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Nexat a 270-degree rotating cab allows the unit to be driven manually between jobs and a prime position for monitoring in the paddock.
While popular in horticultural operations for harvesting over the past few decades, many growers have switched from gantry layouts in favour of very large self-propelled machines.
German company Kalverkamp is now looking to give the gantry a new lease of life. It recently took out the only gold medal for innovation offered by the Agritechnica Event.
Featuring autonomous operation, an electrical power source and modular construction – allowing operating widths from 6 to 24 metres – the machine can take care of tasks including cultivating, drilling, spraying and harvesting.
Called Nexat (next generation agricultural technology), a 270-degree rotating cab allows the unit to be driven manually between jobs and a prime position for process monitoring in the paddock.
While hydrogen power is planned for the future, currently the vehicle is fitted with twin 545hp (400kW) diesel engines that power electrical generators. This in turn powers the four rubber tracks, which rotate through 90 degrees for transport.
With the NexCo combine harvester module fitted, the vehicle is said to offer outputs of 130- 200 tonnes/hr, using a 5.8m-long dual axial rotor mounted transversely to the direction of travel, and a cutting width of 14 metres.
A 32 cubic metre grain tank is said to be large enough for most paddocks, with a 600 litre/ second unloading speed taking around one minute to empty at the headland.
Several manufacturers are involved in the development of implements for the system, such as Swedish company Väderstad, alongside German sprayer builder Damman.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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