Grimme launches updated Varitron 470 harvester

Grimme has unveiled the third generation of its four-row Varitron 470 self-propelled harvester, which now has a 460hp Stage 5 engine.

Among the changes is more power for the new haulm topper to improve chopping performance, and the addition of external hydraulic cylinders that allow for more accurate height control.

Altering the suspension system has also made it easier to attach and remove the haulm topper on both wheeled and Terra Trac models, says Grimme.

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Intakes are available for potatoes, onions and carrots, and an automatic adjustment system, called Speedtronic-Web, sees the speed of the main webs determined by both forward speed and crop load.

These, as well as the fine haulm and ring elevators, can now be separately reversed to unblock any bung-ups.

The direction of the extracting rollers can also be reversed to give the operator more control over the separation process.

The wheeled version can be fitted with a 64cm bunker extension to help reach high-sided transport trailers and boxes on the second row of a flatbed.

Cab features include a 12.1in CCI 1200 terminal as standard, plus the option of a yield-mapping function.

A video system is also available to display footage from up to 13 cameras mounted in hard-to-see positions.

Evo 280

Grimme has also increased the bunker capacity of its two-row Evo 280 harvester. It remains 3m wide on the road, but can now carry 7.5t – up from the previous 6t limit on the old model.

Select 200

A new two-row elevator harvester, Select 200, features automatic steering on its telescopic axle to reduce the turning circle and improve in-row guidance.

The spec includes Grimme’s VarioDrive system, which combines the benefits of both mechanical and hydraulically driven main webs to provide infinitely variable speed adjustment relative to the load and driving speed.

Operation is via Isobus and there is a raft of separator options to suit the harvest conditions, plus the choice of a 1.2m-wide elevator that can achieve the same throughput at a slower speed to handle the crop more gently.

A new “comfort” package includes height-adjustable steps on the picking table, a waterproof storage box, drink holders and a 15-litre hand wash tank.

There’s also better picking-table lighting to make life easier when working in the dark.