and gentle crop handling, the company has addressed the need to harvest sensitive potato varieties at low speeds as well as high yielding varieties. GRIMME’s latest machine’s new, completely hydraulic drivesystem – including the optionally available intake web, as well as the separators – can be adjusted independently of the engine speed (PTO speed) of the tractor.

The speeds of all main webs – including the deviner web – are now displayed in km/h, making it easier for the driver to adjust the web to the selected harvesting speed. The speeds of the second main web and de-viner web can also be set independently of each other with a differential speed of up to 30 %.

If desired, electronic assistance systems – like Speedtronic-Web and Speedtronic-Sep – automatically regulate all web speeds depending on the load. This allows the driver to concentrate on monitoring the machine, thanks to the impressive size of the SmartView display. This new display also helps reduce fatigue when working long days.

Optimisation of the intake design ensures reduced weight, as well as improved contour adaptation, which helps prevent build-up and blockages caused by haulm.

For improved protection against possible losses, the overlap between the first and second main web, as well as between the second main web and the first separator, has been increased.

Improved positioning of the de-viner web drive makes it possible to increase both the pulling power and stability.

In combination with the newly positioned scraper comb, tubers are separated from the haulm even more effectively.

For maximum pushing power in difficult harvesting conditions, the new generation harvester can also be equipped with a hydrostatic wheel drive.

An 8 tonne bunker is fitted as standard. Alternatively, the machine can be equipped with the 7.5 tonne patented Nonstop- Bunker with a very large transfer distance. This makes it easy to unload during the harvesting process, even on platform trailers with two rows of boxes.

The optional bunker web with canvas and all-round padding on the bunker bars ensures maximum crop protection. In addition, there is the optional lubrication system for the bunker chain, whereby oil is automatically applied to the chain links during the bunker unloading process.

At the picking table, staff also benefit from a more attractive working environment thanks to extended comfort packages with additional cleaning spades, storage boxes, and an aluminium ladder and a re-designed canopy. The removal of mechanical drive components also helps to improve accessibility for cleaning and maintenance work, which is aided by the central lubrication points.

For those requiring exact crop data, GRIMME offers georeferenced mass (yield) mapping. Data can be accessed conveniently from home – via the myGRIMME portal – while an electronic link to the agrirouter makes for further transfer to all common farm management systems.

More like this

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand why we need the designations truck and ute.

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante in the middleweight sector with the arrival of the UFORCE 600 Farm Spec model.

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.

Products born and bred in NZ make the difference

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at McKee Plastics, catching up with business development manager, Logan McKee.

Featured

High commodity prices, farmer optimism bode well for event

The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Massive bounce back

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith, says the growth in the kiwifruit sector is a massive bounce back.

$8b export milestone

Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have…

Machinery & Products

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

NH unveils specialty tractor

New Holland recently showcased its new-generation T4.120 F specialty tractor, giving New Zealand customers a closer look at the winner…

Combining track and tyre

While the last fifty years has seen massive evolution and development of the humble tractor tyre, the last two decades…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter