The Royal Show - Media & PR - Press Releases

May 2009

Robocrop Takes Gold in RASE Awards

The Garford Robocrop Inrow Weeder has been awarded the Gold Medal in this year’s Royal Agricultural Society of England RASE Machinery Awards. The weeder also won the Institution of Agricultural Engineers’ Award, for machinery that has made a significant contribution to sustainability in agriculture. It is the first commercially available, intelligent, inter-plant weeder. Efficacy rates of up to 98.5% are achievable using the Robocrop, and no other form of weed control.

The RASE Machinery Awards, which are sponsored by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Through the Night and Farmers Guardian, are unique because the results are based on rigorous examination of the machines by commercial users. The Gold Medal is awarded for a machine that is clearly outstanding in terms of innovation, technical achievement and potential benefit to the industry.

Users of the Robocrop found it extremely reliable, and easy to use, and obtained weed controls rates similar to those claimed by the manufacturer. The crop remained clean and grew unchecked.. The tilling action also prevented capping of the soil. It contributed to sustainable agriculture by providing a viable alternative to herbicides, and significant labour savings.

Silver medals are awarded to machines with important new features that are found to be effective and reliable by users. A Silver Medal plus the Health and Executive Award, for an entry which recognises the application of safety through design went to Case IH for it’s 10 Series Axial-Flow Combine Harvester .The primary use of the 10 series Axial-Flow combine harvester is to cut and process a variety of grains and pulses using a single rotor, which spins the crop. The 10 series Axial-Flow has the new ST (small tube) rotor. The rotor tube has been reduced in diameter by 50mm and the rasp bar height has been increased to maintain overall rotor diameter. This has created even more space for the crop to move around, thus resulting in increased capacity and reduced power demand. This is especially true in high moisture crops such as rice and grass seeds or damp conditions.

Users found that even in the difficult season of 2008 they were achieving good outputs, and with the ability to rock the rotor to clear blockages, saved a considerable amount of time. Many reported daily maintenance to be minimal due to the reduction of the number of pulleys and shaft bearings, which improved reliability.

Maintenance and unblocking are major causes of serious and fatal injuries across a range of agricultural machines. Manufacturers can significantly reduce the risks associated with these activities by removing hazards at the design stage.

The development of the 'Power Plus' transmission used in the axial flow combine has significantly reduced the number of mechanical drive systems and the inherent risk that they create, from both routine and in-field maintenance operations. The simplicity and low daily maintenance requirement was cited by many users as a positive benefit. In addition the manufacturer has provided an engineering solution to the problem of clearing blockages in the threshing mechanism. By utilising the hydraulic component of the transmission to the main rotor, the operator is able to 'de-slug' the machine from the cab should a blockage occur, removing the risks that can arise from having to gain physical access and clear material manually.

The following machines were also awarded Silver Medals:

New Holland T7000 Series Tractor (CNH UK Ltd)
The New Holland T7000 series comprises of four tractors ranging from 167 – 213 hp rated engine power. The T7000 has improved performance and comfort levels with the world’s quietest tractor cab at 69dBA.
Users commented on the exceptional levels of comfort within the cab and improved ride performance. The increased service interval and ability to “service yourself” using genuine filters, whilst retaining full warranty, was seen as a major advantage with genuine economic savings to be made.

Vicon RO-XL EDW Spreader (Kverneland Group UK Ltd)
The Vicon RO-XL EDW twin disc fertiliser spreader incorporates Vicon’s “Rotaflow” distribution system along with electronic weighing system. The name RotaFlow describes Vicon’s spreading system, where the fertiliser granules are already rotating when they reach the spreading vanes.
With the current price of fertiliser, users stated ‘the machine would pay for itself quickly with the savings in fertiliser application’. They also reported excellent coverage on hill sides with changing topography. The auto calibration not only saved time, with the ability to just hitch up and go, but provided users with increased confidence of uniform spreading throughout the day.

Automatic Ventilation System (GBR Industries Ltd)
The Galebreaker variable ventilation system features a top opening side curtain that is designed to provide minimum draught, maximum clean air intake and maximum weather protection for livestock housed in open sided barns. The fully automated system receives data from an externally mounted weather station, which has sensors for temperature and/or rain and/or wind speed.
Many users commented on the fact that they could undertake tasks on and off the farm without worrying about having to get back to open or shut doors and this freed up their time.

Quickfencer Standard 80 (Quickfencer Ltd)
The Quickfencer Standard 80 is used for the unrolling and tensioning of wire fencing. It can be used on any type of fencing: stock, ranch, cattle, sheep, horse and deer fencing.
Users found the Quickfencer an incredibly simple piece of equipment to use, which was both affordable and very durable. All users stated that it had transformed their fencing operations, making it a much quicker and safer operation. Most users operated the machine on their own, which resulted in considerable savings in manpower.

Grain Butler (BDC Systems)
The Grain Butler is a self-propelled portable stirring auger suitable for grain and other combinable crops. It facilitates drying by lifting grain from the bottom to the top of the store. The Grain Butler mixes the grain. It makes it extremely ‘flowable’ and non-compacted, increasing aeration and allowing quicker drying and removal of hot spots.
Claims of reductions in hot spots within the store were confirmed by users, who found that the store temperature and moisture content were incredibly uniform and drying time was reduced.

New Holland FR 9000 Forage Harvester (CNH UK Ltd)
The New Holland FR9000 self propelled forage harvester series consists of five models ranging from 424hp to 824hp. The FR9000 models all have cutter heads which are claimed to be 15% larger in diameter and 30% wider than its rival machines, enabling it to handle increased crop volumes from the wider pickups.
Users of the FR9000 were particularly pleased with the ease of swinging the crop processor in or out of operation. The speed of manoeuvre - typically under two minutes - ‘makes it a quick and easy job’. Economical use of fuel has also been identified by users as one of the major benefits of the harvester.

M40 Series Tractor (Kubota UK Ltd)
The M40 series tractor offers five models ranging from 66 to 99 hp all fitted with Kubota’s centre-direct injection system on their four cylinder diesel engine. The M40 series of tractors offer an incredibly reliable tractor, with excellent manoeuvrability. Its design achieves a comfortable environment but appeals to many of its users because of its simplicity, basic control systems and affordability.
Many of the users commented on the simplicity of the tractor with minimal electronics and easy to use controls, yet having all the essential creature comforts to ensure the operation was enjoyable.

Xerion (Claas UK Ltd)
The Claas Xerion 3300 (340 hp) and 3800 (388 hp) are available in three variants, TRAC, TRAC VC and SADDLE TRAC. All these variants relate to the positioning of the cab. The TRAC has a designated fixed, central position cab for primarily arable applications.

All users confirmed that the Xerion’s tractive performance exceeded expectations, along with its versatility and manoeuvrability. Unlike a tracked machine or dual wheeled tractor the Xerion had good road speed up to 50 km/h, and its transport width was not an issue, which meant downtime was kept to a minimum.

The award-winning machines will be displayed taking pride of place at The Royal Show 2009, where demonstrators are pleased to provide detailed information and summaries of the judges’ findings.

For further information on the Royal Show or to book your tickets now, visit www.royalshow.org.uk/a> or call 0844 5811400.

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Notes for editor:
The Royal Show is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE). RASE is an independent charity with over 6,000 members including the general public and the farming community. RASE works towards a sustainable, vibrant future for British Agriculture and the rural community.

For more information about RASE, please contact: 02476 696969 or visit the website www.rase.org.uk