In 2015, ROPA launched production of the Keiler 2 with a pre-series of 15 machines. The design, with its fully hydraulic drive, telescopic axle, quick-change system for pickup and open construction, remains popular with customers all over the world to this day. Thanks to its modular design, the functionality of the Keiler 2 has been continuously improved. Such features as overloading bunker, drive wheel and different cleaning stages as in the Classic model as well as lifter chain and Double Select helped the Keiler 2 to become widely popular – from Chile to Japan and Australia. Production numbers increase steadily. Thanks to the stable and robust design of the drive, chassis, hydraulics and electronics, based on many years of experience in the sugar beet sector, even pre-owned machines are very popular, a fact that is reflected in their high residual value.
Interview with Patrik and Horst Gleich, at Gleich Asparagus Farm
The Gleich family has long been impressed by the quality of ROPA machines and visited ROPA stand at Agritechnica 2023 to learn about the new features of the RK22. While there, they got a look at the RK22 model with the number 728 and said with a smile, ‘Give us a call when you make the 1,000th Keiler 2 – we'll buy it.’ They had no idea that at the end of the 2024 season, they would be notified that precisely the 1000th machine would be ready for the 2025 season.
Positive results - ROPA potato technology
The very positive sales figures confirm the excellent acceptance and market presence of the Keiler series. By the end of the current production season, almost 1,200 Keiler 2 and over 400 Keiler 1 machines will be operating worldwide. This means that the second pillar of ROPA's operating activities, potato technology, has been successfully established and is making a significant contribution to the growth of the company.
Gleich GbR, Weingarten in the Southern Palatinate
Systematic cultivation of early potatoes – field report from a highly specialised family business
The Gleich family from southern Palatinate cultivates around 250 hectares, focusing on special crops such as early potatoes, asparagus and strawberries. The farm consistently focuses on the cultivation of early potatoes, the first of which are planted under fleece and plastic sheeting at the end of February. Harvesting begins in May and the product is marketed directly without being stored, meaning that delivery from the field to the shops takes no more than two to three days.
Own logistics: Three trucks for direct delivery from the field
The farm has its own fleet of trucks. The potatoes are loaded directly in the field and delivered to the packaging station without any intermediate stops. It offers flexible and direct delivery to customers, even when loading specific varieties.
From RK21 to RK22 – relying on time-tested ROPA technology
The farm had already been using a Keiler RK21 since 2020. It harvested around 570 hectares in five seasons. The Keiler 2 RK22 came into use in the 2025 season and was the 1,000th machine to roll off the production line.
Impressive technology: The Keiler 2 RK22 in detail
The decision in favour of the RK22 was based on its practical advantages:
- Gentle harvesting: Perfect for sensitive early potatoes
- High area output and high performance during workload peaks
- Flexibility: Also suitable for harvesting onions with swath pickup
- Ergonomics: Comfortable working conditions at the picking table
- Efficient cleaning and the utmost gentle treatment of products
A visit to the plant in Sittelsdorf to witness the final steps in the production of the 1,000th Keiler 2
Official handover by the ROPA and RWZ team to the Gleich family, with initial deployment immediately afterwards
Florian Schmitt from our sales and service partner RWZ Mutterstadt introduces the new RK22 and shares some details.
Quality, performance and reliability of the ROPA Keiler 2 RK22
The ROPA Keiler 2 RK22 excels in intensive use thanks to its reliability, efficiency and high product quality. With the 1000th machine produced in this series, it symbolises trust of our customers, long-term practical experience and innovative further development.
