Keiler 2 RK 21 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 from the Keiler 2 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.
Like all models, the Keiler 2 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.
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 optimal 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 overloading bunker. The capacity of the overloading bunker on the Keiler 2 Classic can be increased to 6 t.
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.
Gentle cleaning with two pintle belts
Cleaning elements in the 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 (alternative: triple deflector roller)
7. Pintle belt 2
8. Dirt discharge conveyor (optional)
9. Trash conveyer
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 (rotating finger comb), trash track and grader rollers
For minimum cleaning requirements, the rotating finger comb (UFK) can be replaced with three deflector rollers and the trash track can be omitted. This not only saves weight and costs, but also increases throughput. 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 pintle belt machine. 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 (rotating finger comb)
Track track with removable picking table raising
Very high performance with maximum product protection
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 (pintle belt 1 and pintle belt 2), the machine is still clearer, more accessible, and easier to maintain than the previous Keiler II.
Double bunker
Two ROPA Keiler 2 Classics 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. To optimize their operations and increase efficiency, these two young farmers rely on the joint use of employees and machines. 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 Classics with double bunker allow them to separate baby potatoes on the harvester easily for later marketing.
Previously there were 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 was reduced from three to two potato harvesters. Which has a positive economic impact as the need for a tractor and sorting staff on the harvester 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 emptied separately from one another. The overloading height is 4.20 m, for efficient filling of large trucks, as well as crates and trailers.
Double bunker for gentle separation and sorting
Keiler 2 Classic with double bunker ensures gentle separation and sorting 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.
The harvesting process at BüSta – separated marketing of baby potatoes
For even more gentle handling of potatoes the Keiler 2 Classic can be equipped with a hydraulically foldable tray filler with rubber baffles.
On both farms, the crates are stocked in the field, so clean sorting during the harvest is important. The generously designed space for sorting personnel, the pleasant working environment with the sun canopy and low operating noise, and the very good accessibility are further advantages of the Keiler 2 Classic.
Easy work and a lot of space for sorting personnel
The completely hydraulic drive of the whole harvester enables extremely low-vibration and noise-reduced work on ergonomically designed sorting platforms. Other varied adjustment possibilities for machine optimization and maintenance-friendly, accessible design make the Keiler 2 Classic the first choice for your potato harvest.
Unique chassis design with telescoping axle and high-volume 850/50 R30.5 radial tires ensure greater stability and comfort. While the harvester makes do with a track width of 3 meters on the road and when lifting, the Keiler shines during normal harvesting with a track width of 3.50 meters.
Onion harvest 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 row 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.
Thank you very much to all participants for the good cooperation, the hospitality, and the good mood during the first deployment!
Special thanks to Johannes Büsch und Kevin Stanau!