References

Report about the ROPA Keiler 2 from the KWS Klostergut Wiebrechtshausen

Steffen Köhler reports about his experiences with the ROPA Keiler 2 potato harvester in the third harvest on the Klostergut of the KWS in Wilbrechtshausen.

Even during his studies of agricultural science, he worked as a trainee at the Klostergut and started working there full-time as a farmer after completing his studies. 

The ROPA Keiler 2 was purchased in 2018 and put into operation. With its individually adjustable cleaning units thanks to the completely hydraulic drive, the Keiler 2 is especially gentle on the potatoes, something on which this experimental farm places particular value.

To the detailed reference report - KWS Klostergut Wiebrechtshausen GmbH

ROPA team accompanied the next new machine during its first harvest. This time we were out and about with a Keiler 2 DoubleSelect, which demonstrated its strength here. Despite good soil conditions, one can already see how wet the past year was. The ground is very poorly compacted and therefore has relatively little fine soil structure. Thanks to the DoubleSelect, despite these conditions we were still able to harvest very clean tubers. Many thanks to the Krapp family from Elsdorf and best wishes for a successful harvest with the new machine.

Area performance as the main focus:
Harvesting with RK21 with an overloading bunker and Fendt Vario 722 at Schmidt's farm. The pickup of the Keiler is equipped with the half ridge drums and central share allowing harvesting of potatoes in combination with a swather. A weather protection canopy provides more comfort at the sorting platform. The harvester is also equipped with a stone collection box.
In order to harvest without any interruptions, a Brettmeister loading trailer accompanies the harvester in the field. 

Even high weed content poses no problem for our Keilers. The leaf chain reliably transports the oilseed rape and orache out of the machine. 
Potatoes are filled into trays directly in the field.

Keiler 2 and Fendt Vario 722 at Tolle Knolle GbR in Tundersleben. The RK21 is equipped with deflector rollers instead of a rotating finger comb above the pintle belt 4. The deflector roller package offers a product-friendly and high-throughput alternative to the UFK, especially on loose soils with low clod or stone content. In addition, it is equipped with plastic ridge drums. Thanks to them, less ridge pressure can be applied if required, compared to normal drums. They also handle particularly sticky soil conditions more effectively.

Chicory harvesting with a Keiler 2 Classic and John Deere 8360 R at SL Gartenbau GmbH in Oberkrämer. The chicory roots are harvested in autumn and then stored in a very cool place. Later they are moved to a dark greenhouse to grow shoots from the roots; these can be sold. 
The roots are harvested by a pickup without ridge drums. The depth and lateral guide of this pickup is performed by means of special skids. 

One of the largest organic farms in Bavaria, Großmann‘s Feldfrüchte, relies on ROPA

The potato harvest is in full swing at the two-generation operation of Peter Großmann-Neuhäusler. This is already routine for the well-rehearsed team – but new this season are two ROPA Keilers, which harvest the organic potatoes. The operation is completely mechanized for the planting, care, and harvest of the fields and, thanks to new investments, offers storage capacities for approx. 8,000 t of potatoes. In total, between 40 and 60 seasonal workers are employed at peak times for harvest, care, and storage work.

To the detailed reference report - Großmann's Feldfrüchte relies on ROPA

Double bunker for gentle separation and sorting

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.

To the detailed reference report - Büsta Dienstleistungs und Handels GmbH & Co. KGBüSta

On the "Bulldog" at customer Batz

At the beginning of September 2021, we visited Thomas Batz and his family during the potato harvest. This family operation is in Landkreis Eichstätt in Bavaria. In addition to grain and sugar beets, the primary crop there is table potatoes, and they also grow potatoes for the cultivation of seed stock. In total, they plant approximately 60 hectares of potatoes.
A gentle harvest is extremely important for the sale of the table potatoes. "Our table potatoes are washed and sent to various packing operations, which is why our potatoes have to be perfect." explained Thomas Batz. The same applies for the seed potatoes since damaged tubers can introduce pathogens and viruses.
To fulfill these high demands for the potato harvest, in 2020, Thomas Batz selected the ROPA Keiler 2 Classic. Another reason for this farmer to purchase a machine from ROPA was proximity to the company and to a dealer he trusts. "ROPA and its dealers, with whom I have only had good experiences, are almost directly next door, which is what made the selection of a ROPA Keiler easy."
This year, the ROPA Keiler will serve its second harvest season for Thomas Batz. Looking back, the farmer was won over by the technology, long service life, and quality of the ROPA machine. He hasn't had to avail himself of the purchase-critical customer service yet "since the harvester has not had any problems the whole time."

Trecker babes - potato harvesting with Theresa: How does the new boss do it?

For the first time, Theresa is the boss and she has to prove herself during the potato harvest. How does she do in the leadership position and how does the potato harvest go?