Premiere at Potato Europe
ROPA is expanding its line of two-row complete potato harvesters to include the Keiler II Classic 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.
The machine is largely similar to the familiar Keiler II. The main difference is the separator units. With the Classic, there are two instead of four hedgehog belts. The Classic has a very generous sorting platform, which accommodates up to 8 people on the gently ascending, large picking conveyor with an optional trash track. With the extendable platform, in addition to the trash track, the machine offers sufficient comfort for picking personnel. Paired with height-adjustable platforms, each workstation can be set up individually and ergonomically.
For minimum cleaning requirements, the revolving finger comb (UFK) can be replaced with three deflector rollers and the trash track can be omitted. This saves money and weight. These options can be added after the fact if necessary. Appropriate changeover was considered with regard to the construction from the very beginning.
The same applies for the 4-hedgehog machine. Here too, the previous machine can be delivered for the 2020 season with optional deflector rollers instead of the UFK and without trash track and discharge conveyor, which rounds out the choices for professionals.
Like all models, the Keiler II Classic has a fully hydraulic drive and the ISOBUS controller is standard equipment. The quick-change frame for uptake is also integrated as standard equipment, so that this machine can be used for high-performance, gentle harvesting of onions and other special crops thanks to the reduced cleaning units. Furthermore, telescopic axles were installed here in order to allow harvesting in 3 m rows and provide increased stability when harvesting 3.5 meter rows.
Just like the current model, the Classic can be equipped optionally with drive wheel and overloading bunker. With the Classic, the volume of the overloading bunker can be increased to more than 6 tons.
In last year's field tests in locations with lower cleaning requirements (sandy and separated soils), the overall concept provided very high performance with maximum product protection. Due to the omitted cleaning units (hedgehog 1 and hedgehog 2), the machine is still clearer, more accessible, and easier to maintain than the previous Keiler II.
Sales start for this model will be at Agritechnica 2019. At Potato Europe in Belgium (September 4-5, 2019), the model will be presented to the international trade public for the first time.
With this model, ROPA anticipates significant growth worldwide, so that the Keiler population of the current 350 machines delivered will increase greatly. The initial signs for this on the potato market are good.
