GRIMME to unleash the beast

GRIMME will unveil the world’s first four-row self-propelled potato harvester equipped with its proven SE lifting, separating and conveying technology at this year’s Agritechnica in Germany.

With its 15 tonne bunker and 530 hp engine, the VENTOR 4150 boasts twice the productivity of a two-row harvester and is set to propel harvesting efficiency to new heights.

Landpower GRIMME Operations Manager, Rob Breedveld, says 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,” he says.

“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.”

An innovative folding mechanism of the two ‘hedgehog’ web separators, which are mounted on both sides, reduced the width of the machine so that it meets transport regulations.

Rob says the integration of the SE principle achieves significant fuel savings by eliminating the need for a haulm topper.

“There are no wheels in front of the intake unit, which enables digging straight away, even when opening a new field,” he says.

“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.”

Large flotation tyres – 900/70 R32 front and 900/60 R38 back – and automatic levelling ensure smooth harvesting operations.

Crab steering optimises field performance and achieves an impressive turning circle of just 6.1 metres.

“The VENTOR is much more manoeuvrable than tractor-implement combinations,” Rob says.

Key operating functions are controlled via the ErgoDrive control system.

Speedtronic automatically adjusts the speed of the separating devices, further reducing the operator’s workload.

The new CCI1200 terminal, with its 300 mm screen and easy-to-use interface, gives the operator a perfect overview of the machine settings and performance.

The Visual Protect camera system, Coming Home function, MemoryControl for the viewing and saving of harvest parameters and an autopilot-system are all fitted as standard.

The operator has an excellent view of the front of the machine from the comfortable cab, while the ProCam video surveillance system eliminates any blind spots to the sides or rear.

“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,” Rob says.

“By comparison, traditional systems give the driver a view to the rear of the machine but not to the side areas.

“As a result, this could pose a danger to people standing in those areas, as well as there being a greater chance of the machine being damaged by objects, such as trees.”