The third generation of the Grimme’s Varitron 470 self-propelled potato harvester has been revealed with a modern new design and a range of further enhancements. The updates are included on both the wheeled and Terra Trac versions, and can be ordered for the 2023 harvest season.
A new suspension design has simplified the process of attaching and removing the haulm topper. In addition, the input power of the haulm topper has been increased to ensure an optimal chopping of potato haulm.
In order to be able to use the Varitron 470 to its full capacity all year round, it can be equipped with different intakes for harvesting potatoes, onions and carrots. When used in a two-phase harvesting system, it can be used to pick up previously windrowed onions and potatoes.
With the new Speedtronic-Web automatic speed adjustment system, the main webs can be controlled not only according to driving speed, but also according to crop load.
To remove and to prevent any blockage, all main webs, the fine haulm elevator and the ring elevator can be individually and conveniently reversed from the operator cab.
Another new feature is that the direction of rotation of the extracting rollers can be easily reversed. This allows the rollers to rotate either in the extraction or transfer mode. This means that the Varitron can be adjusted even better to different crops and the desired separation result.
The Varitron 470 with wheeled chassis can also be equipped with the proven 64cm bunker extension. This makes it possible to load particularly high transport trailers and boxes in the second row of the trailer in a simple and safe manner. The bunker extension is particularly suitable for opening/starting on long fields. At a row width of 75cm, the transport trailer can drive in the spraying tracks and can be loaded across four rows without damage or loss.
The new Varitron 470 is equipped with the 12.1-inch CCI1200 operator terminal as standard. With its intuitive user interface, the terminal provides the operator with a perfect overview of all machine functions.
The SmartView video system with 12-inch touchscreen monitor, zoom function, live slow motion, live image transmission via WiFi, Visual Protect PRO and the option of image recording, ensures a good overview of all machine functions with up to 13 cameras. This enables even better setting of the machine.
For the documentation of harvest masses, the Varitron 470 can be equipped with an integrated system for mass mapping. Based on this data, a yield map can be created that visualises zones of high and low yield. With the help of a Farm Management Information System (FMIS), a map for the site-specific application of, for example, fertiliser, pesticides or seed can be derived from this yield map.
In accordance with country-specific requirements, the new Varitron 470 with wheel chassis can be approved for speeds of up to 30km/hr.
