The DLG (German Agricultural Society) announced the winners of the gold and silver medals of the Agritechnica Innovation Awards 2023.
The leading innovation award scheme in the agricultural machinery industry received 251 entries, of which 218 were approved for the list of exhibition innovations. The DLG Innovation Jury has awarded one innovation with the gold and 17 innovations with the silver medal.
An Agritechnica Innovation Gold medal is conferred on an innovation demonstrating a new concept in which the functionality has changed decisively and gives rise to a new process or marks a substantial improvement to an existing process.
Each entry had to meet the key criteria:
- Practical significance at the farm level
- Operating profitability and efficiency benefits
- Improvement in the environment and energy consumption.
- Workload reduction and improved health and safety
Gold medal winner: New Holland CR twin axial rotor combine harvester
New Holland’s CR twin axial rotor combine harvester achieves higher performance within legal limits by redesigning its core elements and implementing innovative technologies.
The development of combine harvesters is limited due to their size, weight, and dimensions, which affect their threshing performance. Increasing the width of the threshing channel, the most effective way to improve performance, is challenging because it would exceed legal transport width limits. Expanding the threshing and separating sections would also lead to excessive axle loads due to increased drive outputs and component sizes.
New Holland’s new CR twin axial rotor combine harvester addresses these challenges by focusing on power density while adhering to regulations. The key innovation is the longitudinal engine placement in alignment with the rotor’s angle. A split-power gearbox centrally drives the rotors, headers, and intake chain, eliminating drives on the sides of the chassis. This extra space allows for a wider threshing channel, boosting the combine harvester’s technical output.
An automatic system adjusts the feed drum belt’s tension to prevent blockages, ensuring smooth movement. The patented cleaning system is 13 percent wider, and grain elevator loading is optimized, with pressure sensors providing even crop distribution on upper sieves. Lateral shaking compensates for uneven distribution, solving a common issue in axial rotor combine harvesters. Camera-based control technology improves energy efficiency without increasing the machine’s weight significantly.
Silver medal winners
An Agritechnica Innovation Silver medal is conferred on an innovation for an existing product such that a significant improvement in functionality and process is achieved. The product does not fully meet the criteria for an Innovation Gold Medal award. Key criteria include:
- Relevance at the farm level
- Workload reduction and enhanced work quality
- Improved reliability
The 17 winners of the silver awards are:
- STEYR Hybrid CVT: A modular hybrid concept for tractors aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.
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T4 Electric Power: An automated utility tractor with advanced autonomy functions for improved productivity and safety.
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Telescopic Front Loader: A loader with a telescopic swing arm for increased reach, especially useful on medium-class tractors.
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T7.270 Methane Power (LNG): A gas tractor using LNG tanks for improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
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Multi-dimensional 3-point Power Lift Regulation: An innovation from CLAAS for precise control of tractor power lift, ensuring consistent work quality.
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GrindStar: A soil tillage solution using passively rotating rotors for shallow tillage, improved residue conditioning, and weed seed burial.
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Rotating Ridge Former: A ridge former for potato cultivation with enhanced flexibility, stability, and clog prevention.
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Potato Windrower with SmartFold: A windrower designed for small-scale potato farming, improving ease of use and reducing potato losses.
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Grinding Device without Manual Readjustment: An innovative grinding device for forage harvesters that extends maintenance intervals and reduces downtime.
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Automatic Conditioner Adjustment: Fendt’s system for maintaining consistent dry matter content in forage crops, benefiting animal performance and fuel efficiency.
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iQblue Tool Monitoring: A tool condition monitoring system for cultivators and coulters, improving maintenance and performance.
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Radicle Agronomics: A comprehensive system for automated soil sampling, analysis, and data integration, enhancing precision farming.
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3A – Advanced Automation and Autonomy: Software and hardware solutions for autonomous field robots and vehicles, enabling collaboration and process optimization in agriculture.
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CurveControl for Centrifugal Spreaders: A system for adjusting the output quantity in centrifugal spreaders when cornering.
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Forward-Looking Feedrate Radar for Axial-Flow Combine: Radar sensors on combines for better crop management and header control.
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ChangeSep Interchangeable Separator: A separator that allows tool-free switching between two active separating facilities in a harvester.
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ECO-Duo Vario: A liquid manure spreading system that regulates output quantity independently for each half of the spreader, improving precision.
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