Events

Special report: EuroTier 2022

Find out what's been in research and development around the globe, with the latest news from EuroTier 2022

Livestock farmers descended on Hanover, Germany, in their thousands to view all the latest technology and equipment designed to make their businesses more efficient.

With COVID-19 restrictions eased, the event was able to go ahead
face-to-face, which was excellent news for the 106,000 attendees and the DLG who organises EuroTier.

Normally held every two years, EuroTier was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, this time around the COVID-19 shackles were removed and the event was able to proceed.
More than 1800 exhibitors from 57 countries were exhibiting their latest innovations at the event, some even from war-torn Ukraine who were warmly received by the crowds.

On display was a plethora of new machines, technology, equipment, and feed that have been developed to make farming just a little bit easier, at a cost, of course. From new telehandlers to calf-feeding technology, robots, and interesting apps that allow farmers to farm from a distance, EuroTier had them all.

“Productivity, climate change, animal welfare, animal production is changing worldwide,” says Freya von Czettritz, CEO DLG Holding GmbH.

“Farms must become sustainable and stable in all areas for the future, whether it’s animal housing construction and technology, digitisation, breeding, feeding, or marketing. This requires innovations, which the EuroTier exhibitors have delivered, showing the potential of future animal husbandry. Our exhibitors were very satisfied with the quality of the international professional visitors.” 

Schäffer launches two new loaders

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Two new loaders were introduced by Schäffer at EuroTier, including the compact 1622 model and the 23e T, claimed to be the world’s first electric-drive telescopic wheel loader. The 1622 has an operating weight of 1250kg, its overall length including bucket is just 3.05 metres, build height of 1.99 metres, and widths start at 95cm. The 16.2kW/22hp Kubota engine is a Stage V engine. The drive benefits from proportional hydrostatic drive pedal to accelerate to 16km/h. Lifting loads of up to 810kg, the multifunction loader raises cargo to a height of 2.23 metres. Its standard hydraulic pump delivers an oil flow of 28 litres per minute to the attachments whereas the optional Schaffer Multi-High-Flow (MHF) pump supplies 40 litres per minute.

The new 23e T is able to lift loads to a height of 3.72 metres and is powered by a new-generation battery of 31.3kWh, which allows for up to eight hours of working time. The machine is powered by two e-motors: one 21kW motor that drives the wheels, accelerates rapidly to 20km/h, and generates high thrust forces, and a second 9.7kW motor that powers the remote hydraulics for up to 42 litres per minute oil flows and fast work cycles. The maintenance-free lithium-ion battery comes with a 5000-hour or five-year warranty, depending on which comes first. Charging the battery to 80% takes about eight hours if using the onboard 3kW charger that’s connected to a 230V/16amps mains socket. An 11kW Wallbox will cut this charging time to 80% down to a little more than two hours. The tipping load of the 2.8-tonne machine is 1.3 tonnes and, thanks to its articulation, it turns through a tight 1.15 metres. Depending on the tyres fitted, the 23e T measures 1.41 to 1.59 metres in width and 2.19 or 2.14 metres in height, depending on whether a driver protection roof or cab is fitted.

Cat 908 on show

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Sitting pretty on the Cat stand was the new 908 wheel loader powered by the new Cat C2.8 engine. Specifically designed for Cat products, the new Cat C2.8 engine delivers the same 55.7-kW (74hp) gross power as the previous engine with 13% more torque. Its shift-on-the-go transmission offers increased roading speeds of 40km/h (25mph) and has larger fuel tank capacities of 12%. When working in dusty environments, the new reversing-fan option assists in keeping cooling cores clean for more efficient temperature control. The new sealed and pressurised cab improves the operator experience while keeping the previous design’s functional aspects, such as raised floor pedals and two doors to make cab cleaning easier. Optimum visibility is achieved with larger standard side mirrors, optional parabolic lens electric and heated mirrors, and front and rear camera options. New single-piece front and rear windshields offer 60% better wiper coverage. The 908 has an operating weight of 6.6 tonnes and a bucket capacity of 1.15 cubic metres.

New Manitou MLT850

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Manitou’s MLT 850-145 V+ telehandler is the fourth model in the NewAg XL range, following the launch of the MLT 841, 1041, and 961. With a load capacity of five tonnes and a working height of 7.6 metres, this new model is designed for intensive use, in particular, the loading of bulk cargo, cereals, wood chips, and silage. This model has 141hp and offers more than 600Nm of torque, with a pull force of more than 9160 daN. The high movement speed provided by the 200 litres per minute LSU pump is complemented by a bucket breakout force of over 8670 daN. The M-Vario Plus continuous variable transmission allows varied operator use. The cab has a noise level of just 69 dBA. 

Hanskamp – CowToilet

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Every cubicle house needs a toilet, so Dutch company Hanskamp came up with one for cows. The CowToilet collects urine directly from the source separately from faeces to ensure both nutrients can be optimally used separately. As the urine does not come into contact with the faeces, considerably less ammonia is formed. This deals with an ammonia surplus at the source and makes the CowToilet a solution to reduce emissions. The CowToilet uses a natural nerve reflex that causes the cow to urinate. This technique has been automated by Hanskamp and integrated into a specially designed CowToilet cubicle that can be placed in any dairy shed. The urine is collected in the reservoir of the CowToilet and is then pumped out and stored separately.

Wasserbauer – Flypit

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When it comes to bedding cows in cubicles or calves in pens, Wasserbauer’s Flypit bedding machine has proven a popular choice. The Flypit provides regular bedding in individual pens or cubicles for dry lying areas and improved hygiene. This improves the health of animals in the barn in the long term. Round or square bales of straw are fed into the Flypit and the fully automatic system does all the rest. Straw is cut into smaller pieces by the milling system and is transported to the Flypit on a conveyor belt. Using rails on the ceiling, the Flypit reaches every corner of the barn, where the cut straw is scattered several times per day. Powered by electricity, the Flypit has a capacity of 2000 litres and the dust is removed with a special extraction system. Dimensions are 2.6 x 1.4 x 1.7 metres. All functions can be controlled from a mobile phone or tablet.

JCB previews new 530-60 Agri Super Loadall

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Although not available until spring 2023, JCB previewed its new 530-60 Agri Super Loadall at EuroTier. This model replaces the 527-58 launched two years ago. It is powered by a JCB 4.8-litre 130hp engine, has 550Nm torque, and has a 40km/hr transmission. This model can lift three tonnes, with a capacity to lift 2.7 tonnes to the full six-metre lift height. It stands 2.14 metres tall at the cab on the 24-inch tyres. JCB says it is designed for livestock, pig, and poultry farms.  

Sylco Hellas fast exit sheep/goat milking parlour

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Greek company Sylco Hellas showed its fast exit sheep and goat milking parlour on the stand. This particular set-up was a 16-point parlour idea for farms with more than 200 animals to milk. They can cater from 12 to 80 positions in a single or double row with capacities from 200 to 550 animals per hour. There’s a model where all steel construction is made of stainless steel. The space for each animal is increased to 40cm so that even larger animals are comfortable. The feed troughs are also stainless steel and have partitions for each animal. The whole front side is lifted by two special air cylinders, one on each side, and the entrance gates for the animals are also air operated. There’s a central control box inside the milking pit, where all the controls for fast exit and entry doors are fitted.

Joskin Aquatrans tanker

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It was interesting to see Belgian company Joskin is still manufacturing tankers to transport water on farms, a task usually dedicated to a redundant slurry tanker. On view was a 3600-litre tanker, but models are available up to 5100-litre capacity. The tanker is easily filled and has a 45cm diameter manhole opening on the top for cleaning it out. At the back of the tank, an outlet valve also allows to fully empty the water, thereby preventing impurities from stagnating between two filling processes. Optional extras include various types of drinking troughs, centrifugal filling pumps, brakes, a wide choice of wheels, and lights.

Kuhn SPW Intense feeder wagon

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Kuhn had one of its new SPW Intense self-propelled feeder wagons on display boosted with the Phase 5 250hp engine and the milling head/mixing auger hydraulics management system. There are seven models in the range offering mixing capacities from 14 to 27 cubic metres. The mixing system consists of two vertical augers with five or six knives, depending on the size of the model. Unladen weight ranges from 13.7 tonnes of the smallest 14.2 CS model to 15.9 tonnes of the largest 27.2 CL model. 

Topcalf – Duo Easy Clean

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New regulations for rearing calves are making their way through Europe, which include bigger rearing spaces per calf. Dutch company Topcalf displayed its Duo Easy Clean XXL unit that gives 4.5 square metres of lying space per calf. This calf pen is easily moved by a forklift, is made of galvanised steel, and tilts over to allow easy cleaning. The unit sits on four castor wheels, the front two with brakes. It has two-part front doors that enable easy entry into the calf hutch without disturbing a drinking calf. There’s a removable partition and optional extras include tiltable bucket holders with a locking system.

Buri – hoof trimming crush

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Hoof trimming is a vital management procedure for livestock farmers and Swiss company Buri had the ultimate purpose-built piece of equipment on its stand. Its KP303 and KP304 crushes make the job of hoof trimming an easier task for the operator, as it has guides to easily fix the cow’s legs into a safe position, which are perfectly adapted to the movements of the animals. Foldable panels on the side manoeuvre allow easy entry and exit of the animal. Plus, it’s built from strong materials and drains away water easily. Optional extras include a mounted toolbox, a swivel arm with spotlight and holder for the angle grinder, and a permanently installed wall socket. The operator has a safe and spacious area to work in, which offers a back-friendly position. 

Agritech pneumatic feed transport

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Farmers who need to transport and unload feed around the yard to storage bins will find Agritech’s pneumatic feed transport tank useful. Tanks with pneumatic unloading Mod AP allow the transfer of feed through a pneumatic compression system operated by the tractor’s power (PTO). Also, for these models, the load of the product takes place from above through a side sliding roof, but at the bottom, the tank has a system composed of a compressor and rotary valve capable of fill silos up to 10 metres in height with a flow rate ranging from 5000 to 7000kg per hour. Optional extras include mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic braking systems and two rooms for the transport of two different products.

Calf-Star – Colostrum Care Centre

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All the way from the US, the Colostrum Care Centre is a processing unit designed to offer complete handling of colostrum, from cow to calf. It carries out the bagging, pasteurising, cooling, rewarming, and feeding in the one machine. After the cows first milking, the colostrum is collected and put into one-gallon colostrum bags. The cooling zone contains a chilled water bath of two to four degrees Celsius used to immediately chill the post-pasteurised colostrum to stop bacteria growth, then keeps it refrigerated until it’s time to feed to the next calf. The pasteurise zone utilises the heat generated from the chilling system to preheat the water. When the pasteurising cycle begins, it will then utilise an electric element to supply any additional heat needed to achieve and maintain a pasteurising temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The rewarming zone will bring the pasteurised colostrum to feeding temperature.

Royal de Boer – Auto Scraper Spray

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One of the many shed-scraping robots in action at EuroTier was the Auto Scraper Spray model from Royal de Boer. This unit is fully programmable in terms of cleaning routes, frequency of cleaning, and a progress report. The robotic scraper comes in three versions. The most straightforward one, and also the base unit, is the Auto-Scraper. The Auto-Scraper Pro is more intelligent, and the Auto-Scraper Spray is equipped with a water spray system. The machine follows the sides of the barn and stops when it reaches its charging station. In places where no side guides are available, beams with a height of eight centimetres should be placed. The scraper robot will initiate its next lap when the next pre-programmed start time begins. The Auto-Scraper robot is available in operating widths of 140, 170, and 200cm.

Valmetal – Supercart 

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Designed for feeding dairy cows or heifers, the Valmetal Supercart VA is a self-propelled unit powered by an engine. Ranging in capacity from 0.9 to 2.7 cubic metres, the Supercart is equipped with a 12-inch discharge auger, fitted on the right-hand side. The operator simply stands on the cart when using it or a seat can be attached for extra comfort. 

Find new and used farm machinery for sale in NZ 

Photography: Chris McCullough

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