Claas has won a gold medal for its Cemos auto threshing control for Claas straw-walker and hybrid combine harvesters. The system provides fully automatic adjustment of the threshing concave clearance and the threshing drum speed in tangential threshing units, adapting dynamically to the prevailing threshing conditions.
In this way, the threshing process in the threshing unit is continuously and automatically optimised to its technical performance limits. There is no need for lengthy set-up adjustments. However, it is possible for the combine harvester operator to intervene at any time if he so wishes.
The Cemos auto threshing is networked with all the other assistance systems of the combine harvester, especially with cruise pilot, the automatic ground-speed control system.
Claas was also awarded silver medals for the Axion 900 Terra Trac, Cemos for tractors and its Culti Cam stereoscopic row camera for mechanical hoeing.
The Axion 900 Terra Trac is the first half-track tractor with full suspension. Its key innovation is the inclusion of the suspended Terra Trac crawler track system. The track system is based on technology currently in use in combine harvesters but has been specially adapted to meet the requirements of tractors. With its suspended crawler tracks, the Axion 900 Terra Trac combines the advantages of a tracklaying tractor in terms of traction and soil protection, with the more convenient drive characteristics of a conventional standard tractor.
Cemos for tractors is a new, dialogue-based driver assistance system for optimum adjustment of tractors and implements. It comprises a database containing vast amounts of expertise and guides the driver to the optimum settings via the user interface of a touchscreen CEBIS terminal, taking account of the current task and the ambient conditions.
The recommended settings consider factors including a wide range of machine parameters, the operating conditions and the driver’s preferences. At the user’s request, CEMOS can apply some of the settings directly. If required, the driver can also be guided through the settings for the tractor sub-systems, such as CSM headland management. The system first supports the driver while entering the basic settings. It then checks them under the actual operating conditions so that they can be optimised as necessary.
Claas’s other silver winner is the new, high-resolution 3D row guidance camera for steering row crop hoes is a joint development with Einböck, Hatzenbichler, Carre SAS and Bednar FMT.
This camera analyses the leaf structure of the row crop on the basis of colour information and 3D surface models. Thanks to more detailed analysis, the image processing software is able to identify the rows and calculate precise control signals even in windy conditions, crops with severe weed infestation or plants which are not green. The new camera system therefore allows high-precision row guidance even in difficult conditions, or at higher working speeds and work rates.
Another winner was the Large Vehicle Alert System – an innovation that creates more safety in road traffic. The new system transmits telemetry data of agricultural machinery and tractors in road traffic to assistance/navigation systems and smartphone apps in the vehicles of other traffic participants. In this way, car and truck drivers can be proactively informed about and warned of the position and status of agricultural machinery on their way. Additionally, the system can offer alternative routes to drivers, if the number, width or speed of agricultural machinery causes delays (e.g. during intense transportation when harvesting maize for silage or spreading liquid manure).
