ROPA Keiler 2 Classic
ROPA Keiler 2 Classic with 2 pintle belts
Many proven components of the Keiler 2 have been adopted in the design of Keiler 2 Classic. The Keiler 2 Classic differs mainly due to both pintle belts which function as separation devices. The overall design demonstrates very high output with maximum product protection in areas with low cleaning requirements (sandy or separated soils). The Keiler 2 Classic with the pintle belt 1 and pintle belt 2 cleaning systems is easy to monitor, it is accessible and easy to service.
The very spacious sorting stand has ample space for up to 8 persons at the gently rising and generously dimensioned picking conveyor with an optional trash track. Thanks to the extendable platform, there is also space for additional sorters next to the trash track. Paired with the height-adjustable platforms this allows every workstation to be separately adjusted for maximum ease of working.
The Keiler 2 Classic, like all models, is fully hydraulically driven and comes with the ISOBUS control unit as standard equipment. The quick-change frame for the pickup is also integrated as standard equipment, enabling this machine to be used for harvesting onions and other specialised crops with the reduced cleaning units. The telescopic axle has also been integrated to allow extension by up to 3 m during harvesting and up 3.5 m to ensure high stability with lifting.
Keiler 2 Classic with XL bunker as standard
The potato harvester Keiler 2 Classic with 2 separation units and a large sorting platform is particularly effective on light soils. With the new ROPA XL bunker, the bunker volume has been increased in order to make the best possible use of the high harvesting performance The automatic filling system with ultrasound sensors ensures optimum filling of the bunker. The bunker can be supplied by an articulation unit, so the fall height of the trailer can be reduced for gentle trailer filling.
Keiler 2 Classic with overloading bunker
The Keiler 2 Classic can also be optionally fitted with drive wheel and truck loader bunker. The capacity of the truck loader bunker on the Keiler 2 Classic can be increased to 6 t.
The quick-change frame for the pickup is also integrated as standard equipment, enabling this machine to be used for harvesting onions and other specialised crops with the reduced cleaning units.
Careful cleaning with two pintle belts
Cleaning elements in Keiler 2 Classic
1. Sieve conveyor 1
2. Picking conveyor
3. Pintle belt 1
4. Triple deflector roller
5. Leaf chain
6. Rotating finger comb (alternatively triple deflector roller)
7. Pintle belt 2
8. Dirt discharge conveyor (optional)
9. Trash conveyor
10. Trash return conveyor
11. Sieve conveyor 2
12. Trash discharge conveyor
13. Bunker pad-roll floor
Individual optional equipment
Keiler 2 Classic with triple deflector rollers
Keiler 2 Classic with UFK, haulm conveyor and grader rollers
Where cleaning requirements are minimal, the rotating finger comb (UFK) can be replaced with triple deflector rollers and the haulm conveyor can be left out. This not only saves weight and costs, but also increases throughput. These options are available as modules for retrofit if required. The option of conversion is taken into account from the start of the design process.
The same applies for the machine with four pintle belts. This machine can be optionally designed without trash and discharge conveyor and fitted with deflector rollers instead of the UFK.
Keiler 2 Classic with triple deflector rollers
Keiler 2 Classic with UFK
Trash track with removable picking table extension
Very high output with maximum product protection
During last year's field tests, the overall design demonstrated very high output with maximum product protection in areas with low cleaning requirements (sandy or separated soils). Without the cleaning units (pintle 1 and pintle 2), the machine is even more open, accessible and easier to service than the previous Keiler II.
Double bunker
Two ROPA Keilers 2 Classic with double bunker in operation at BüSta Dienstleistungs- und Handels GmbH & Co. KG in Luckau/Lower Saxony
BüSta resulted from the merger of the businesses of Johannes Büsch and Kevin Stanau. In order to optimise their farms and increase efficiency, the young farmers rely on the joint use of staff and machinery. The farm of Johannes Büsch is managed according to organic farming guidelines (Bioland), and the farm of Kevin Stanau follows Naturland guidelines.
Today, they cultivate around 500 ha of arable land, of which about 100 ha is given to potatoes and 50 ha to onions.
The Keiler 2 Classic with double bunker allows to separate baby potatoes directly on the harvester in order to sell it later.
So far there have been no two-row potato harvesters with double bunkers, which is why in the past potatoes were harvested with three single-row harvesters. ROPA has now fulfilled the wishes of both young farmers and developed the Keiler 2 Classic with double bunker to include in its product range. As a result of the increased efficiency, the machine park has been reduced from three to two potato harvesters. Which has a positive economic impact as the need for a tractor and sorting staff during the campaign has been reduced as well.
The 8 t bunker, divided in a ratio of 3 to 1 (6 t to 2 t), has separate filling slides and an automatic filling function for the main bunker. Both bunkers can be unloaded separately from one another. The overloading height is 4.20 meters, for efficient filling of large trucks, as well as boxes and trailers.
Double bunker for gentle separation and sorting
Keiler 2 Classic with double bunker ensures gentle separation and allows small potatoes to be sorted out directly on the potato harvester - a particular advantage.
Small-sized potatoes are sorted out by the grader rollers on the picking conveyor into the divided bunker segment, loaded separately on trailers or in boxes and can be sold during harvest time, e.g. as baby potatoes. This saves storage capacity and at the same time offers advantages in terms of ventilation and storability of normal crop.
Four grader rollers, steplessly adjustable in the range of 25 - 40 mm, perform separation directly after the picking conveyor. The ergonomically designed sorting platform provides enough place for comfortable working of up to 8 operators.
Harvesting at BüSta – separate merchandising of baby potatoes
For even more gentle handling of potatoes during harvesting the Keiler 2 Classic can be equipped with a hydraulically foldable tray filler with rubber baffles.
On both farms, the boxes are stocked from the field, so clean sorting during the harvest is important. The generously designed space for sorting personnel, pleasant working environment with a sun canopy and low operating noise, and very good accessibility are further advantages of the Keiler 2 Classic.
Comfortable work and plenty of space for the sorters
The completely hydraulic drive of the whole harvester enables extremely low-vibration and noise-reduced work on ergonomically designed sorting platforms. Various adjustment possibilities for machine optimisation and its maintenance-friendly and accessible construction make the Keiler 2 Classic the first choice when it comes to potato harvesting.
The unique chassis design with telescoping axle and high-volume 850/50 R30.5 radial tires ensure greater stability and comfort. While a transport width of 3 meters is kept on the road or for initial lifting, during normal lifting the Keiler glides on the field with a track width of 3.5 meters.
Harvesting onions with the Keiler 2 Classic
In addition, harvesting of onions, which in the past was outsourced to contractors, will from now on be carried out by their own Keiler 2 Classic.
ROPA has designed a practical new quick-change system for switching between ridge pickup and swath pickup or pickup for carrots etc.. The Keiler 2 pickup can be changed in just a few minutes. One person can perform the complete coupling process easily and without requiring special tools.
For service and sales, Büsta is supported by ROPA Service- und Vertriebspartner Palandt Agrartec in Uelzen and directly on-site by Walter Schulze Landmaschinen GmbH & Co.KG.
Many thanks to all participants for the good cooperation, the hospitality and the positive atmosphere!
Special thanks to Johannes Büsch und Kevin Stanau!