Friday, 14 March 2025 14:55

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Written by  Mark Daniel
Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event. Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event.

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.

While the base machine is still mechanical, heavy metal groupies will notice the absence of a PTO shaft, while the gearbox used to drive the interlocking gears across the bed of the machine has also been removed.

Instead, the rotors are powered by five electric motors, one for every two rotors. Currently being tested behind a new hybrid tractor, a 700v DC connection provides the Alysium with 50-60kW of electrical power.

Still in the early stages of development prototype, development is centred around understanding what is possible with electrical propulsion, according to the company.

Challenges so far include safety, but already testers have found that the tractor uses up to 35% less fuel. Further benefits are the possibility of controlling rotor speed electrically, with variable speeds to offer real-time adaption to changing soils. It has not been confirmed when, or if, the concept will make it to production.

More like this

Featured

T&G Global returns to profitability

Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.

Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.

DairyNZ thanks farm staff

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

National

LIC ends year with $30.6m profit

Herd improvement company LIC has ended the 2024-25 financial year in a strong position - debt-free and almost quadrupling its…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter