Companies operating in emerging markets, low volume producers, and pilot plants need such a system, which offers a compact and flexible low rate packing process to meet their special needs. Likewise, with their diverse portfolios, raw material producers need to be able to adapt their packaging solutions in a versatile way.

The modular system offers maximum flexibility

With more than 100 possible variants, the GEA SmartFil M1 can be configured to suit almost any application from dry, fine powders to coarse granular products. The new machine offers a nominal filling capacity of 120 bags per hour or three tons per hour at 25 kg product size. Depending on the product being packaged, the packaging system features configurable product metering options, including vertical auger and horizontal vibratory feeder. An optional deaeration probe may be added for improved consolidation of the product if required.

Customers can choose to pack into open-mouth bags, boxes, or drums of varying sizes. Closing is configurable depending on the packaging type. Continuous heat sealing with glue reactivation or with sewing is available for open-mouth bags, whilst impulse sealing is offered for hermetic sealing of plastic packaging. The built-in height-adjustable conveyor system makes packaging changes fast and simple, whilst allowing the operator to work at an ergonomic height. The integrated control panel makes it easy to reconfigure the process to activate the new functions as needed.

Food ingredients

Powdered food ingredients that require a carefully controlled auger metering system will benefit from this option on the GEA SmartFil M1. The vertical auger design with integrated shutoff is well-proven technology that is adapted from other filling systems in the GEA range. With an optional integrated deaeration probe, this filling system will enable food ingredients manufacturers to safely and reliably fill powdered products into bags, boxes, or drums. With a continuous heat-sealing configuration, the SmartFil M1 can consistently produce finished products into 25kg open-mouth bags with either glued closure or sewn closure if required. Alternatively, the impulse sealing option is ideally matched with plastic bags that are commonly used with boxes or cartons.

Coffee and freeze-dried products

Coffee and freeze-dried products tend to be fragile or friable and therefore demand a gentler approach to filling. For these applications, a vibratory feeding solution can be employed to finely meter the product for high accuracy filling. This type of feeding solution eliminates rotating or close contact parts from the product stream, thereby reducing the risk of product breakdown.

To ensure the integrity of the finished product, these types of products are typically filled into flexible plastic bags inserted into cardboard boxes. For this application, a dust-free bag clamping system was chosen. Once filled, the neck of the plastic box liner can be easily inserted into an impulse-type sealer for hermetic sealing. The integrated height-adjustable conveyor enables simple and quick adjustment to suit the selected box/drum size, allowing the operator to work at an ergonomic height. A pivoting conveyor can be added to compensate for height adjustment when the GEA SmartFil M1 is connected to an optional integrated downline.

Dairy ingredients

Small scale dairy plants requiring a hygienic powder filling solution in a compact form can select the GEA SmartFil M1 with auger feed, deaeration (option), and continuous heat sealer with integrated fold-over. This is a cost-effective, high-quality solution for their powder packing operation. When integrated with a downline bag handling system, this cost-effective semiautomatic solution provides high-quality, accurate filling and closing of open-mouth, multi-wall bags. For aluminum foil bags, the sealing system can be changed to an impulse-type sealer as required.

Pet food

The GEA SmartFil M1 can be configured to pack granular products, such as dried pet food, into laminated paper/polypropylene sacks that require a sewn closure. The vibratory feeder provides a gentle metering option, which can be coupled with the sealer/sewing system for effective closure.

Safety first

Product safety is important to all food/pet food processing companies. The GEA SmartFil M1 is certified according to current hygiene standards. GEA integrated technology elements, which secure product safety focused on special areas of the process.

Being a semi-automatic operation, it is important that the filling system is easily accessible for cleaning. This was part of the design concept. Low height, accessible components make maintenance and cleaning operations easier, thereby minimizing potential machine downtime and lost production.

The post GEA Presents the New SmartFil M1 Powder Packaging System for Dairies, Food and Pet Food Producers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO introduces the Fendt 500 Vario Gen3 Series mid-range tractors, which will now include the FendtONE cab and operator station. The Fendt 500 Vario Gen3 Series of highly adaptable, powerful, and productive tractors is available in four models, with engine horsepower ranging from 124 to 163 (107-137 PTO). These tractors are the perfect size for completing chores on livestock and dairy operations, as well as haying, mowing, and light fieldwork.

The innovative FendtONE cab provides a streamlined and efficient work environment, allowing users to customize the operation of the tractor and implements based on their preferences and the work that needs to be done.

The FendtONE cab features up to three large, easy-to-read display screens that show all tractor functions and can store settings for jobs the operator uses most. From the FendtONE cab, operators can customize their tractors to easily move between jobs. For example, they can adapt loader functions to make quick work of moving and stacking big bales and cleaning livestock pens, or they can switch the tractor from mowing to raking to baling – with implement settings already customized and saved in the tractor for each of those jobs.

FendtONE: designed for operator convenience

FendtONE makes it easy for operators to customize their tractors and to create user profiles to save their settings. The display areas can be personalized for each driver, and the workstation includes several assignable buttons that operators can program to control specific tractor or job-based implement functions.

“The philosophy behind the FendtONE cab is in its simple design and intuitive features. Fendt has delivered technology that is easy to use with the integration of all the tractor functions in one touchscreen,”

says David Soliday, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager for tractors.

The nearly limitless customization of the Fendt 500 Gen3 Series tractor can be accomplished with the 12-inch LED touchscreen display that connects the operator to all the tractor functions. The touchscreen is mounted on the right-hand FendtONE armrest.

To activate the FendtONE touchscreen, the user presses the launchpad button, located near the push dial. This button functions as the ‘home button on a smartphone and give the operator access to the digital displays for all machine functions. From there, it’s easy to navigate to the guidance system, hydraulics, service and diagnostics, and more. The launchpad also controls other tractor systems including the air conditioning, in-cab entertainment, and the communications system, as well as side-mirror adjustments.

An optional 12-inch display recessed into the roof liner can be pulled down when needed. The two displays are linked and synchronized, providing data in unison, allowing the operator to view up to 12 user-selected panels of information across the two displays. A 10-inch digital dashboard-mounted behind the steering column enables operators to monitor real-time tractor conditions, including RPMs, speed, fuel level, and tractor status.

The controls for the tractor, hitch, and implements are now centrally located at the operator’s fingertips. The ergonomically designed armrest includes color-coded control buttons, a multi-function joystick, 3L joystick, and a push dial controller, all within close reach for greater operator safety and control of the tractor and implements.

“The button controls are color-coded to match their functions, which also appear on the displays in the same color. This makes it easy for operators to quickly associate the colors with specific tasks and functions, so they perform jobs quickly, accurately and with less chance for error,”

Soliday says.

The multifunction joystick controls tractor speed and direction, hydraulic valve operation, powertrain functions, TI Headland, and ISOBUS functions. It includes freely assignable buttons that can be programmed based on the job. The 3L joystick controls front loader operations, hydraulic controls, and ISOBUS controls.

The ideal front-loader tractor

The Fendt 500 Vario Gen3 Series is ideal for livestock producers who need tractors that are versatile and easy to operate. They are ideal for loader work, haymaking, hauling, and towing. And the added live, third-function loader operation, controlled by the 3L joystick, gives customers the ability to use up to three functions at the same time with their Fendt Cargo or CargoProfi front loader, making these tractors even more useful around the entire farming operation.

“The 500 Gen3 Series is the perfect tractor for livestock and dairy producers looking for a mid-range, innovative and reliable tractor. Fendt added the live third valve to the front loader specifically to make daily chores easier. With the live third function, operators can raise or lower the bucket and tilt it at the same time as they’re opening the grapple on the bucket,”

Soliday says.

Fendt technology simplifies chore work

Working in tandem with the Fendt 500 Vario tractors, the Fendt CargoProfi Loader offers the latest in smart technology features. It includes intelligent built-ins like the memo function, which saves the position settings for loader arms and attachments, as well as the measure-and-tilting sensor systems, which make repetitive jobs easier to complete. Two pressure sensors in the crossbeam measure and track loader weight. The CargoProfi also has a shaking function to empty the bucket completely.

Continuing the Fendt tradition of offering more horsepower in smaller packages, the Fendt 500 Vario Gen3 Series transitions easily from front loader work on the farm to fieldwork. The four models in the 500 Vario Series ‒ 512 (124 HP), 513 (133 HP), 514 (150 HP), and 516 (163 HP) ‒ provide an ideal power range for chores around livestock or dairy operations and mid-size grain farms.

The Fendt 500 Vario’s powerful 4-cylinder DEUTZ engine with a 4.04-liter cubic capacity and common rail injection ensures efficient fuel consumption. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment follows combustion to ensure the tractor meets the latest emission standards. Working seamlessly with the engine is the stepless Fendt Vario continuously variable transmission (CVT), which was pioneered by Fendt. The Vario transmission delivers a smooth, precise road speed up to 31 mph (50 kph) so operators can precisely match the speed required to complete the task at hand.

The Tractor Management System (TMS) helps keep the tractor operating at peak performance by adjusting the engine and transmission, so they work together at an optimum tractor RPM. Less fuel is required because the engine is running at lower RPMs, causing less wear on the engine, and prolonging its life.

The agile Fendt 500 Gen3 Series offers everything that larger Fendt tractors do, including several features that Fendt pioneered, such as a multi-point cab suspension system and full control of all drive functions and hydraulics via the single, multifunction joystick. Standard features on the 500 Vario Series include a self-leveling front axle suspension with brakes, electronic rear hydraulic valves, and a hydraulic Crossgate lever.

Owners who wish to customize their tractors have a choice of two trim packages – the base-level Profi or the Profi+ with guidance. The Profi+ package includes Fendt Connect, a telemetry package that links the machine to a home office, smartphone, or tablet via a mobile network. It also includes the guidance-ready Fendt Guide package, and Fendt TaskDoc, which automates crop production documentation.

Gold Star Customer Care keeps you productive

The Gold Star Customer Care plan comes standard on all Fendt tractors, providing owners with a 36-month/3,000-mile warranty, all scheduled maintenance, and includes the cost of oil, filters, belts, and maintenance items during the coverage period. Each new tractor also receives five years of Fendt Connect telematics that allows an operator or their dealer to remotely monitor important machine data. In the rare case of a breakdown, Fendt dealers will take care of the parts support, while quickly diagnosing and repairing the problem to get the tractor back in the field or provide a loaner guarantee if it takes more than 48 hours to complete a repair.

The Fendt network of dealers continues to grow and expand in North America, with more than 210 dealers currently supporting the brand.

“Amongst other things, Fendt represents excellence and quality, and we are ensuring we uphold these values by putting the right dealers in the right places and giving them the support needed to succeed in our dealer network,”

Soliday says.

The post AGCO Introduces the Fendt 500 Vario Gen3 Series Mid-Range Tractors appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

New updates to the VT 200 Series mid-size mixers include updated front conveyors, better door-to-floor sealing, heavier high-wear auger flighting, and an EZ-mate scale system. The VT 200 Series mixers range in capacity from 320 – 760 ft3, are available in trailer and truck configurations. Multiple configurations, single- or 2-speed drive options, along with multiple discharge options, allow machines to be tailored to every feeding operation’s needs.

The post New Kuhn Knight VT 200 Series Vertical Maxx Twin-Auger Mixers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“We want to assure our dairy producers that the same, committed team they have grown with will remain an integral part of Milk Barn and our product and service offerings moving forward,” Agha says. “We enjoy being a full-fledged DeLaval dealership. With the resources of DeLaval and industry experts, we are able to bring a complete package of services and resources from our Milk Barn to your Milk Barn.”

The Milk Barn product line includes a range of technology-forward DeLaval solutions, from teat dips, detergents and farm supplies, to the latest offerings from DeLaval: the VMS milking system V300, Parlor milking system P500, and OptiDuo feed refresher.

“Our dealers are the backbone of the products and service that DeLaval provides. We can bring the latest and greatest to the market, but it’s our dealers who make the difference on the farm each day, and we are confident that Milk Barn will serve this area well.”

said Steve Harris, Director, DeLaval US Channel Sales.

The team at Milk Barn will serve dairy producers out of three, key locations: Hagerstown, MD, Shippensburg, PA, and Martinsburg, PA. Although the former Agri-Service, LLC location at Belleville, PA, has closed, customers in the area will continue receiving the day-to-day service and support they need for success on their dairy operations.

Source: Delaval

The post Milk Barn is the new DeLaval dealership appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

While maintaining important measures to ensure the health and safety of its employees, the Tetra Laval Group which comprises Tetra Pak, Sidel and DeLaval, is fully committed to play its part in ensuring uninterrupted food supplies during these difficult times.

“We are grateful for the unwavering contribution of our employees to address this extraordinary challenge, in striving to maintain the health and safety of individuals as well as the continuity of food supplies.”

Source: DeLaval

The post Tetra Laval Group is donating € 10 million towards COVID-19 relief effort appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.