increase font size
Dutch company AgXeed will be the first to enter series production of autonomous field robots with its aptly named AgBot.
While global player John Deere and German manufacturer Horsch are believed to be well down the track with autonomous field robots, it looks like Dutch start-up company AgXeed will be the first to enter series production with the aptly named AgBot.
Power is provided by an off-the-shelf Deutz four-pot churning out 156hp, this in turn is mated to a generator that powers an electrical driveline at speeds of up to 13.5km/h.
The AgBot is also able to power implements with up to 136hp available through 700-volt electrical connections. An example is the Imants rotary spader/subsoiler, which was converted to electrical drive for field trial in the 2020 European autumn.
Offering infinitely variable track width from 1,800 to 3,000mm, the robot can carry up to three tonnes out front and upt to eight tonnes on the rear linkage and hydraulic flow of up to 80 litres per minute. Implement mounting is via a largely conventional three-point linkage, although implements are folded over the top of the unmanned machine for transport.
To move between farms a separate twin-wheel axle and drawbar assembly is used to move the unit.
The machine's autonomous functions combine technologies such as GPS, positional sensors and optical recognition to avoid obstacles.
A second unit is about to hit the paddocks of Europe in the coming weeks. This time it is configured with a 100kW (125hp) electrically-driven PTO system that will allow the use of standard implements like power harrows or rotary hoes. This unit, which will be followed by a third later in the year, will also feature independent track suspension.
The first 10 production machines are expected in 2022, with an expected price tag of around €250,000 (NZ$420,000). Larger volumes are expecte to follow the following year.
By that stage, the company says the AgBot will be available with interchangeable tracks with a maximum width of 910mm.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
Leading John Deere technicians and apprentices from New Zealand and Australians were recognised at the recent sixth annual JD Technician of the Year Awards, held in Brisbane.
Gareth Hale is the current custodian of a 160-year legacy that saw his great grandfather dairying in Taranaki since the mid-1850s and grandfather dairying in the Waikato from the early 1900s.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
