Electric GUSS uses a combination of GPS, LiDAR, and proprietary technology for accurate coverage and allows a single employee to operate and monitor a combination of up to eight GUSS machines from the safety of his or her vehicle using a laptop computer.

The spot-spraying weed detection system identifies chlorophyll in the weeds and only sprays where weeds are detected. This technology saves up to 90% of the material being sprayed, increasing precision and efficiency while decreasing costs and material drift which is better for our environment and keeps the employee safer.

“We have been asked countless times about making GUSS electric. An electric herbicide sprayer made the most sense to us, given that the battery life can last an entire shift while performing this highly important orchard task. Combining the battery electric benefits of low operating costs and zero tail pipe emissions with spot spraying weed detection technology makes Electric GUSS a winner!”

said Gary Thompson, COO at GUSS Automation.

Electric GUSS runs a full shift of 10 – 12 hours while spraying at full capacity. Electric GUSS is 23’6” long, 6’4” tall and ranges from 8’4”-19’ wide depending on the boom extension. The hydraulically controlled, height-adjustable booms accommodate 18′-22′ row spacing. The booms also tilt for varying berm heights. The breakaway booms prevent damage to trees and crops.

As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, growers worldwide can now increase productivity and efficiency while decreasing labor costs, chemical usage and air pollutants with the precision spraying of Electric GUSS.

The post GUSS Introduces Electric Autonomous Herbicide Orchard Sprayer appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“Agriculture is undergoing a fundamental shift as it transitions to greater climate neutrality. We want to play our part in this huge task by offering the optimum solutions for the specific requirements of our agricultural customers. At the same time, we aim to make the most of the opportunities of this transition in order to continue to grow profitably and to permanently establish DEUTZ among the top three independent drive manufacturers. We are therefore forging ahead with the implementation of our Dual+ strategy so that we can continue to ensure the world – and of course the agricultural industry – keeps moving.”

said Dr. Sebastian C. Schulte, CEO of DEUTZ AG.

At Agritechnica, DEUTZ showcased the TCG 7.8 H2, a hydrogen internal combustion engine that is playing a pioneering role in the quest for climate neutrality. The six-cylinder engine is based on an existing design and will go into volume production at DEUTZ at the end of 2024. It is both carbon-neutral and very quiet, despite producing 220 kW of power. In principle, it can be used in all current DEUTZ applications and in the on-highway segment. DEUTZ recently received its first order from China for a small-scale production run of 100 H2 gensets powered by the TCG 7.8 H2.

DEUTZ exhibited products from the Green segment at the trade fair too, including a compact electric 400-volt drive system that uses a split drive comprising two 40 kW electric motors. The ISO 26262-certified system has a peak output of 80 kW. As is typical for electric drives, the system delivers instant torque, making the machine even more dynamic. The battery is from the Company’s own modular toolbox and offers 42 kWh of capacity. The 22 kW rapid charging system can restore the battery charge to up to 80 percent within an hour.

DEUTZ also has new engines in the Classic segment. The Company firmly believes that clean and efficient internal combustion engines will continue to be required to ensure a seamless transition to the technologies of the future.

At Agritechnica, DEUTZ therefore unveiled the TCD 5.1 engine, which will be available from mid-2028. Featuring a power range of up to 170 kW and maximum torque of 950 Nm, the engine combines the power of six cylinders with the efficiency of four. This provides the flexibility needed for a wide range of industrial applications.

The high-performance DEUTZ TCD 7.7 is also premiering at the trade fair and will be available from mid-2028. Boasting a power range of up to 280 kW and maximum torque of 1,550 Nm, this engine can be deployed in numerous off-highway and industrial applications. The engine is also to be offered with an Agri Performance Concept designed specifically for agricultural machinery, providing a power range of up to 300 kW and torque of up to 1,700 Nm.

“There will continue to be demand for conventional combustion engines going forward, particularly in the agricultural sector. These drives can run on biofuels and synthetic fuels, making them more environmentally friendly. Our plan for the years ahead is therefore not only to enhance our climate-neutral product portfolio but also to further expand our classic engine business.”

said Dr. Markus Müller, CTO and CSO of DEUTZ AG.

DEUTZ has already approved its entire TCD engine range for operation with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The post DEUTZ Showcases Its Range of Sustainable Drive Systems at Agritechnica appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

For customers who prefer stepless transmissions for infinite speed control and ease of drivability, the new EVT will be available for all 410-horsepower 8 Series Tractors including 8R, 8RT, and 8RX models.

“An EVT has electric motors in place of the hydrostatic motors that improve transmission performance, reliability, and increased efficiency. The EVT brings everything customers appreciate from an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), into higher horsepower 8 Series Tractors. Inherently, the electrical components of an EVT are extremely reliable, offer tremendous longevity, and provide better overall tractor control, along with a system built for easy serviceability and diagnostics. In addition, customers will notice an EVT operates more quietly than an IVT.”

said Ryan Jardon, marketing manager for John Deere.

As farmers look to the future, the EVT will likely be the transmission of choice for customers going forward according to Jardon.

“In the future, EVT-equipped 8 Series Tractors, will optionally feature electric power generation capacity of offboarding electricity to power implements. This EVT is the industry’s only transmission that enables electric power generation (up to 100kW). By using this electricity farmers could power implement fan drives, take the place of implement hydraulic pumps, or assist the tractor by powering the implement’s axles. This is similar, to the proven technology John Deere currently uses, on construction equipment.”

Jardon said.

Agricultural implements with powered axles are already successfully used in Europe to help push the tractor from behind while working in the field.

“EVT technology offboards electricity from the tractor to provide added power to the implement and can reduce wheel slip, improve up-hill performance, and enables the tractor to pull wide implements without the need for extra ballast or a larger tractor,”

Jardon said.

For MY 23, John Deere 9R 640 and 9RX 640 Tractors will now also be powered by the all-new, completely redesigned JD14X diesel engine producing 640-rated horsepower. MY 22 390- to 590-horsepower 9 Series Tractors also use this engine across the entire lineup of 9 Series Tractors, including the 640-horsepower models. Based on internal testing, the JD14X engine in 9R 640 and 9RX 640 Tractors uses 7% less fuel than previous models.

“These new engines were built for outstanding performance, greater reliability and we have made them easier to access and service. The engine features a 500-hour oil change interval, hydraulic fan drive, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system for increased fuel atomization, efficiency, and power, along with faster start times. Customers told us they appreciate the lugging capabilities the new engine has brought to their 9 Series Tractors.”

Jardon said.

The post John Deere offers new Electric Variable Transmission for select 8 Series Tractors, new JD14X engine for 9 Series appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

ZF will have access to SmartWay Program tools to identify and collect critical data points that will generate and quantify freight emission reports, including CO2 and other outputs. This data will enhance ZF’s supply chain environmental management and demonstrate its strong commitment to leadership and corporate responsibility.

“ZF is proud to be designated as a SmartWay Transport Partner and to exemplify the importance of environmental responsibility within the automotive industry. As part of our steadfast commitment to sustainability, we appreciate programs such as SmartWay that directly help us reduce our carbon footprint.”

said Brandon Paquette, Head of Supply Chain Management, ZF North America.

This partnership is the latest environmental program ZF has aligned within recent months. In 2021, ZF announced its enrollment in DTE Energy’s MIGreenPower program, a renewable energy program that allows companies to attribute a percentage of their electricity use to DTE’s wind and solar projects.

”ZF is committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. In order to obtain that goal, we are making incremental improvements across all aspects of our business, including commitments to critical programs like SmartWay, and encouraging our partner carriers to utilize the SmartWay program and verified technologies that improve efficiency and drive a more sustainable economy.”

added Paquette.

Trailer technologies, including aerodynamic devices, have made significant impacts on improving supply chain freight efficiency. The SmartWay Technology Program has verified numerous innovative technologies, which fleets are adopting for their rapid return on investment.

Following its acquisition of WABCO, ZF produces a number of OptiFlow products that feature state-of-the-art design, materials, and technologies helping customers meet U.S. greenhouse gas emission regulations and work toward the SmartWay-certified designation. In February 2017, then-WABCO introduced its OptiFlow AutoTail to North America, among the first aerodynamic tail product in the U.S. to feature automatic deployment and retraction.

OptiFlow AutoTail estimated fuel savings of up to 4.3% based on SmartWay test protocol. OptiFlow AutoTail also reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4.8 tons per trailer per year. The OptiFlow AutoTail was the first to earn EPA SmartWay verification from the National Research Council (NRC), the Canadian government’s premier research and technology organization.

According to the EPA, EPA-verified technologies save fuel and reduce emissions for tractors, trailers, and locomotives. EPA verifies aerodynamic devices, idling reduction equipment, and new and retreads low rolling resistance tires. EPA also designates tractors and trailers equipped with certain combinations of EPA-verified technologies as SmartWay Tractors and Trailers.

Source: ZF

The post ZF Strengthens Its Commitment to Sustainability by Joining EPA SmartWay Program appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

This article deals with the commercial vehicle sector in terms of CO₂ reduction, the technological drivers in the future for the powertrain and looks at modern semiconductor components based on Silicon Carbide (SiC), which enable the smaller, more efficient, and more power converters. Even more than for passenger cars, no uniform scenario will prevail in this sector due to the different drive architectures.

Advantages and challenges of electric motors in commercial vehicles

The targets emission standards formulated in many parts of the world for the reduction of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions in transportation have ensured that electric drives have come to the fore. In addition to passenger cars, an increasing number of commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, vans, or agricultural and construction vehicles are also being powered electrically. This makes them more environmentally friendly, quieter, and more efficient than their predecessors with combustion engines. Electrified commercial vehicles are also attractive to owners and operators, in terms of cost of ownership, maintenance and malfunction. This results in higher productivity and better return on investment.

A major advantage of the electric motor is its high efficiency. With a combustion engine, efficiency varies hugely, particularly when under variable or partial loads. In extreme cases, this can drop to 15 percent or less. An electric motor’s efficiency is not dependent on its operating point. Under the same operating conditions, the electric motors and inverters that make up an electric drive system will achieve much higher levels of efficiency. At their best, electric drive trains can achieve in excess of 80 percent efficiency. This is only possible because the power electronic section itself can reach efficiency levels of up to 85 percent.

Important factors to consider when designing or selecting an inverter include power density, reliability, robustness, efficiency, and security. Additionally, and particularly in the commercial sector, the long-term effect that harsh operating conditions may have on total life expectancy must also be taken into account. Generally speaking, the conditions are much more challenging than those faced by passenger cars. Developing inverters
according to these criteria requires deep application knowledge, as well as a semiconductor portfolio that covers power and driver modules, sensors, and microcontrollers.

Silicon Carbide (SiC) – new opportunities for the commercial vehicle industry

Even more, than in many passenger car models, a high range and long battery life is important in commercial vehicles. Since the battery also takes up a large installation space, there is a demand for power electronics with high efficiency. These enable the construction of more efficient traction converters but also save energy in smaller applications. These include hydraulic pumps, compressors in air conditioning and refrigeration units, and onboard chargers.

Components based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) offer significant improvements in these applications. In general, the technology incurs lower losses under the same load profile than power MOSFETs and IGBTs. This means they offer increased switching and current-carrying efficiency, advantages that come into effect at higher intermediate circuit voltages. Because of these attributes, SiC-based semiconductors are especially well suited to electric vehicles equipped with batteries that have higher voltages and total storage capacity. And because SiC devices are also able to operate at higher voltages, they can enable onboard charging solutions that deliver shorter charging times and lower total losses.

The inverter that controls the electric traction motor is a good example of a centralized system within a drive train. In terms of efficiency, these systems can benefit from using SiC components. The core function of the inverter is to convert a DC voltage into a three-phase AC voltage that is used to drive the motor. They also operate in reverse during regenerative breaking, which captures the vehicle’s kinetic energy to create a DC voltage used to recharge the vehicle’s battery. The efficiency of the system can only be maximized when the losses inherent in energy conversion are low.

Compared to conventional silicon, the improved conductivity of SiC components reduces these conversion losses, a large part of which is experienced in form of heat. The higher efficiency of SiC-based inverters helps maximize the driving range of eclectic vehicles, making the most efficient use of the limited battery capacity. Besides their advantage in terms of efficiency, inverters based on SiC-based components also exhibit higher power densities. This means that SiC-based inverters can be made physically smaller requiring less installation space.

Source: Infineon

The post Infineon Shows Advantages and Challenges in Using Electric Motors and Silicon Carbide Power Semiconductors in the Commercial Vehicle Industry appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The Bobcat T7X is fully battery-powered and is built to be more productive from the ground up with electric actuation and propulsion. It is also quieter with high-performance torque and more powerful than any diesel-fuelled track loader that has ever come before it, all while eliminating any carbon emissions.

Originally developed for the North American market, the Bobcat T7X is undergoing internal testing and the gathering of customer feedback is planned for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region to identify its commercial potential.

Scott Park, President, and CEO of Doosan Bobcat said:

“Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront of innovation, and we are proud to debut the all-electric technology of the T7X to help customers maximize both sustainability and productivity. Our focus remains on providing solutions and products that empower people to accomplish more and build a better world.”

In the T7X, the traditional hydraulic workgroup has been completely replaced with an electrical drive system consisting of electric cylinders and electric drive motors, which means virtually no fluids. The new, all-electric Bobcat T7X uses just under one liter of eco-friendly coolant compared to around 216 liters of fluid in its diesel/hydraulic equivalent model.

The all-electric platform enables instantaneous power and peak torque available at every operating speed. The operator no longer must wait for the standard hydraulic system to build up power.

Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat, added:

“This machine is a technological feat for Bobcat and for the entire industry. We challenged the status quo to deliver a connected, all-electric machine designed for power and performance that previously was not possible. We are excited to share this advancement with the world and proud of the hard work that has gone into making this a reality.”

The T7X operates with zero emissions and reduced noise and vibration generated by the machine. It works quietly and efficiently in noise-sensitive areas and indoors, which significantly lowers sound levels and improves the working environment.

It can also significantly lower daily operating costs when considering the reduction in annual maintenance costs and elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid, and hydraulic parts.

At the heart of the T7X is a powerful 62 kW lithium-ion battery from technology partner, Green Machine Equipment, Inc. While applications vary, each charge can support common daily work operations and the use of intelligent work modes for up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use.

The intelligence of the power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing, automatically backing off power when not needed to preserve the total energy use and extend the machine’s runtime.

The T7X will initially be available only in the North American market but the company intends to expand this to other regions in the future. During the company’s CES Media Days news conference, Doosan Bobcat NA (North America) announced a strategic partnership with South Carolina-based Sunbelt Rentals, a leading rental equipment company in North America with more than 1025 locations, with a strong presence in Europe in the UK, Germany, and France.

Through this partnership, Sunbelt Rentals committed to a significant investment in a large fleet of Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loaders and electric compact excavators in North America, which will be co-branded and made available in 2022 and beyond. Sunbelt Rentals will be the first national equipment rental company to adopt Bobcat’s battery-electric technology and make it available to customers, supporting the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus for both companies.

The post Bobcat Launches Electric Compact Track Loader appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The autonomous tractor serves a specific purpose: feeding the world. The global population is expected to grow from about 8 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50%. Furthermore, farmers must feed this growing population with less available land and skilled labor, and work through the variables inherent in farming like changing weather conditions and climate, variations in soil quality, and the presence of weeds and pests. All of these factors impact a farmer’s ability to farm during the most critical times of the year.

The autonomous tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras, which enables 360-degree obstacle detection and the calculation of distance. Images captured by the cameras are passed through a deep neural network that classifies each pixel in approximately 100 milliseconds and determines if the machine continues to move or stops, depending on if an obstacle is detected. The autonomous tractor is also continuously checking its position relative to a geofence, ensuring it is operating where it is supposed to, and is within less than an inch of accuracy.

To use the autonomous tractor, farmers only need to transport the machine to a field and configure it for autonomous operation. Using John Deere Operations Center Mobile, they can swipe from left to right to start the machine. While the machine is working the farmer can leave the field to focus on other tasks, while monitoring the machine’s status from their mobile device.

John Deere Operations Center Mobile provides access to live video, images, data, and metrics and allows a farmer to adjust speed, depth, and more. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, farmers will be notified remotely and can make adjustments to optimize the performance of the machine.

The post John Deere Reveals Fully Autonomous 8R Tractor During CES 2022 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Since 2014, Kreisel has been a leading innovator focused on the development of immersion-cooled electric battery modules and packs for high-performance and off-highway applications. The company has a differentiated battery technology and battery-buffered charging infrastructure offering and currently serves a global customer base across multiple end markets, including commercial vehicles, off-highway vehicles, marine, e-motorsports and other high-performance applications.

According to an email from Mig Dobre, senior research analyst at Baird, the goal of Kreisel’s founders is to provide superior battery technology to rival Tesla performance. Since 2014, the team has implemented over 150 successful projects, partnering with the likes of Porsche and Shell. The company’s origins are in designing retrofit packs for electric car conversions, but it has rapidly expanded into large-scale production of battery packs.

John Deere sees demand growing for batteries as a sole- or hybrid-propulsion system for off-highway vehicles. Products in Deere’s portfolio such as turf equipment, compact utility tractors, small tractors, compact construction, and some road-building equipment could rely solely on batteries as a primary power source. Deere intends to continue to invest in and develop technologies to innovate, deliver value to customers and work towards a future with zero emissions propulsion systems.

The majority investment in Kreisel Electric will allow Deere to optimally integrate vehicle and powertrain designs around high-density battery packs while leveraging Kreisel’s charging technology to build out the infrastructure required for customer adoption. Dobre says the investment pairs well with Deere’s acquisition of Bear Flag Technologies earlier this year, building out Deere’s capabilities while accelerating its path toward a fully electric, autonomous fleet.

“Kreisel’s battery technology can be applied across the broad portfolio of Deere products, and Kreisel’s in-market experience will benefit Deere as we ramp up our battery-electric vehicle portfolio. Deere will provide the expertise, global footprint, and funding to enable Kreisel to continue its fast growth in core markets. This is an opportunity to invest in a company with unique technology that’s designed for the demanding conditions where Deere customers work,”

said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems.

“Furthermore, building an electrified portfolio is key to John Deere’s sustainability goal of pursuing new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of new products and work toward zero emissions propulsion systems on equipment, while increasing our customers’ efficiency and productivity.”

Dobre says the pace of technology investment is accelerating, and next-gen offerings have the potential to extend the ag replacement cycle beyond 2025 with Deere’s consolidating its leadership position. Demand for batteries as a sole or hybrid propulsion system is growing among DE’s off-highway customers as sustainability goals coupled with rising fuel costs.

“The Kreisel acquisition adds a proven electrification technology that Deere can continue to build on, with the integration of high-density battery packs into Deere’s portfolio of vehicles a key step in moving toward zero emissions equipment,”

Dobre says.

Kreisel Electric will retain its employees, brand name and trademark, and continue to operate from its current location in Austria to serve its growing customer base. The company was founded by brothers Johann, Markus, and Philipp Kreisel, and has approximately 160 full-time employees.

In a joint statement, Johann, Markus, and Philipp Kreisel said the Kreisel team looks forward to expanding its base business, leveraging the Deere channel to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric vehicles and charging stations, and working with Deere’s vehicle design teams on product advancements.

The transaction requires final regulatory approval in Austria, with closing expected to take place in approximately 60 days. Financial details are not being disclosed.

The post Deere Signs Agreement to Acquire Majority Ownership in Kreisel Electric appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Construction of the trail supports the conservation mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the National Wildlife Refuge System — a network of 567 refuges across the U.S. that offer access to a host of popular activities while providing vital habitat for thousands of wildlife species.

“We are excited to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on this project to demonstrate Volvo’s commitment to lowering emissions and working to build the future we all want and need,”

said Ray Gallant, VP of Product Management and Productivity, Volvo CE.

These are the first pieces of electric heavy equipment to be used on a project by a federal agency. This pilot helps the Service explore ways to minimize its own carbon footprint in natural areas and reduce the emissions produced while maintaining public lands. It also provides Volvo CE with valuable feedback on electric equipment performance.

The project supports the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to pursue a locally-led, and voluntary, nationwide effort to conserve, connect and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend.

Work began Nov. 8 and is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete. Work is being done by a Service Maintenance Action Team that pulls skilled trade employees from various refuges for a short period.

Reducing Air and Noise Pollution

Projects like the one at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge give a glimpse of how electric machines can create a more climate-friendly future for the construction industry.

The L25 Electric compact wheel loader is being used to haul and lay down gravel for a wheelchair-accessible half-mile trail around a pond and to clear brush. The ECR25 Electric compact excavator is digging trenches to improve drainage from the pond and helping to build a viewing platform over the pond.

The Volvo electric machines produce zero emissions and have significantly lower noise levels than diesel machines. These qualities are especially beneficial when working in a natural area like the refuge, which is home to a diverse array of grasslands, wetlands, and woods that attract red foxes, painted turtles, osprey, river otters, and countless other species.

The project also tested the portable EV ARC solar-powered charging system from Beam Global to further reduce fossil fuel involvement on the job site. Beam Global is a leader in electric vehicle charging and has partnered with Volvo CE on other projects.

The ECR25 and L25 Electric machines will be commercially available in the U.S. in early 2022. Learn more about our electric machines.

Source: Volvo CE

The post Volvo CE Electric Machines Used on Federal Nature Refuge Project appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Available in 115VAC or 12VDC models, both EGP electric transfer and on-demand pumps are compatible with today’s most standard electric configurations. By simply plugging the pump into a power source, an entire 55-gallon drum of 10W oil at room temperature can be emptied in less than 8 minutes with the 8 gpm (30.3 lpm) flow rate transfer model. More energy efficient than pneumatic pumps, EGP pumps offer an equally durable option for those seeking energy savings or unable to otherwise utilize compressed air.

With a legacy of long-lasting performance and uptime, Graco pumps have built an outstanding reputation as one of the company’s flagship product categories. Built with pride and attention to this legacy, Graco EGP pumps are engineered to last with precision gears for incredible consistency. Pump life is optimized with a built-in inlet strainer and motor over-temperature protection which prevents overheating and extends the unit life cycle through proactive failure prevention.

Whether operating remotely or in a manufacturing facility without an air compressor, EGP pumps are the ideal solution when versatility is needed to get the job done. Following field tests for both the EGP electric transfer and on-demand pump, end-users were enthused by how effective the pumps performed.

“Best pickup prime of all the pumps I’ve had! That’s one pumping son of a gun,”

said one user during an on-demand application. 

The post Graco Announces EGP Electric Transfer and On-Demand Pumps appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.