Lemken and Krone unearth Combined Powers concept

Lemken and Krone have established themselves as prominent names in the farm machinery landscape, and the two companies have recently put their heads together to create an ambitious concept for agriculture that is futuristic and progressive.

The concept comprises an autonomous ‘process unit’ made up of a main drive unit and various implements such as mower, tedder, cultivator, seeder and rake.

The unit uses a diesel-electric drive that generates up to 230hp, and is designed to meet the power input requirements of the corresponding implements. The drive power is transferred electrically to the wheels and the PTO and from there to the implement which is coupled to a three-point linkage on the drive unit.

The drive unit boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems which monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement attached, ensuring safe operation and optimum results. Operators control and monitor the drive unit and implement combo from a mobile device, transmitting jobs and job reports via a communication module and the agrirouter, the established data exchange hub.

A key difference of the concept is that the implement controls the unit and operation, and not vice versa, which the companies claims to be imperative for achieving optimum results. The implement and the drive unit act as one integrated smart system.

Based on Krone and Lemken’s experience in the application of ISOBUS and TIM in their machines, the drive unit and implement are capable of communicating and interacting with each other, sharing a wide range of data.

One of the main reasons for the creation of the concept, according to the two firms, is to address the issue of skilled labour shortages in agriculture. In addition, the concept will free farmers from spending long days in the field and instead focus on monitoring the process unit to ensure it delivers consistent and quality work.

Its ability to work with a wide range of implements for a wide range of tasks means it is suited for year-round work.

Lemken and Krone will continue to seek feedback from farmers and contractors and aims to conduct intensive trialling of the Combined Powers concept in various conditions this year.

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