New Lemken & Krone Autonomous Tractor Unit
German machinery manufacturers Krone and Lemken are joining forces in the development of an autonomous system. After passing trials in cultivating, ploughing, sowing, mowing, tedding and raking last year, Krone and Lemken’s Combined Powers concept is to be integrated into the two company’s forage harvesting and tillage systems.
The so-called Combined Powers system consists of a drive unit and various matched implements. The drive unit is diesel-electric powered and generates up to 230hp to meet the power input requirements of the implements used.
The drive power is transferred electrically to the wheels and the PTO, and from there to the implement that is coupled using a three-point linkage.
The drive unit boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems that monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement attached, ensuring safe operation and optimum results as the primary objectives.
Operators control and monitor the combination from a mobile device, transmitting jobs and job reports via a communication module and the established data exchange hub Agrirouter.
The drive unit is controlled by the implement and not vice versa. This was considered imperative for achieving optimum results. The implement and the drive unit act as one integrated smart system. Based on the long experience in the application of ISOBUS and Tractor Implement Management (TIM) on Krone and Lemken machines, the drive unit and implement communicate and interact, sharing all types of data.
Thanks to its versatility, the unit is designed for year-round work and a long service life. Intensive trialling in all types of conditions and seeking feedback from farmers and contractors will continue this year.
TractorLab
