ROPA presents a new generation of their self-propelled cleaner loader for sugar beet with entirely new dimensions and a collection system more than 10,2 m wide. The overall concept combines performance and efficiency and blends practical experience with the latest technological innovations from the ROPA company. The unmistakeable feature of the Maus is its 9 m long counterweight arm, specially designed by Hermann Paintner and guaranteeing utmost stability even with a loading elevator at maximum extension. Prior to mass production ten machines were tested in operation in 2010 and after further adjustments and new developments the ROPA euro-Maus 4 is now in full production and will be presented at Agritechnica ready for the beet season  2011-2012. A number of automatic functions that operate flaps, drives and the remaining beet collector arm offer new parameters.

The comfortable cabin which can be raised to up to 5.1 m provides the machine operator with a first-class workplace and a so far unsurpassed overall view. All operational processes can be monitored and optimised on a clearly laid-out colour terminal. An equally clear, newly designed control panel with logically assembled operating controls, a rotary selector switch as well as 2 new multi-functional joysticks on the arm rests makes the machine highly user-friendly when loading.

The robust collecting system, extended to a true 10,2 m width has altogether 18 cleaning rollers (normally produced with a hard welded finish) and ensures efficient soil and weed removal. Depending on the level of cleaning required the cleaning path in the collecting system can be adjusted in length and intensity from the operator cabin. In contrast to previous systems 50% more beet can now be stored in an average beet clamp – a significant advantage for larger fields with short headlands and in deep frost conditions.

euro-Maus 4 with a collection system more than 10,2 m wide - ROPA roller collection with 18 cleaning rollers (bottom-up: 2 finger rollers, 6 conveying rollers, 8 tangentially rotating spiral rollers)

A highly economical 240KW / 326 HP Mercedes-Benz engine (OM 926, 7.2 CC and a low emission rate of 3b), incorporating AdBlue and SCR-Kat feeds the drive mechanism. This has been maximised to an extremely high efficiency so that even when loading it operates automatically at a reduced speed whilst maintaining ample reserves to cope with extreme conditions. In contrast to its predecessor model the throughput capacity has once more been increased significantly whilst maintaining a reduced fuel consumption. Corresponding to a higher throughput the cleaning area has been enlarged for optimum cleaning effect.

The counter weight arm, specially developed by the company’s founder Hermann Paintner, is made of special high grade steel and contributes to the impressive performance of the ‘Maus’ when loading whilst maintaining high machine stability. The counterweight arm measures up to 9m long and 4m high and can be swung out to the loader together with the fuel tank that serves as a counterweight. It ensures optimal balancing of the machine even at a loading width of 15 m.  The optional measuring system is incorporated in the loader angle and offers better results than before. All loader side walls consist of highly stable PU-plates and can be set in four positions.

The counterweight arm measures up to 9 m long and 4 m high and can be swung out to the loader together with the fuel tank that serves as a counterweight 

For road transport the ‘Maus’ can easily and fully automatically be folded in from the cabin using only one operating device and reducing the width to 3 m and a total length of 14.97 m. The large wheel base of 5.5 m together with two additional hydraulically sprung axles permit safe manoeuvring of the robust 31 ton ‘Maus’ and ensure optimum driving comfort even at higher speeds than previously used.

The new hydraulic system with an optimal gear / revolution transmission provides efficient power whilst combining high throughput with low consumption at a steady loading speed of 1,200 1/min. Powerful load-sensing hydraulics ensure highest possible oil utilization and a swift response from the entire operating system even when idling.

The main frame consists of laser-welded and angled U-profiles of a fine 700o steel and, in contrast to its predecessor, offers even higher stability. All components are functional, of clear outline and specially designed for their purpose. The various detailed solutions, e.g. the automatic folding mechanism, a video system at the terminal with 2 standard cameras (optional 4 cameras) indicator of final drive performance, automatic stone protection, capability of the cooling fan to be reversed and raised and fuel filter monitor, … all contribute to the highest possible performance at lowest maintenance needs.  Electronic data recording with USB data transfer, fuel consumption gauging, air-conditioning, stationary heating, reversing camera and a central lubricating system make up the very comprehensive standard equipment of the euro-Maus 4. Optionally available are systems for beet logistics – RABS order processing, GIS-interface, through-put weighing machine – all of which can be integrated directly into the main terminal (integrated management of application) without the need for auxiliary terminals.

By introducing the new euro-Maus 4, ROPA demonstrates once more its unsurpassed leading position in the manufacture and distribution of self-propelled cleaner loaders.

Production Model of the euro-Maus 4 with a collection system more than 10,2 m wide