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Chopped crop is moved rearwards in the wagon, using double-sided, hydraulically driven floor chains.
With a history of more than 100 years, Schuitemaker has built a reputation for high quality manufacturing, durability and excellent in-field performance for its self-loading wagons.
Replacing the wellknown Rapide 1000 series, the latest 6,7, 8 and 9 Series models are available in Pro, Performance, Performance XC and Ultimate configurations, offering capacities from 35 to 55 cubic metres, with chopping systems of 50 or 80 knives, carried on tandem or tridem axle configurations.
The first of the new machines to arrive in New Zealand and on display at Fieldays is the Rapide 7 Ultimate, offering 45 cu metre capacity, 50 blades to achieve a theoretical chop length of 40mm, a tandem axle layout, alongside a long list of cleverly designed features.
Up front, a K80 ball couple ensures that dynamic loads created by the wagon are safely handled by the prime mover, while a hydraulically adjustable and automated drawbar ensures optimal loading and transport geometry. Power delivery is via a wide-angle 1000rpm heavy-duty PTO connection.
The loading element takes the form of a 2.4 metre wide, hydraulically driven pick-up unit, equipped with six banks of tines and taking the form of the traditional Schuitemaker trailing layout, meaning the pick is pulled rather than pushed, delivering optimal 3-D ground following, for a clean crop pick up and minimal contamination. This is achieved with twin, pivoting support wheels at the front of the unit and four additional support wheels to the rear.
Crop is passed via a hydraulically driven feed rotor to a 2.1 metre wide, 700mm diameter chopping rotor, that incorporates eight rows of feeder tines that transport the crop over fifty reversible chopping blades to achieve a consistent 400mm chop length.
The driveline to the feed and chopping rotor assembly incorporates a high-power carbon belt, driven by a planetary gearbox within the main rotor.
The wagon body offers a durable cage-type construction, featuring galvanized and powder-coated panels, with the headboard able to be moved hydraulically to increase compaction, but also allowing an additional 4 cubic metre capacity, to the base capacity, when in the forward position.
Chopped crop is moved rearwards in the wagon, using double-sided, hydraulically driven floor chains, with twin operating speeds, for steady loading or rapid discharge, with a safety sensor on the rear tailgate to prevent overloading and consequential damage. Overall control falls to an optional package for automated loading and discharge.
The heavy-duty chassis incorporates hydraulic suspension, with the load being carried on 10-tonne rated axles, shod with wide, 800-45R26.5 tyres to minimise sward damage during harvest and provide smooth travels between the paddock and the clamp. In addition, the Smart Steer electronic steering system allows excellent tracking behind the towing tractor and improved manoeuvrability in tight situations.
Safety is addressed with an automatic brake force regulator and parking brake, while heavy-duty mudguards with mudflaps keep debris under control, with a fully compliant side and rear LED light package. Ease of operation is helped with option LED spotlights on each side at the front of the machine, with an additional four LED light inside the trailer body.
Machine control falls to the Schuitemaker Double Touch control system, featuring a full colour7-inch touchscreen layout, with key controls falling to two joysticks for all main functions. New Rapide series boosts harvesting. In addition, routine maintenance is taken care of with the optional Control+ function at the front of the machine, while a dedicated power supply for additive application systems, ensures reliable delivery of treatments.
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