Sittelsdorf/Moscow. The ROPA Tiger 6, the most powerful sugar-beet lifter in the world, was introduced to the world at the Agrosalon trade fair and was awarded a gold medal for innovation for its overall design. 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.

Mega torque and 16.12 litre capacity - extremely cost-effective

The power transmission in the 515 kW (700 hp) ROPA Tiger 6 with its Volvo inline 6-cylinder engine (model TAD1672VE, emission level EPA 4 final), 16.12 litre displacement, pump nozzle injection (PNI), SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue is now even more efficient. The maximum torque is 3200 Nm at 1260 rpm. From as low as 1000 rpm the engine offers a powerful 3150 Nm of torque. Lifting is at an economical 1100 rpm at 3150 Nm torque - 11% better than the Tiger 5 at 2840 Nm.

=> The basis for greater daily output, even more power at lower speeds.

For even more power in the Tiger 6 ROPA offers the 565 kW (768 hp) Volvo inline 6-cylinder engine (model TAD1643VE-B) with 16.12 litre displacement and pump nozzle injection (PNI). The robust power pack does not require AdBlue, SCR catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation. This reduces logistics requirements for equipment and minimises downtime. A powerful maximum torque of 3260 Nm - 12% more than the Tiger 5 at 2900 Nm - power is transmitted at optimal efficiency with the stepless traction drive. The 142 hp/105 kW extra power compared to the ROPA Tiger 5 results faster hectare coverage, particularly when lifting uphill, during truck loading while moving or with more than 6-row lifting with XL lifter units.

=> The basis for even higher daily output, increased operating safety.

Roll stabilisation with load compensation - applied for patent

ROPA has developed an innovative chassis concept with an oscillating front axle in conjunction with two hydraulically supported rear axles specially for the flagship Tiger. Compared to the chassis on previous 3-axle beet harvesters (with the central axle fixed to the frame), this reduces the sway of machine by one third! The reason for the improvement is the hydraulic connection of the cylinders at the front and rear axles on one side, so unevenness at one wheel at a different level only affects the frame by 33 per cent compared to the previous system. Thanks to the reduction of the chassis swing, the row and depth control are improved simultaneously, as the frame is averaged to the position of three axles. The hydraulic connection of the axles always distributes the load equally over all 6 wheels.

=> Less sway, significantly greater driving comfort and better harvest quality.

The load peaks, tyre load and load transfer were determined individually for each wheel by measurements made during practical use by Michelin and ROPA. The comparison was performed with the euro-Tiger V8-4 with fixed axle and hydraulic and the load-compensating hydraulic drive system. Measurement results showed a greatly increased damping effect of the chassis along with reduction of peak loads by 8 percent at the first axle, 37 percent at the second axle and 43 percent at the third axle.

=> Confirmed reduced peak loads, even less pressure on the soil.

For even higher 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.

=> Only 1.4 bar tyre pressure, lower contact pressure even with a full beet bunker.

Slope compensation up to 10%

The ROPA Tiger automatic slope compensation using six hydraulic cylinders and sensors is unique among 3-axle beet lifters. The chassis is kept completely horizontal for up to 10 percent side slope. The centre of gravity and as a result the load on the wheels on the downhill side of the slope are shifted to the uphill side of the slope. The weight and track depth of the wheels on the lower side of the slope is substantially reduced, the infiltration capacity of the soil is retained, thus significantly reducing erosion risk during heavy rain. Slope stability and traction are greatly increased. The risk of tipping over is considerably reduced and driving comfort is increased.

=> Soil-protective sugar beet harvesting also on the side slope without requiring increased tyre pressure.

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.

Direct power transmission with drive shafts ensure a very high torque on all wheels

As a unique selling proposition on the market of 3-axle harvesters, the ROPA Tiger has direct power transmission via direct linear cardan shafts from traction drive to both rear axles and the front axle. This consistently eliminates lead or lag between the axles.

=> Top traction even in variable or difficult soil and harvesting conditions.

for completely automatic transformation from road drive to lifting action

The ROPA Tiger 6 switches automatically from road drive mode to field mode at the push of a button. Unloading conveyor, one metre wide ring elevator, bunker auger and other groups fold one by one, in some cases simultaneously. The sensor-controlled monitoring systems exclude operating errors and collisions. The entire folding process with simultaneous activation of all functions takes a very short time.

=> Comfort and safety when starting work, short setup times.

even more powerful and faster bunker unloading

The new extremely long unloading conveyor is located between the two rear axles and can be raised further due to higher tyres. It is a great advantage when loading on trailers driving alongside, because the transfer angle is shallower. The unloading conveyor is 3-way foldable and 2000 mm wide for even simpler application with 10-metre-wide piles or easy loading on trailers. The bunker unloading, which compared to the Tiger 5 is even more powerful, ensures faster loading on the move. Gentle polyurethane fingers guarantee high feeding capacity with short unloading times of less than 50 sec. with a full beet bunker holding more than 43 m³. The automatic bunker filling allows optimum traction under all harvest conditions by excellent weight distribution. Two ultrasound sensors measure the load by totalling the bunker loads and save it in the impact database.

=> Faster truck loading, gentle and convenient bunker unloading.

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, the driver is at the centre.  

ROPA combines under the name R-Concept its new intuitive operating philosophy. The large 12.1-inch touch screen with WLAN interface is the information and command centre of the machine. From here the operator monitors the entire machine, receives information about operating conditions and performance data, adjusts functions and the working results of the machine.The operation is performed dually, either with fingertip on the touch screen or with turning and pressing the "R-Select" and "R-Direct" rotary buttons. The controls are situated in the ergonomically perfect position on the newly designed control panel und the handle of the multifunctional joystick (with integrated mini joystick). The thin control panel at the driver’s position offers numerous adjustment options and supports the ergonomic and comfortable seat position with greatly improved all-round vision.

=> A premium workplace for driving pleasure.

In summary, new developments of the Tiger 6 increase the daily output at reduced operating costs, simplifying maintenance and repair. The operator experiences improved driving comfort with more economical, efficient and soil-protective harvesting of sugar beet.

The ROPA Tiger 6 is available with various lifting units and various row widths. The defoliator unit can be selected as the integral defoliator, defoliator with leaf ejection, all-round defoliator or rubber-defoliator with two rubber cleaning shafts.