Video - Impressions of the ROPA demonstration 2016
On Sunday, 20th of November 2014, the traditional company open house with demonstrations of sugar beet harvesting was opened at 10 a.m. at the ROPA plant in Sittelsdorf. This time the 30th anniversary of the ROPA company was celebrated with 12,000 to 15,000 visitors. Various self-propelled machines, including the introduction of the new Tiger 6 and Panther 2 sugar beet harvesters, were in operation on the fields around the ROPA factory. The sugar beets were loaded directly after harvesting with the spectacular ROPA Maus 5 and shredded and silaged at the experimental pilot biogas plant.
Managing Director Dr Eberhard Krayl greeted the guests
Managing Director Dr. Eberhard Krayl welcomed visitors at the beginning of the event on the demonstration plots under bright sunshine. Over the previous days there had been a total of 50 mm of rain and until the last moment it was uncertain whether it would be possible to lift sugar beets. He informed guests of current events within the company and gave a brief insight into technical innovations. During the demonstration of machinery, he also made reference to the safety concept that was carried out for the first time this year and wished all guests found the demonstrations interesting and a pleasant time with ROPA.
Company founder and managing director Hermann Paintner also demonstrated his first beet harvester manufactured in 1972
As a special highlight, Hermann Paintner started up his first self-propelled beet harvester dating back to 1972 at 1pm. He drove the first Paintner harvester to the demonstration plot with his daughter Carolin for a speech.
Hermann Paintner spoke of the current events at the company and the application of harvesting technology in more than 40 countries around the world. ROPA machines are in successful use on five continents in different soil and climate regions.
Demonstration of sugar beet harvesting
Demonstration of sugar beet harvesting - the highlight of the ROPA demonstration
After several days of rain totalling more than 50 mm immediately before the demonstration, Sunday was a day of bright sunshine. Under these conditions the award-winning chassis design of the Tiger 6 and Panther 2 convincingly demonstrated their advantages for harvesting sugar beet combined with soil conservation. The beet harvesters left a thoroughly harvested field behind them in spite of the very wet lifting conditions.
The Tiger 6 in particular with its hydraulic R-Soil Protect chassis design sets new standards for soil protection. ROPA R-Soil Protect is the combination of a soil-protective, hydraulic chassis system with new MICHELIN CerexBib tyre technology. This soil protection concept was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica in Hanover. It only requires 1.4 bar tyre pressure and it is available as an option in the Tiger 6. The synergy of the load-balancing hydraulic chassis with the new generation of MICHELIN IF1000/55 R32 CerexBib tyres offers even more contact surface with sustained soil protection and significantly reduced contact pressure, even with a full beet bunker holding more than 43 m³ or 30 t.
The automatic levelling system using six hydraulic cylinders and sensors is unique among 3-axle beet harvesters. The chassis is kept completely horizontal for up to 10 percent side slope. The gravity centre and, thus, the load of the wheels on the slope bottom side are shifted to the slope top side.
Premiere of the ROPA Tiger 6
The ROPA Tiger 6, the most powerful sugar-beet lifter in the world, was awarded a gold medal for innovation for its overall design at the Agrosalon trade fair. The heart of the machine is the new 700 hp or 768 hp engine with pump-nozzle injection and 16.12 litre capacity. Compared to the Tiger 5, power has been increased to 105 kW (142 hp). The new machine design has a perfectly integrated drive system with automatic slope compensation and is extremely gentle on the soil. The more powerful bunker-emptying mechanism provides faster truck loading on the move. The comfort cabin with glass touch terminal, Wi-Fi interface and numerous automatic programmes offers top driving comfort for the best lifting results.
Stepless gearbox for efficient power transfer
The new stepless traction drive was specifically developed by ROPA, Omsi and Bosch-Rexroth for the ROPA Tiger with its high drive power. The "constant variable ROPA" gearbox (CVR) consists of three hydraulic motors on a compound gearbox and is located between the engine compartment and the third axle. The maximum speed of 40 km/h can be reached by the Tiger 6 at an extremely economical 1195 rpm. Harvesting in the field can be performed at an engine speed of only 1,100 rpm. Depending on power requirements the rotational speed of the Tiger is automatically regulated up to 1,650 rpm. The multi-disk differential brakes integrated into the axles (protected from dirt) running in oil bath "tame" the Tiger as required.
Reduced rpm up to 40 km/h, continuously variable and no torque interruption.
Highlight!! – Cabin and operating concept of the ROPA Tiger 6 sugar beet harvester
The redesigned and very spacious R-Cab driver's cabin has been significantly upgraded and is suspended on hydraulic bushings. It is oriented to the driver, who has the best overview of the redeveloped lifting unit from a physiologically appropriate and comfortable seating position.
The easy-care, pleasant and attractive interior of the new cabin guarantees the most comfortable operation. There are generously dimensioned shelves, storage compartments and plenty of space around the driver. A cooler and the integrated seat ventilation for hot days and seat heater for colder weather are standard equipment. Extremely powerful fully LED working lights turn night into day.
Ergonomics and comfort with the driver at the centre.
Premiere of the ROPA Panther 2
ROPA is pushing forward with the new model of the two-axle beet lifter into a new performance dimension. Sporty modern design with manoeuvrability and agility combines with a "workhorse" in the new Panther 2 for pure pleasure when lifting beets. There are sufficient power reserves for the most extreme lifting conditions, and using XL lifting attachment demonstrates the centrepiece of it all: the new 700 hp or 768 hp Volvo inline engine with pump-nozzle injection and 16.12 litre capacity. The award winning and soil-protecting chassis system with roll stabilisation and automatic slope compensation have been flawlessly integrated into the new machine design. The unloading conveyor derived from the Tiger 6 with a more powerful hopper emptying facilitates quicker loading during the drive. The new comfort cabin with the R-Concept operating philosophy and touch terminal along with the numerous automatic programmes is the basis for outstanding driving comfort and the best lifting results.
Enlarged cleaning area
In accordance with the higher engine power, the cleaning power has also been adapted in the Panther 2. The RR lifting attachment has an additional seventh lifting roller included and therefore offers a cleaning area which is over 15 per cent larger. A broadened inlet to the filter belt channel guarantees an even quicker beet flow to the enlarged turbine area. After the first turbine with a 1,740 mm diameter, two more follow, each with a diameter of 1,550 mm, before the beets are moved gently into the 1,000 mm wide bunk elevator.
Extremely long unload conveyor
The new extremely long unloading conveyor was based on the length and concept of the Tiger 6. It is located between both axes, directly after the articulated joint. When loading on trailers driving alongside, the transfer angle is shallower. The unloading conveyer is 1600 mm wide and foldable in 3 places. By basing this on the construction of the Tiger 6, the height could be further reduced despite the increased loading width - a major advantage for lifting using a power supply line. The bunker unloading, which compared to the Panther 1 is even more powerful, ensures faster loading on the move. Gentle polyurethane fingers guarantee high feeding capacity with short unloading times of as little as 50 seconds with a full beet bunker holding around 30 m³. The automatic bunker filling allows optimum traction under all harvest conditions by excellent weight distribution. Two ultrasound sensors measure the bunker loads and therefore the load, and save it in the impact database.
Roll stabilisation with fully automatic wheel load and slope compensation
The Panther 2 has, like its predecessor, an innovative chassis concept with 2 floating axles in conjunction with 4 stabilising cylinders. Compared to conventional chassis of 2-axle beet harvesters this reduces the sway of machine by 50 per cent. The reason for the improvement is the hydraulic connection of the stabilising cylinders at the front and rear axles on one side, so unevenness at one wheel at a different level only affects the frame by 50 per cent compared to the previous system. Thanks to the reduction of the chassis swing, the row and depth control is improved simultaneously, as the frame is averaged to the position of both axles.
ROPA Keiler potato harvester
Innovations for ROPA Keiler for at the demonstration
ROPA presented new wizard systems and additional optional ISOBUS functions for the ROPA Keiler potato harvester at the demonstration. Additional attachments for the fully hydraulic drive enable the user to save user-defined machine settings for adjustment to specific field conditions or when switching between ware potatoes and starch potatoes. The optional automatic sieve conveyor controls the cleaning elements based on speed. A minimum and maximum speed can be set and the ratio between minimum and maximum can be adjusted. The intelligent automatic overload system is derived from the Tiger sugar beet harvester and reliably prevents the potato harvester from overrunning. The AUX-N function allows harvesting functions to be actuated with the tractor joystick or by additional controls. The Basic task controller records the field documentation for output to the field file in the ISO-XML file format.
Technical highlights - the latest news from research and development
Sugar Beet Technology
Michael Gruber (sugar beet technology area manager) presented the latest developments by ROPA for sugar beet harvesting with the Tiger 6 and Panther 2. The heart of both sugar beet lifters is the new 700 hp or 768 hp engine with pump-nozzle injection and 16.12 litre capacity. The ROPA Maus 5 is fitted with the widest pickup system on the market and additional options will be available in 2017.
Potato Technology
Dr. Rupert Geischeder (area manager for potato technology) reported on the latest developments, practical experience and the unique selling points of the ROPA Keiler potato lifter. The fully hydraulic drive opens new options for even better matching of cleaning and separation units. Increased gentle treatment of tubers with reduced operating noise and reduced use of resources are significant advantages of the ROPA Keiler potato harvester.
Designed for safety - a peaceful and accident-free demonstration
A safe but still impressive demonstration
The organisation of the demonstration was started well in advance and a safety concept for safe but still impressive machine operation was developed.
We can be pleased when we look back at a successful demonstration at the 30th anniversary of ROPA. The day passed with no accidents, disturbances and with enthusiasm. All guests behaved well and respected the safety precautions.
Shredding and ensilaging of beets for energy generation in the biogas plant
The sugar beets were loaded immediately after harvest by the spectacular ROPA Maus 5 and shredded and ensilaged at the pilot and test biogas plant.
The freshly harvested sugar beets are cleaned using the spectacular ROPA Maus 5 on the demonstration plot, loaded, then transported to the pilot, test, and demonstration biogas plant. The sugar beets were crushed there by a shredder, which is driven by a 817 hp 37.5 litre Leopard 1 tank engine.
Shot blasting and powder-coating facility - received the besser lackieren. Green award
Investment in quality and sustainability
At the beginning of 2015, the family-run machine construction company ROPA from Low Bavaria opened a new assembly centre. About €30 million was been invested in the assembly plant with upstream shot blasting and powder coating systems for the innovative machine construction under the latest environmental and manufacturing standards. It was made with the purpose to optimise the quality of coating in the context of technical possibilities and thus, to set the new standards.
A painting centre with shot blasting and powder coating units is being built on a total area of 12,000 m² to the highest technical standards. The new coating systems are designed on environmentally friendly solvent-free and emission-free powder coatings. Due to the high layer thickness of up to 120 microns, the backed coatings are much more resistant to mechanical stress and have significantly greater weathering and acid stability over wet paints and dipping varnish.
A distinction for ROPA's new standards in coating of agricultural machines
The "besser lackieren. Green Award" is the only competition for industrial coating performance in German-speaking countries. It assesses the leading technological expertise in a practical and comparative manner and recognises the outstanding best-practice solutions. In the category "In-house coating - painting department/paint shop with less than 50 employees" the award went to ROPA Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH from Sittelsdorf.
This award is the "Oscar" in the area of excellent, innovative und sustainable coating technology
Albach - the specialist in self-propelled chippers presented the Diamant
With the Diamant 2000 Albach demonstrated the most powerful all-road chipper in the world. The Albach Diamant, like the Tiger 6, is fitted with the 768 hp Volvo D16 inline six-cylinder engine with 16.2 displacement.
Agricultural technology exhibition
There was an interesting programme of events with extensive demonstrations of agricultural technology using numerous tractors, harvesting, potato, grassland, forestry and silage technology, as well as telescopic loaders, information stands from seed growing companies, biogas equipment manufacturers, service providers and much, much more.
Shuttle bus service to the demonstration area - 12 buses in continuous operation
ROPA offered a free shuttlebus service on two routes directly to the demonstration area. A total of ten stops in Niederleierndorf, Oberleierndorf, Langquaid, Sandsbach, Herrngiersdorf and Adlhausen, Laaber, Laaberberg and Altbach were served in ten-minute intervals before arriving in Sittelsdorf.
Kinderland ("Children's Land")
To keep "young farmers" busy, there was an array of children's activities on offer with numerous attractions, such as the Hüpfburg pirate ship, as well as pedal car and tractor courses.
Operation in the festival hall
In addition to the demonstration, the event will be held under the banner of ROPA's "togetherness". Visitors took time to discuss ideas in the heated halls of the assembly centre with much larger hospitality areas. For their physical well-being, visitors will be served hearty delicacies and barbecue beef. Coffee and cake have been traditionally offered by the farmers' wives, with the proceeds of the sales being donated to charity every year.
