ROPA Tiger 6S - still more efficiency paired with digital networking in the world's highest-performance sugar beet harvester from the world market leader
ROPA is expanding its self-driving sugar beet harvester segment to include the Tiger 6S model, which will be available in series production for the 2020 harvest. After several years of field tests, the model will be available as a pre-series for the 2019 season in parts of Europe. A new generation of extremely high-performance on-board computers is the basis for telematics, predictive analytics, online diagnostics, and partially autonomous sugar beet harvesting. The Tiger 6S dominates the premium segment of the market and with its visionary computer architecture is much more than the technical and visual enhancement of the current Tiger 6.
Printout of the innovative enhancements in the exterior design of the Tiger 6S
Even the new look of the ROPA Tiger 6S symbolizes digitalization and agriculture 4.0. The light blue line clarifies and stands for the networking of the Tiger with itself and with the R-Connect online portal. The emphasis of the new product logo relies on the smooth geometric forms in the low-poly style. Thanks to the play of light and shadow, the tiger 6S has additional depth and dynamics. The prominent coloration with dark gray exterior contours is in harmony with light aluminum gray and bright yellow. The Tiger is designed for pride in ownership, to arouse emotion and at the same time to meet the promise of quality.
Driver cabin with new interior and two large 12.1" color displays
The cabin with its panoramic view creates a feeling of generous space and functions as a center for artificial intelligence and partially autonomous sugar beet harvesting. The driver's position of the Tiger 6S is the visualization of technology leadership and the advent of a new era of networking in sugar beet harvesting. Operation of the terminal with interactive buttons as highlights in a clear color composition with a modern flat design is even more intuitive and corresponds to the logic of tablets and smartphones. Intentional contrasts increase legibility and usability.
As compared to the Tiger 6, the Tiger 6S has two 12.1" operating terminals with high pixel density and still-sharper resolution. In addition to the machine functions, the camera images can also be displayed on the terminal on the left A-pillar. The Tiger 6S is the first sugar beet harvester that is features digital cameras as standard equipment. The digital cameras provide much better image quality - for this greater data quantity, an additional Ethernet network has been integrated into the machine. When backing up or emptying the bunker, the appropriate camera image is displayed automatically on the left terminal. With the new ergonomic control element on the left armrest, the discharge conveyor and bunker emptying can be controlled more easily. On the right multi-function joystick, five function keys are available for programming, for example for the large-area windshield wiper.
R-Connect telematics and remote diagnosis standard
The standard integrated telematics module forms the basis for forward-looking service 4.0, especially predictive analytics, as well as quick help and diagnosis in case service is required - on all continents. When service is required, if desired the service technician can switch directly to the terminal and the machine control and assist the driver, e.g. with problem-solving. The R-Connect portal offers drivers and heads of operations the perfect tool for online order evaluation and machine and fleet optimization.
Patented hydraulic R-Soil Protect chassis also with acceleration sensors
Just as the tiger walks lightly through the jungle on velvet paws, the Tiger 6 is equally light-footed in the field during the sugar beet harvest. The R-Soil Protect hydraulic chassis system, which has received several awards, has slope compensation and roll stabilization has been enhanced further in the Tiger 6S. The Tiger 6S also features a 3-axle gyroscope with acceleration measurement for centrifugal force compensation for still finer slope control.
Direct power transmission with drive shafts ensure a very high torque on all wheels
Like its predecessor, a unique selling proposition of the Tiger 6S on the market for 3-axle harvesters is that it has direct power transmission via direct linear cardan shafts from traction drive to both rear axles and the front axle. This guarantees top traction even in variable or difficult soil and harvesting conditions. Drive is stepless from 0 to 40 km/h with a reduced engine speed.
When driving on the road, the new "intelligent main steering switch" enables automatic synchronization of the articulation and front axle steering.
Many new comfortable, useful details
Numerous new developments and optimizations offer additional benefits and comfort when driving and operating the Tiger 6S. For example, complete equipment with still stronger LED headlights, blinkers, and spotlights; optimized arrangement of the batteries; a new layout of the central electronics; optimizations in the working hydraulics for depth operation and cleaning units; a new machine controller that complies with current safety guidelines; increased service-friendliness for electrical and hydraulic systems.
Two engine options - power packages with mega torque and 16.12-liter capacity - extremely cost-effective
As for the Tiger 6, for the Tiger 6S, ROPA installs reliable and cost-effective in-line 6-cylinder diesel engines from Volvo. Depending on request and local laws, ROPA offers the following engines:
Volvo Penta TAD1643VE-B with 768 PS / 565 kW
With a capacity of 16.12 liters and pump-nozzle injection (PDE), this engine is the familiar and reliable power pack used in the Tiger 6. This engine does not require AdBlue, SCR catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation. A powerful maximum torque of 3260 Nm is efficiently transmitted by the stepless traction drive at optimal efficiency.
Volvo Penta TWD1683VE with 796 PS / 585 kW
This engine was designed by Volvo Penta especially for use in the Tiger 6S. With a capacity of 16.12 liters, common rail injection, SCR catalytic converter, and AdBlue, this type of engine provides power more efficiently and "cleanly."
With doubled turbocharging, this power package generates enormous maximum torque of 3650 Nm. Starting at 1000 rpm, it provides 3550 Nm, which means that you can harvest longer in the lower speed range and therefore save more fuel. Thanks to the modern engine technology, this diesel engine also complies with the European exhaust stage V without exhaust gas recirculation.
The Tiger 6S will be introduced as a production model at Agritechnica 2019 and will be available for purchase. A pre-series is already in extensive practical use for the 2019 sugar beet harvest. In particular, thanks to the more powerful on-board electronics with deep-reaching networking, ROPA sees the potential for the still faster and optimized development of driver assistance systems also with regard to partially autonomous sugar beet harvesting.
