AE50 awards were given to the Kuhn OptiWrap OWR 6000 inline round bale wrapper, the hydraulically adjustable windrow merger on the Kuhn FC 9330 D RA, the TwinPact plunger design on the Kuhn SB 1290iD, and the Smart Soil Technology feature on the Excelerator XT. All four machines are being recognized as some of the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products for the food and agriculture industries, earning a feature in the upcoming January/February 2022 special issue of ASABE’s magazine, Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World.

The Kuhn OptiWrap OWR 6000 inline round bale wrapper offers exceptional wrapping productivity with industry-leading pre-stretchers that have a 70% stretch ratio to minimize film and fuel use. This higher stretch ratio provides more efficient plastic utilization and better bale compression, reducing plastic cost per bale.

The IntelliWrap system controls the wrapping process and allows the operator to easily adjust film layers, seam layers, load delay, and bale dimensions. IntelliWrap controls, combined with the optional FilmSense system, can adjust pusher and hoop speed to maintain the target layers count even if a stretcher runs out or tears film during the wrapping cycle. The BaleEye photoelectric sensor accurately and reliably detects a bale on the loading platform with no mechanically moving parts.

The hydraulically adjustable windrow merger on the Kuhn FC 9330 D RA is one of the most flexible merger systems in the triple mower conditioner segment. The belt speed and position are easily set from the cab, allowing customization of the windrow width from a narrow 5’11” to a wide 11’10”, the widest range in the industry.

Additionally, each merger conveyor can be individually folded up and out of the way to make wide windrows without merging. The self-contained hydraulic system compensates for hilly terrain with the help of an onboard inclinometer to control the belt speed.

The Kuhn SB 1290 iD TwinPact plunger offers higher bale densities without the need for a dramatically heavier baler and a substantial increase in horsepower requirement to operate the baler. The split plunger design intelligently applies the force of a standard 3×4 square baler to half the area, twice. Combined with the longer bale chamber and nine hydraulic cylinders on the iD baler, this system increases bale density. The combination of fewer, denser bales with lower fuel consumption offers customers a lower cost of operation to make heavy, high-quality bales.

Kuhn Krause Smart Soil Technology uses AEF certified ISOBUS electronic control to bring complete, on-the-go adjustment and multiple functions fine-tuning on the Excelerator XT into the tractor cab for the first time. Smart Soil Technology provides “preset only mode” with up to eight user-defined presets, which can be saved, allowing the operator to make multiple adjustments simultaneously with a simple touch of a button. The AEF certified ISOBUS software provides true plug-and-play compatibility with other certified displays and provides a compatible system from one brand tractor to another without the need for additional equipment.

Companies from around the world submit entries to the annual AE50 competition and up to 50 of the best products are chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select innovative products that will best advance engineering for the food and agriculture industries.

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As organizer of Agritechnica, the DLG (German Agricultural Society) will be conferring awards in three different innovation awards schemes honoring innovative engineering ingenuity. The award schemes promote the important role of agricultural engineering in a sustainable agricultural future. The awards recognize contributions in three key fields of innovation: visions and concepts; systems and components; market-ready machines and products for practical use.

Modern agricultural technology plays a central role when it comes to finding solutions for current challenges like environmental protection, climate change and biodiversity. This year’s guiding theme at Agritechnica “Green efficiency – inspired by solutions” focuses on these challenges. The innovation awards of the DLG reflect the potential offered by agricultural visions and innovations to unite productivity with conservation of resources globally.

Award schemes at Agritechnica, 27 February – 5 March 2022:

• Agritechnica Innovation Award

The DLG’s Agritechnica Innovation Award is one of the leading schemes in the international agricultural industry. These awards are conferred to innovations for practical application and underscores the value of modern agricultural machinery to farming. All companies exhibiting at Agritechnica may take part in the DLG Innovation Awards by entering its innovations. Following in-depth consultation and deliberation, an independent DLG panel selects the products to be presented with the ‘Agritechnica Innovation Award’, either gold or silver.

• Systems & Components Trophy – Engineers’ Choice

For the second time, DLG will be awarding the “Systems & Components Trophy – Engineers’ Choice” for agricultural systems and components. With this trophy, the DLG is acknowledging the innovative spirit of the supplier industry along with its great importance to agricultural technology. Following the identification of shortlisted innovations, the final award-winners are selected by the jury consisting of development engineers from agricultural machinery manufacturers exhibiting at Agritechnica.

• New: DLG AgriFuture Concept Winners

At Agritechnica, 27 February – 5 March 2022, DLG will be launching a new award scheme “DLG Agrifuture Concepts” that recognises pioneering achievements and future visions. Such solutions serve as decisive drivers for the sustainability of crop production. Engineers from all parts of the world are working on technical solutions for the future of agriculture. However, not all ideas and concepts make it to a finished product. In some cases, technical or legal factors restrict their development to market products. Nevertheless many of these concepts have the potential to inspire and stimulate both farmers and engineers to think in new ways. The unthinkable becomes imaginable and the blinders are off when looking at agricultural development. The award scheme recognises the relevance of pioneers for the future of agriculture in five to 10 years.

Exhibitors can register their innovations from June 1 to September 15, 2021.

Source: Agritechnica

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“Thanks to your relentless efforts and support, we were not only able to restart earlier and ramp up faster than many others, but even to catch-up much of the lost production,”

said Konstantin Meier-Kulenkampff, Vice President Purchasing & Materials, EME.

“Agricultural machinery is one of the best industries to supply to at the moment, and AGCO is a market leader in the tractor sector, with further growth of market share,”

added Torsten Dehner, Senior Vice President & General Manager, EME.

Mr. Dehner explained:

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to require our tireless, full attention, and given AGCO’s customers’ demand, we are counting on our supply base to provide our customers with the machines they are waiting for.”

Johann Nuscheler, a farmer from Bavaria and Fendt customer who runs a 3,000-hectare farm operation in Eastern Germany, said:

Mr. Nuscheler added:

“We expect reliable and affordable machinery. The purchase price is always a discussion. We want a much more modular system to create our tractor. Fendt has the best technology, but we don’t need it in every tractor. We expect AGCO to spearhead breakthrough technologies, such as autonomous driving and swarm technology.”

Kelvin Bennett, AGCO’s new Senior Vice President, Engineering, emphasized:

“We will invest even more and at a faster rate than we have in the past. We’re branching out into new areas. Our customers are changing, technology is changing, and we need to adapt. Our machines must become smarter, more connected, and have more automation features.”

Mr. Bennett encouraged suppliers to share their owest cost ideas that bring higher value to our customers, and more business to you. He thanked them for their perseverance, creativity, and commitment to working with AGCO through all the recent challenges and to “keep our projects on pace for delivery.”

Josip T. Tomasevic, Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer, explained:

”The essence of any relationship is how well we collaborate, as a pre-condition to innovate and drive growth. What has made us very strong is the end-to-end supply chain integration and visibility that starts and ends with the customer. The faster and more flexible we are, the better we will be able to serve our farmers.”

Mr. Tomasevic encouraged suppliers to use AGCO’s Supplier Idea Generation (SIG) program to share their ideas and emphasized that AGCO is willing to share the gain. He invited suppliers to join the “Path to Partner,” to collaborate and innovate more closely with AGCO and be able to capture a larger share of AGCO’s growing spend.

During the event, AGCO honored two new Partner-level suppliers: Erkunt and NGK

These suppliers have gone the extra mile with AGCO, demonstrating outstanding performance, quality, innovation, cost, delivery, service, and commitment by prioritizing AGCO in times of capacity constraints and helping AGCO keep its innovative leadership. Konstantin Meier-Kulenkampff explained:

“Partnership goes both ways. AGCO’s Partner-level suppliers have higher access to AGCO with a different level of collaboration.”

Supplier of the Year Award Winner: Italtergi

Italtergi went the extra mile to support AGCO during the most critical time of the first COVID-19 shutdown period in April, allowing AGCO to continue producing and supplying its farmer customers with their essential equipment.

Innovation & Collaboration Award Winner: Sonceboz

Sonceboz has been working together with AGCO for more than a decade, during which they have always strived to deliver the optimum in terms of quality, cost, and supply.

Quality & Delivery Performance Award Winner: BMTS

BMTS has not only excelled by delivering their products defect-free and on time throughout the entire past year but is dedicated to continuing on that path.

Aftersales Award Winner: Freudenberg Sealing Technologies

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has been a supplier to AGCO since 1960, has been handling a high volume of fast movers, and has contributed to AGCO’s Aftersales success with a lot of their own ideas to improve the supply chain and reduce complexity.

Logistics Service Provider Award Winner: Leinsle

Leinsle continued to provide reliable logistics services to AGCO. The continuity of their high-performance level is reflected by the fact that this is already their second award within a few years.

TRAIT Award Winner: Hammerwerk Fridingen

To AGCO, adhering to our core values and creating a diverse and inclusive environment is not only a priority within our company but also across our supply chain. To reflect the importance of our core values of Transparency, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Team Spirit, AGCO created a new TRAIT award.

Hammerwerk Fridingen was awarded the first TRAIT award for integrating Diversity & Inclusion in their daily activities.

Source: AGCO

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“For Argo Tractors, this is an important recognition that rewards our great commitment to, and our investment in research and development, which enable us to achieve cutting-edge technology levels for our tractors”

commented a satisfied Giovanni Esposito, Innovation Director at Argo Tractors on hearing the news about the award.

“The evolution of our products provides customers with the most innovative solutions to optimize productivity and improve the quality of their work, with great focus – as ever – on the human factor. From this point of view, the Electra system – Evolving Hybrid – has been designed to further enhance the handling, comfort, and ease of use of REX4 tractors, so as to meet the needs of a contemporary customer base – using new technology to guarantee cost-effectiveness with an eye to the environment and sustainability, which are always primary objectives”.

Intended for orchards and vineyards, Landini REX4 has already gained a reputation for its handling prowess and ease of use, which combines with astoundingly thrifty running costs to meet the needs of the most demanding customers.

Such qualities are coupled with solutions that also look to increase the efficiency of the tractor system and further improve comfort during the long hours spent driving the tractor.

Landini REX4 Electra – Evolving Hybrid features an innovative electric front-wheel drive with independent wheels, brake energy recovery, a cabin with electronically controlled semi-active suspension, and a semi-automatic transmission that lets you select speed using a joystick.

Of this original project, Argo Tractors has developed both the mechanical part and the electrical components. REX4 Electra is equipped with a 110 hp Diesel engine, Reverse Power Shuttle transmission, and 3 Powershift speeds (H-M-L).

The most significant new features include a fully electric front-wheel drive with a suspended axle, sporting two independent electric motors and associated sensors, electronic controls, generator, and battery dedicated to energy recovery under braking and deceleration.

The entire system is controlled by the PMS (Power Management System), which supervises the operation of all devices, including the battery and controls motor and generator via their respective inverters.

This modern approach made it possible to create a hybrid tractor in which the Diesel engine powers the front electric motors through generator and battery, and continuously “talks” with the conventional mechanical rear final drives. The result is basically a parallel hybrid with a system that is independent of the mechanical ratio between the rear and front wheels of the tractor.

This combination of technological improvements guarantees 10% fuel savings, a 15% wider steering angle, and greater stability in transport mode, fully integrating with the current electric steering system.

A new electronically controlled cab suspension is also included to increase comfort, thanks to a semi-active system similar to that already available on high-end tractors. Suspended on four points, the cab is equipped with two passive front suspension systems, while two anti-dumping hydraulic shock absorbers governed by an electric signal reduce vibration at the rear. A control unit detects tractor movement and rough ground and regulates damping in real-time and continuously. Again, the system can be fairly described as a hybrid, a balanced compromise between a “soft” behavior to take up vibration and a “stiffer” set up to prevent the cab from hitting the travel stops.

The improvement in comfort can be clearly appreciated both in the field and on the road, with a 15% less vibration transmitted to the driver.

A semi-automatic transmission uses actuators to operate the transmission rods. A multi-function joystick in the cab replaces the traditional speed lever. The electronic control unit (ECU) receives a change-speed input from the joystick and the data about tractor status from the sensors. When the conditions required for changing speed are met, the ECU signals the actuators to move the transmission control to the desired position. The advantages are obvious: fully automated shifting, one less mechanical lever in the cab (drive by wire), resulting in less noise and pollutants.

REX4 Electra – Evolving Hybrid – is yet more evidence of how passionately Landini continues to work on renewing agricultural mechanization, and remains an undisputed leader in the sector worldwide.

Source: Argo Tractors

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AGCO (NYSE: AGCO), recognized three new partner-level suppliers and presented ten supplier awards during its first annual 2020 AGCO North America Virtual Supplier Event. AGCO’s partner-level suppliers have surpassed the top level of achievement in innovation, world-class service, global growth, and cost savings, and have helped the company maintain the highest levels of capacity and innovation during challenging economic conditions.

“AGCO’s global suppliers are critical elements of our mission to deliver dependable and technologically advanced products, parts, and solutions to dealers and growers across North America,”

said Robert Crain, senior vice president and general manager, North America.

“This event gives us an opportunity to recognize their outstanding service, discuss key industry trends, share exciting news about upcoming products, and position our network for growth in the coming year.”

As part of the day’s virtual sessions, senior AGCO executives briefed attendees on topics such as the COVID-19 response and recovery, global market outlook, 2020 key initiatives, and benefits for high-performing suppliers. Innovative technology provided for live and interactive breakout sessions that were filled with insightful information and opportunities for direct Q&A.

“AGCO and our suppliers have built a world-class supply chain that has proven to be robust and responsive in very challenging environments,”

said Michael Clem, vice president, purchasing and logistics, Americas.

“These awards celebrate suppliers who have provided exceptional services in areas such as corporate sustainability, innovative solutions, quality products, and effective collaboration. AGCO, our dealers, and the world’s growers are well-served by these relationships and the outstanding capabilities they deliver.”

 

New Partner-Level Suppliers (in alphabetical order)

Atlantic Container Line (ACL) of Westfield, NJ was represented by Andy Abbott, President.  Founded in 1965, ACL, with its parent company Grimaldi Group, offers extensive coverage in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Baltics, and West Africa. ACL has been a trusted AGCO logistics supplier and transport provider for over 10 years, with a distinguished reputation for reliability & customer service.

Flint Group of Fargo, ND and offices in Duluth, MN was represented by Andy Reierson, CEO; Jodi Duncan, president; and Kaia Watkins, director. Founded in 1946, Flint Group helps organizations in diverse industries grow by focusing on strategic marketing communications success. Flint has supplied AGCO with strong performance in cost, quality, account management, and strategic compliance services.

Ports America Chesapeake, LLC (PAC) of Baltimore, MD, was represented by Bayard Hogans, Vice President. Founded in 2009, PAC operates the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore with 13 berths, direct rail access and the port’s largest and most versatile general cargo facility. PAC has been an outstanding trusted quality logistics service provider, handling the discharging/loading of cargo on ACL vessels and exceeding AGCO’s quality and service standards.

 

AGCO 2020 Supplier of the Year winners (by award)

Direct Materials Supplier of the Year: Alliance Tire Group, a group company of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.  Founded in 1950, Alliance Tire Company Ltd. is based in Mumbai, India and is a global leader in the manufacture and sales of agricultural, forestry, construction, and OTR tires. Alliance Tire Group is a strategic and innovative supplier for AGCO, providing aggressive, competitive pricing and key support with balers and the Below 100HP CUE Tractors product group.

Indirect Supplier of the Year: Ricoh USA, Inc. of Exton, PA. Founded in 1936, Ricoh USA is the North and South American arm of Tokyo-based Ricoh Company, Ltd. Named the 2020 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, Ricoh is a strategic technology equipment supplier for AGCO, providing price transparency, aggressive price points, best-in-class service, single-point-of-contact, escalation processes, innovation sharing, and new product collaboration.

Logistics Supplier of the Year: C.H. Robinson of Eden Prairie, MN. Incorporated in 1905, C.H. Robinson Company is a Fortune 500 provider of multimodal transportation services and third-party logistics. As a strategic collaborative logistics service provider for AGCO, C.H. Robinson offers year-over-year cost reductions and capacity commitments, as well as flexible, dedicated, and focused customer/account service.

Aftersales Supplier of the Year: Diemo Machine Works, Inc. of Arborg, Manitoba, Canada. Founded in 1982, Diemo is a metal fabrication and machining company that provides AGCO with responsive and reliable service, combined production and aftersales strategies, and exceptional on-time deliveries. Diemo is both a Production- and Aftersales-approved manufacturer that supplies AGCO’s Jackson, Hesston, Breganze (IDEAL Combine) and Aftersales PDCs.

Third Party Supplier of the Year: TAESUNG Mfg. Co., Ltd of Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1985, Taesung began serving AGCO in 2019, with the introduction of Massey Ferguson’s compact series loader and backhoe in North America. Taesung’s engineering collaboration with AGCO provides an adaptive and innovative product design and a competitive, durable, and robust compact tractor platform.

 

Quality & Delivery Performance Award

Three top AGCO suppliers were recognized for their focus on outstanding performance in the quality and delivery category. These companies closely collaborate with AGCO’s engineering, logistics, and purchasing teams to provide the most value and the highest quality solutions for AGCO’s customers.

Steel and Pipe Supply Company, Inc. of Manhattan, KS. Founded in 1933, Steel Pipe & Supply maintains a large inventory of carbon steel products in multiple warehouses, provides value-added processing services, and sustains a strong distribution network.

BARKU Plastics LLC of Cleveland, TN. Established in 2003 as a subsidiary of Barku Kunststofftechnik GmbH, BARKU offers worldwide plastic solutions and a solid reputation of valuable and effective industry know-how.

PEER Bearing Company of Waukegan, IL. PEER was acquired by SKF in 2008 and is operated as a wholly owned, independent brand within SKF. PEER is an award-winning supplier dedicated to reliable and cost-effective bearing solutions.

 

Collaboration & Innovation Award

Two top AGCO suppliers were recognized for remarkable performance in the areas of collaboration and innovation. These companies strategically aligned with AGCO’s design, engineering and purchasing teams to successfully implement design changes and bench testing, which resulted in technological advancements and cost savings.

AY DÖKÜM Makina Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş of Ankara, Turkey. Founded in 1947, AY DÖKÜM provides gray and ductile iron machined castings to agricultural and construction machine manufacturers around the world. AY DÖKÜM’s openness to innovation through quick decision making and a flexible production mechanism is key to maintaining their competitive advantage and profitability.

Newstar of Yantai, Shandong, China. Since 1999, Newstar has promoted innovation and responsiveness with a devotion to research, development and production of hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic systems, and ECO plating equipment.

Source: AGCO Corporation

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Based on attendee votes through the United Fresh LIVE! platform, we can now announce the “best of the best” in executing virtual booths on the expo floor.

The winners in each category for United Fresh LIVE! Best in Show are:

• Best Use of Graphics: Chiquita Brands LLC
• Best Use of Video: Driscoll’s
• Best Use of Downloads: Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A., Inc.
• Best FreshMKT Booth: Pure Flavor – Pure Hothouse Foods, Inc.
• Best FreshTEC Booth: IFCO Systems, N.A.
• Best Overall Booth: Sunset/Mastronardi Produce Ltd.

“I’m blown away by the creativity of our United Fresh LIVE! virtual exhibitors,”

said John Toner, Vice President of Conventions & Industry Collaboration, United Fresh Produce Association.

“We’re grateful for all exhibitors who participated this year and are pleased to be able to honor those whose strategies took advantage of the opportunities that the platform had to offer.”

With United Fresh LIVE! online 24-7, be sure to log back in to see why these exhibits stood out for attendees, as well as explore the full virtual expo. To login, visit www.unitedfreshlive.org.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association

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Source: FPT Industrial

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