Combined Powers
Combined Powers is an autonomous tractor unit that partners, Krone and Lemken, have created for mowing, tedding, raking, cultivating, and ploughing.
The two firms have launched the joint design after successfully completing a series of in-field trials.
The unit first operated the 4m Krone EasyCut F 400-fold front mower. After completing the mowing, the unit was then changed over for tedding using the Vendro 820.
The second unit on display demonstrated its cultivating abilities using Lemken equipment – an 8-row Azurit 10 K 8 precision drill and an adapted Karat 10 cultivator.
According to the companies, both prototype units “impressed” with their:
- “Excellent” quality or work;
- High work rates and traction;
- Plenty of lugging power and superb soil protection.
Combined Tractors
The weight of the 2.7m wide and 2.6m high unit is between 7.5t and 8t – depending on the implement that the operator attaches.
Fitted with 23inch wheels all-round, a fuel-electric drive powers the autonomous tractor and delivers 170kW (230hp).
According to the creators, it can, therefore, “take on any of the tasks we have designed it to carry out”.
“This level of versatility guarantees excellent year-round utilisation,” a spokesperson said.
They designed the autonomous tractor unit with the specific requirements of sowing, mowing, tedding, raking, cultivating and ploughing in mind.
Diesel engine and other features
Its diesel engine develops a maximum power of 170kW (230hp), which electrically transfers to the wheels and PTO.
Furthermore, the attachments are coupled to a three-point linkage. The base machine boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems which monitor the immediate surroundings and the attachments.
Operators control and monitor the unti from a mobile device, sending jobs and job reports through via the established agrirouter data exchange hub. The overall design focus is on safe operation and optimum work results.
A spokesperson said:
“Surprisingly, the autonomous tractor unit is controlled by the attachment, not the other way round.”
“A primary requirement for achieving the best work results was to ensure that the attachment and unit behave like on smart unit.”
“The expansive knowledge and experience in the application of ISOBUS and TIM on both Krone and Lemken machines have greatly benefitted the development of the unit.”
“This ensures that the drive unit and the implement communicate and interact, sharing all types of data literally.”
According to the companies, a further advantage of the Combined Powers design concept is the solution it offers to the increasing lack of skilled labour in agriculture.
“Farmers will no longer have to spend long days working in the field but can act as a system operator. They can monitor the unit as it consistently delivers accurate and high-quality work.”
Operating via mobile
According to the partners, you will be able to operate and monitor its future machine from a mobile device.
At present, you can control locomotion and coupling remotely from a radio control.
Continuing, the spokesperson said:
“The autonomous tractor unit’s versatility and longevity enable its owners to operate the unity in all seasons, and for a long time.”
“Intensive trials in all conditions and user feedback from farmers and contractors, will continue this year,” the spokesperson concluded.
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