Page 27 - AWA Vol.41-No.5. 1

HArVeStiNG & StorAGe

Kverneland sets autonomous world ploughing

record with AgXeed

verneland has set the first world record for autonomous
Kploughing by teaming up with autonomy solutions provider,
AgXeed.
With Kverneland being a pioneer of new technology, the objec-
tive was to be the first to set a record for the most amount of land
ploughed within 24 hours using an agricultural autonomous robot.
The 24-hour autonomous ploughing challenge was carried out
at Birch Farm, Stonegrave, North Yorkshire, and achieved an output
of 20.8ha (51.37 acres) using a driverless AgBot 5.115T2 pulling a
five-furrow Kverneland LO 300/85 plough.
AgXeed UK sales manager, Peter Robinson, was equally positive
Working on-land at furrow widths of 40cm (16in) and at a depth about the AgBot’s 24-hour performance.
of 22.5cm (9in) to prepare land for maize and fodder beet, the
156hp rubber-tracked autonomous AgBot operated at forward “Having mapped the field boundary and created a job map
speeds from 5.6kph up to 8kph on the rolling land, slowing only to complete with headland turns sequence, the AgBot worked tire-
carry out headland turn sequences. lessly for 24 hours,” said Peter Robinson. “It has proved that au-
tonomy is not just for the mundane, repetitive tasks, but it can also
Telemetry from the AgBot confirmed that fuel consumption from be applied to more complex processes, such as ploughing.”
the diesel-electric powertrain totalled 382.72 litres over the 24-
hour period, delivering a fuel efficiency figure of 18.4 litres/ha. With multi-layer security systems built into the AgBot for unri-
valled operational safety, the 7t autonomous tractor was equipped
“We’re delighted to be part of this technological revolution and with a 1.5t front weight to reinforce traction for the fully-mounted,
thrilled to have completed this world-first record attempt,” said five-furrow Kverneland LO plough.
Adam Burt, Kverneland UK’s product specialist for ploughs. “The
combination of Kverneland LO plough and AgBot achieved an The AgBot was momentarily stopped during the night, to top-up
output that would have taken two working days to complete with its 375-litre fuel tank to complete the 24-hour work period. The
an operator using a similar powered tractor pulling a five-furrow total area ploughed during the 24-hour challenge was verified
plough,” he said. by north Yorkshire farmer and former director of the Society of
Ploughmen, James Whitty.
“Using Kverneland No.28 bodies, the LO plough is one of the
easiest on the market to pull, and its low draft has rewarded this
achievement with low fuel consumption supported by a high- Kverneland UK would like to thank the following for their help
quality finish,” said Adam. “Creating this record has highlighted with this autonomous ploughing record: Peter Armitage of Birch
the efficiencies available from using autonomous tractors for re- Farm, Stonegrave, near York, for providing the location, and James
petitive tasks.” Whitty for verifying the area ploughed. Circle 34 on enquiry card

iNCHCAPe KeNyA has been appointed

as its official distributor in Kenya

ew Holland is delighted to an- range of applications; TS6 and 10S Series supporting Inchcape, our new partner, in
Nnounce that INCHCAPE KENYA has tractors which are using for land prepara- their growth, confident they will offer the
been appointed as its official distributor tion, cultivation, or haulage; high horse- best products and service to our custom-
in Kenya with the priority of providing power tractors to operate machinery and ers in the territory.”
the best service to its customers. This cover more ground in less time; and the Francis Agbonlahor, Managing Direc-
new partnership brings a broad range of TC Series combine harvesters which pro- tor of Inchcape Africa, commented: “We
mechanized solutions to improve produc- vide dependable performance for mixed are proud to build on our rich legacy of
tivity and strengthen New Holland busi- and small-scale farmers in varied crop over 40 years of successful partnership
ness in the country. conditions. The Brand ensure that New with New Holland in Ethiopia, as we now
Holland customers continue to receive
The agriculture sector plays an impor- enhanced support and service. expand into Kenya, a market where agri-
tant role in Kenya as major source of in- culture plays pivotal role in the economic
come, particularly to rural households Özkan Eren, Middle East & Africa New growth and advancement of the country
where agriculture is the main source of Holland Business Director said: “We are and its people. This appointment is a tes-
livelihoods. More importantly, agriculture confident that with Inchcape, we have tament of the trust that New Holland has
is an important source of foreign currency the perfect partner to support our farm- placed in Inchcape, and it aligns seam-
ers into a new level in Kenya. Our long-
through exports of agricultural commodi- standing commitment to agriculture in lessly with our African growth strategy. By
ties. Kenya continues and we want to maintain bringing our global and local expertise,
strong customer focus, and operational
Underlining its commitment to Kenyan New Holland as the number one brand in excellence into the Kenyan agricultural
agriculture, New Holland will continue the country, particularly dominating the sector, we aim to better support and serve
to provide its broadest product range, in- haulage applications with our 10S and farmers with innovative, reliable solutions
cluding TT Series tractors which comple- TS6 product ranges in sugar estates. With and ensure that New Holland retains its
ment power with economy; TD Straddle this new partnership our ties to Kenya be- market leadership in the sector.”
tractors which are suitable for a wide come even stronger. We look forward to Circle 35 on enquiry card

Vol. 41 No. 5 25