Claas unveils next-generation large square baler concept ahead of Agritechnica 2025
Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.
German harvesting specialist and tractor manufacturer Claas has acquired a minority shareholding in Dutch start-up company AgXeed, the developer of the autonomous AgBot vehicle.
The move is described by Claas as a "win-win" situation. This is because the Dutch technology is at an advanced stage and the overall aim of the joint venture is said to be further development and commercialisation of such machines.
At this stage, AgXeed is testing several 156hp diesel/electric, rubber tracked machines. These offer a low unballasted weight of around six tonnes, with the ability to lift eight tonnes, alongside the convenience of hydraulically adjustable track widths.
Alongside belt options, ranging from 300 to 910mm widths, there will also be the option of an electrically-driven PTO system, which is independent of the engine driven by external high-voltage connectors for powering electrically driven implements of the future.
Machine management includes hazard and obstacles detection, with guidance delivered by a RTK GPS system.
"Our involvement provides Claas with access to innovative technology and complements our existing expertise in robotics and autonomy," says Thomas Bock, chief executive of the Claas Group. "In turn, AgXeed will benefit from our expertise in areas such as data transfer, system interfaces and drivetrain solutions."
AgBot is expected to be launched during 2022.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.