STANDEN-PEARSON will launch its all new T2, 2-row trailed potato harvester in Harrogate, at British Potato 2009. T2 is a „clean sheet‟ design and replaces the companies ENTERPRISE and VISION harvesters. Designed and developed by engineers at Standen Engineering for high output, efficiency with low crop damage, T2 will be built at Ely, with availability for the 2010 season.
MOVING UP A GEAR
A bigger capacity machine than its predecessors, T2 offers significantly more output than the models it replaces by virtue of greater separation abilities; an additional digger web and a longer sieving web provide a greater combined web area, VariSep adjustable web step separation between the webs, and OMEGA, its all new fluted roller separator system make for a highly competitive specification. With its flush sides, T2 is only 2.9m wide; wheel track is adjusted from the cab‟, making the machine road ready in just seconds.
OMEGA – NEW FLUTED ROLLER SEPARATOR
The increased performance potential of T2 demanded a separation system built to make the most of the capacity available. OMEGA is the companies answer; engineers have worked hard to create a system that improves on existing technology. Each OMEGA separation unit features three deformable fluted roller shafts working in conjunction with three rubber clod rollers. The machine on display at British Potato will be fitted with a double OMEGA system. Each clod roller rotates around the circumference of their adjacent fluted roller during up-down adjustment, so the gap always remains constant, unlike competitors‟ systems. Angle adjustment, speed control and reverse drive facilities are included. Fluted rollers are hydraulic motor/gearbox driven, with independent hydraulic motors driving each clod roller.
TOUCH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY
For the first time, STANDEN-PEARSON uses Touch Screen management, with a 10.4" (26.4cm) screen, the system has a separate „slave console‟ unit featuring user friendly „pistol grip‟ joystick controls for the most frequently used functions. Features include full diagnostic functions. Touch Screen allows the operator to have more control of the machine, its functions and the way the harvester responds to driver inputs. Profiles can be created, so different ranges of settings can be selected within each profile for specific conditions. A completely new CAN-Bus control system has also been developed for T2.
CHASSIS SECRETS
All drives are hydraulic and speed variable. A strong tubular main frame incorporates the hydraulic oil reservoir; a thermostatically controlled electric oil cooler is standard. Powered wheel drives are also standard and can be programmed to suit different wheel equipment options and performance characteristics. Axles are mounted on independent sliding beams with hydraulic adjustment both sides. Improved manoeuvrability and handling are the result of sharper steering axle angles (25 degrees).
DISCHARGE AND OPTIONS
Crop is evenly transferred to the 1120mm wide discharge elevator by two rubber covered spreader webs. Polyurethane fingers along the web sides move with the web thereby preventing side panel friction damage to potatoes. Large diameter drive rollers eliminate crop flicking, with direct motor/gearbox drive keeping the top end compact. Options will include a Soft Drop elevator web, cascade fall breaker, automatic height sensing, alternative separation systems, sorting tables and more.
TRIED AND TESTED IN THE FIELD
A series of pre-production T2 machines have been undergoing intensive field testing with impressive results. Wayne Garrett of RG‟s Produce Ltd, Wereham, Kings Lynn has harvested more than 200 acres of potatoes with the new T2; he commented, "After also having a demonstration with a main competitor, I am convinced T2 will be a great success, output is more than competitive, it’s very easy to handle in the field with tight axle turning angles, and just look under the guards; it‟s simplicity means there‟s nothing in there we can‟t take care of ourselves".
Retail price for the new T2 harvester is from £120,000
