- Greatly improved efficiency paired with digital networking in the world’s most powerful two-axle sugar-beet harvester from the international market leader
- Sporty, modern design is combined with manoeuvrability and agility in the new Panther 2S to create a “workhorse” for pure pleasure when harvesting beets
There are sufficient power reserves for the most extreme lifting conditions, and using XL lifting attachment demonstrates the centrepiece of it all: the new 796 hp / 585 kW Volvo Penta inline engine with a maximum torque of 3,650 Nm and 16.12 litre capacity.
The soil-protecting chassis system with roll stabilisation and automatic slope compensation have been flawlessly integrated into the new machine design. A new generation of extremely high-performance computers forms the centre for telematics, predictive analytics, online diagnostics and assistant systems for partially autonomous sugar-beet harvesting, just like in the Tiger 6S. The Panther 2S now occupies the premium segment of the two-axle market and, with its visionary computer architecture, is clearly more than just a technical and visual further development of the current Panther 2.
The new image of the ROPA Panther 2S symbolises digitalisation, networking and Agriculture 4.0. The light-blue line shows and represents the networking of the Panther internally and externally with the R-Connect in the myROPA online portal. The Panther 2S is designed for pride in ownership, to appeal to emotions and at the same time to fulfil a promise of quality.
The cabin with its panoramic view, adopted from Tiger 6S, gives a generous feeling of space and functions as a centre for artificial intelligence and partially autonomous sugar-beet harvesting. The driver’s position in the Panther 2S is the visual manifestation of leadership in technology and the breakthrough into a new era of networking in the sugar-beet harvest. Operation at the terminal with interactive buttons highlighted by the clear colour composition on the modern flat design is even more intuitive and has the same logic as tablets and smartphones. Intentionally used contrasts improve legibility and usability.
In comparison with the previous model, the Panther 2S has two 12.1 inch operating terminals with high pixel density resulting in even sharper resolution. In addition to the machine functions, the camera images and the status indications of unload conveyor and bunker unloading can also be displayed on the terminal on the left A-pillar. The Panther 2S has high definition digital cameras as standard. The image quality of the digital cameras is significantly better, and an additional Ethernet network is integrated into the machine to handle the resulting greatly increased volumes of data. The relevant camera image is automatically displayed on the left terminal when driving backwards or unloading the bunker. The unloading conveyor and the bunker unloading can be controlled even more conveniently with the new ergonomic joystick on the left armrest. Five function buttons on the right multifunction joystick can be assigned as desired, for example with the wide-area window wiper. The interior has been upgraded even further, compared to the Tiger 6S. A slim and multi-adjustable steering column allows even better visibility of the lifting unit.
The standard integrated telematics module is the basis for proactive Service 4.0, particularly for predictive analytics and fast assistance and diagnostics if service is required on any continent. A service technician can link directly to the terminal and the machine control system to assist the driver, e.g. in solving problems, if it is required. The R-Connect in the myROPA portal is a perfect tool for drivers and managers for online order processing and optimisation of machines and fleets.
The Panther 2S will be available for purchase as a production model for the 2022 sugar-beet season. Pre-production models are already in operation for this year’s sugar-beet campaign. Particularly with the more powerful on-board electronic system and the far-reaching networking, ROPA sees the potential for even faster and optimised development of driver assistance systems, also with regard to the partially autonomous sugar-beet harvesting.
