A world first four-row self propelled potato harvester has been announced by Grimme.
The Ventor 4150 will, according to Australian Grimme distributor Landpower, propel potato harvesting efficiency to new heights, compared to the traditional two-row harvesters.
To be officially unveiled at Germany’s Agritechnica the Ventor 4150 will boast a 335 kilowatt engine, 15 tonne bin and SE lifting, separating and conveying technology, said the company.
Landpower, Grimme operations manager, Rob Breedveld, said the SE technology utilises lifting, sieving and conveying webs to separate potatoes from vines, clods and stones.
“Grimme pioneered this technology almost 30 years ago and it is now considered standard equipment on most one-row and two-row potato harvesters.”
“Until now, it has not been possible to fit this technology into four-row harvesters due to technological barriers.
“Grimme has finally solved this problem by dividing the crop flow into two main lines throughout the whole machine,” he said.
Mr Breedveld said a folding mechanism of the two ‘hedgehog’ web separators, reduced the width of the machine so that it meets transport regulations.
The integration of the SE principle will also save fuel by eliminating the need for a haulm topper, he said.
“There are no wheels in front of the intake unit, which enables digging straight away, even when opening a new field.”
“This also reduces soil compaction and crop damage.
“The TerraFloat ensures the crop is perfectly distributed on the first main web for optimal sieving.
“This patented sieving system ensures a smooth and regular transition between the first and second main webs,” he said.
Mr Breedveld said the large flotation tyres and automatic levelling ensure smooth harvesting operations.
Crab steering would also optimise field performance and reduce the turning circle to 6.1 metres, he said.
“The Ventor is much more manoeuvrable than tractor-implement combinations.”
Mr Breeveld said modern automation components are included such as automatic adjustment of the separating speed, harvest parameters and autopilot.
“Two high quality wide angle cameras linked to a high resolution, split screen monitor provide the driver with an unobscured 360-degree view of the operating environment,” he said.