Thursday, 03 June 2021 13:55

Upgrade to bunker harvest

Written by  Mark Daniel
The Grimme EVO 280 two-row bunker harvester is getting a major upgrade. The Grimme EVO 280 two-row bunker harvester is getting a major upgrade.

Originally released in 2018, the Grimme EVO 280 two-row bunker harvester – featuring three large separators and an intake for crops, such as potatoes, onions and carrots – is getting a major upgrade.

The EVO 280 is now equipped with a redesigned version of the well- known NonstopBunker, allowing continuous gentle unloading during harvest on the move. It offers a capacity of up to 6-tonne, in addition to the 8-tonne standard bunker.

The increase in bunker capacity also provides a significant lift in the transfer height and width, meaning greater distances can be kept between the harvester and transporting trailers and high transport vehicles can also be loaded easily.

The continuous unloading process during harvesting means the bunker is emptied on one side, while being refilled on the other side. When a transport vehicle is full, the design of the GRIMME NonstopBunker allows the bunker floor to be reversed without damaging the crop, while also utilising the full capacity at any time.

The unloading time of around 45 seconds, is about half that of conventional bunkers with two bunker floor chains. Meanwhile, the removal of an additional transfer-step in the bunker floor is said to increase output by around 30% over a standard bunker.

For more traction, less soil damage and reduced energy consumption, a hydrostatic wheel drive system can be fitted. This offers a total thrust of over 2.3 tonnes, a power-boost function taking this rating to 2.6 tonnes and a transport width of less than 3 metres. The latter is achieved by using a telescopic axle that can be retracted by 500mm, while also delivering good stability when extended.

The “Turbo Clean” System allows the cleaning of certain webs and separators, with drives stepped up to maximum speed to achieve the cleaning effect – either automatically at the end of a run or manually by the operator.

At the picking table, height adjustable steps allow pickers to work at the most comfortable working height, with options including a waterproof storage box, increased padding on the picking table, drink holders and a 15-litre hand wash tank. A new lighting system also enables the picking staff and the driver a good overview of the crop flow.

For use on heavy soils, optional wear-resistant, plastic share blades help to reduce soil adhesion and minimise wear. Clod breakers are also available on the first main web to prevent clod build-up in sticky soils without stones.

The hedgehog web on the third separator can be equipped with plates of long, soft hedgehogs. Stones and clods then sink deeper and can be separated more efficiently from the crop flow.

More like this

Tractor Sales Fall in Most Major Markets Ahead of EIMA 2026

The market is in decline in the United States, Canada and Brazil. In Europe, sales are falling in Germany, France and Spain. Turkey is experiencing a sharp decline, whilst the economic strategies and policies implemented by India and China are driving purchases in both countries.

Claas Balers Turn 30

Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.

New Michelin Tyres for Slurry Tankers and Trailers

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.

Featured

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.

National

Machinery & Products

Claas Balers Turn 30

Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter