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Syngenta launches new agricultural innovation “Shoots by Syngenta”

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Syngenta Group announced today the launch of “Shoots by Syngenta,” a global platform designed to help tackle agriculture’s most complex challenges, increase innovation, and advance more sustainable agriculture.

Starting with science-based innovation challenges, the platform will connect scientific discovery and creativity, bringing together academics, research institutes, startups, and cross-industry sectors to collaborate with Syngenta’s global network of 5,000+ scientists.

Shoots by Syngenta” will also include a startup accelerator, providing a supportive ecosystem for early-stage companies developing new agricultural technologies. Cohorts of startups will enter a program connecting them with mentors, resources, and funding to accelerate their growth and impact.

Over the last 70 years, agricultural innovation has made it possible to feed 5 billion more people on almost the same amount of land. But by 2050, 2+ billion more people consuming 50% more food will require a faster innovation pathway for technologies that are practical and scalable. Innovation through collaboration plays an increasingly important role in providing these solutions for farmers dealing with growing threats from pests, disease and extreme weather conditions.

“Helping growers sustainably feed a rapidly growing human population requires a strong collaboration focus, not just across agriculture but across industries,” said Gusui Wu, Global Head of Seeds Research. “Collaboration is at the heart of how our scientists approach innovation every day. It’s embedded in our scientific culture, and we are continually seeking out different technologies, solutions and partners to help us better serve farmers.”

“Shoots by Syngenta” will spotlight specific innovation needs from across the Syngenta Crop Protection and Seeds businesses. Science-based innovation challenges will be posted on the website, enabling anyone with a scientific interest to submit proposals in response to the challenges or other areas of focus. Proposals are quickly evaluated, and if there is a mutual fit, they are progressed to a collaboration partnership to take forward the research or technology that might eventually be licensed.

“We know that science holds the answer to the challenges we face, so we’re open to sharing and helping others benefit from our world-leading findings and experiences,” says Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Shoots by Syngenta gives us gives access to real, proven data and insight, which can inform and accelerate future science-led breakthroughs.”

Additionally, the startup accelerator will provide early-stage companies the opportunity to pilot their technology at Syngenta’s Farm of the Future and select grower farms globally, mentorship and access to industry experts, and an opportunity to present and test ideas with relevant business leaders and investors. Participants will get one-on-one mentoring by Syngenta business leaders that is customized based on each team’s specific requirements.

“Our vision is to create an ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration in the agricultural industry, creating a more sustainable and efficient future for farmers, consumers, and the planet,” said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group. “We believe that the most promising solutions to global food security, sustainability, and productivity will come from bringing together innovative and technology-driven start-ups with growers and industry experts.”

Leaders from Syngenta Group will be present at this week’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and the IUPAC International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry to engage with fellow innovators and share more on “Shoots by Syngenta.”

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Hitech spraying solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming

 

Hitech spraying solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming

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The Smart Spraying Solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming will enter first series production at Herbert Dammann GmbH as of March.

Combining Bosch’s high-tech camera sensor technology and software, with the advanced digital agronomic decision engine of xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions, the Smart Spraying Solution will be integrated into Dammann’s range of intelligent crop protection sprayers.

Available initially in Germany and Hungary, Dammann’s first crop protection sprayer for practical use featuring the unique weed management system is expected to be delivered in the spring.

“Farmers now have a reliable field sprayer at their disposal that provides optimum protection for crops, while being easy to operate and ready for immediate use,” says Florian Gwosdz, Co-Managing Director of Bosch BASF Smart Farming.

The Smart Spraying Solution offers real-time, automated weed detection and precision spraying both on pre-emergence (“green-on-brown”) and post-emergence (“green-on-green”). As the sprayer passes over a field, the system in milliseconds distinguishes crops from weeds and controls individual spray nozzles with pinpoint accuracy.

This ensures herbicide is applied in the right dose and only where it is needed. In addition, with its connection to the xarvio FIELD MANAGER platform, the system also offers farmers actionable insights and digital tools such as customized agronomic recommendations, weed distribution and as-applied maps, automated sensitivity levels and easy-to-use documentation that can be used for reporting purposes.

Konstantin Kretschun, Co-Managing Director of Bosch BASF Smart Farming, adds: “Introducing the Smart Spraying Solution to farmers in Germany and Hungary is an important achievement and step towards optimizing crop protection use. It also helps ensure future legal requirements and EU pesticide reduction targets are met.”

Delivering efficiency and supporting sustainable farming

Bosch BASF Smart Farming is the joint venture responsible for marketing and commercializing the Smart Spraying Solution technology worldwide. Global field trials in various locations under different agronomic conditions have shown that the Smart Spraying Solution delivers a more efficient use of herbicide without compromising weed control.

This supports sustainable farming and improves resource efficiency, while helping to reduce environmental impacts.

“By integrating the Smart Spraying Solution from Bosch BASF Smart Farming with our intelligent field sprayers, we want to offer farmers an in  novative technology for optimal weed management in the future.

Only as much herbicide as necessary and as little as possible needs to be sprayed – this pays off financially as well as ecologically. This confirms our commitment to be at the forefront of innovation in European agriculture,” says Nadine Dammann, Managing Director of Dammann GmbH.

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Comparing the effectiveness of different grain storage bags

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For the longest time in the history of grain production, we have experimented with different grain storage bags and methods to find the solutions that preserve our grains the longest.

Globally, one of the worst culprits responsible for post-harvest losses in grains during storage is insect pests. Insects damage grains in many ways. They directly feed on grains which reduces weight, nutritional value and market value, essentially causing the profits of farmers to waste away.

The presence of insect parts and faecal matter results in mould and odours that lead to the contamination and deterioration of grains. Past a certain level, the activities of insects render grains unsafe for both human and animal consumption.

Additionally, factors such as high moisture content lead to mould growth which may destroy grains while in storage.

Different Storage Methods 

In Ghana and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, grains are usually stored in grain storage bags. In this post, we will consider three main types of bags that are used to store grains and compare their effectiveness against insects and other factors that cause post-harvest losses

Jute Bags

The jute bag has been one of the oldest ways of storing grains and has been used to store grains for several centuries. Its material is made from the bark of the jute plant which makes it biodegradable and safe for the environment. Jute bags are usually inexpensive and readily available for purchase.

However, jute is susceptible to elements such as water and can quickly become weak when it comes into contact with water. Additionally, its porous and fibrous nature allows for air, moisture, microorganisms and grain-eating insects such as weevils to easily come into contact with its contents.

This makes it unsuitable for long-term storage.

Polypropylene (PP) Bags

Polypropylene bags are also one of the most popular methods of storing grains in sub-saharan Africa. PP bags are made from woven strips of polypropylene. PP bags have a lot of advantages. They are light, easy to use, very affordable, easily accessible and come in different sizes.

PP bags are however not very durable and are susceptible to insect pests, rodents and water. They are great for cheap, short term storage but do not work great as a long term grain storage solution.

Hermetic Storage Bags

Hermetic storage bags have become an increasingly popular bag among grain storage bags. While not as popular as PP bags or jute bags, hermetic bags are gaining momentum as one of the safest ways to store grains in sub-saharan Africa.

Hermetic bags work by sealing the stored grain from the outside atmosphere. This means that once grains are sealed in a hermetic bag, they are airtight. As a result, moisture and oxygen cannot enter into the bag from the outside air

As insects already present inside the grain continue to respire, carbon dioxide levels increase and oxygen levels decrease. At low oxygen levels, all insect activity ceases and they cannot continue to attack grains.

Some hermetic bags come with an outer layer which is usually a PP bag to protect the hermetic liner from damage. Some of the most popular hermetic bags available on the market include PICS bags, GrainPro Bags and ZeroFly Hermetic BagHermetic storage bags commercially available in Kenya in 2019.Hermetic bags have several advantages over other types of bags. They include being able to protect grains from insects and moisture which makes them ideal for long term storage. They are durable, easy to use and ensure that grains maintain their quality even after a year of storage. They can also be reused several times over, so long as the hermetic layer is not damaged.

The main drawback of hermetic bags are that they are generally more expensive than types of bags, which may be prohibitive for some people.  Additionally, the hermetic capabilities may be damaged if the bag is punctured.

While hermetic bags may be expensive to purchase upfront, the benefits of preserving your grains far outweigh the initial costs.

Our Recommendation

At Sesi Technologies, we distribute ZeroFly hermetic bags in Ghana. ZeroFly bags have several advantages over even other types of hermetic bags.

Aside from the inner hermetic layer, ZeroFly bags also come with an insecticide-impregnated outer layer which kills any insects trying to attack grains from the outside while protecting the inner layer from damage and the risk of puncture.

For aggregators, feed producers and farmers looking to protect their harvest and profits from losses, the ZeroFly Hermetic bag is an excellent choice for long term storage of any grain commodity.

 

 

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Bridgestone commences solar power generation at tire plants in Japan

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 Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it has commenced solar power generation at two tire plants in Japan, the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant, based on power purchase agreement.

This is the first instance at Bridgestone’s tire plant in Japan to engage in large-scale generation of solar power based on a power purchase agreement.

With a combined generation capacity of 5.8 MW, the applicable solar power systems will supply the electricity used to produce tires at the two plants while contributing to a reduction in annual CO2 emissions of approximately 2,700 tons (in comparison to emissions from electricity supplied through the power grid*1).

By promoting the use of renewable energy, Bridgestone seeks to fulfill the corporate commitment of “Energy: Committed to the realization of a carbon neutral mobility society” described in the “Bridgestone E8 Commitment.”*2

Bridgestone has placed sustainability at the core of its management and business and strives to realize its vision of “Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company.”

Bridgestone is accelerating initiatives for contributing to a realization of carbon neutrality and a circular economy for advancing its Sustainability Business Framework that ensures the link between sustainability activities and business across the entire value chain, in all of its “produce and sell,” “use,” and “renew” phases of its Dan-Totsu Products.

Regarding the realization of carbon neutrality, Bridgestone aims to achieve its target of reducing absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030, compared to 2011, under its Milestone 2030.

Bridgestone’s 2030 Long Term Strategic Aspiration*3, which was announced on August 2022, also describes its efforts to promote the Green and Smart factory. Specially, Bridgestone seeks to source more than 50% of its energy (electricity) from renewable energy by 2023 and challenge to achieve approx. 100% renewable energy (electricity) by 2030.*4

Bridgestone has transitioned to renewable energy for all electricity purchased at all of Bridgestone EMIA’s locations in Europe, four plants in Japan (Hikone, Shimonoseki, Tosu, and Kitakyushu), and two plants in China (Tianjin and Wuxi). Bridgestone has also begun using solar power at plants in Thailand, the United States, and Europe.

In addition to commencing use of solar power generated based on power purchase agreement, the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant switched to renewable energy for all purchased electricity in 2021.*5 These initiatives are anticipated to make large contributions to carbon neutrality while also cementing the position of these plants as important global production bases for Bridgestone MASTERCORE tires for mining vehicles*6 and other “Dan-Totsu” products.

Looking ahead, Bridgestone intends to transition to renewable energy for the electricity purchased at all of its bases while also accelerating CO2 emissions reductions through the expansion of solar power generation and the improvement of energy efficiency.

Plant Main Products Annual Generation Volume Date of Transition
Shimonoseki Plant Radial and bias tires for mining and construction vehicles 820 MWh October 2022
Kitakyushu Plant Radial tires for mining and construction vehicles 5,250 MWh February 2023
  1. Electricity handled through the power system used to generate electricity at power generators, transform this electricity, and transmit and distribute it to users.
  2. The Bridgestone Group established its corporate commitment, the “Bridgestone E8 Commitment,” to help it realize its vision: “Toward 2050, Bridgestone continues to provide social value and customer value as a sustainable solutions company.” This commitment will serve as the Group’s axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The “Bridgestone E8 Commitment” consists of eight uniquely Bridgestone values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that the Group will commit to creating through distinctly Bridgestone purposes and processes, together with employees, society, partners, and customers to help realize a sustainable society.
    https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/pdf/2022030101.pdf
  3. 2030 Long Term Strategic Aspiration – Bridgestone 3.0 Journey – Roadmap toward becoming a resilient “excellent” Bridgestone
    https://www.bridgestone.com/ir/library/strategy/pdf/ENG_lsa20220831.pdf
  4. Renewable energy ratio (electricity) calculated by “(purchased electricity from renewable sources + self-generated renewable electricity)/(purchased electricity + self-generated renewable electricity – electricity sold)”
  5. Bridgestone Announces Expansion of Renewable Electricity Use at Four Domestic Tire Plants as Part of the Global Sustainability Business Framework (July 8, 2021)
    https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2021070801.html
  6. New Bridgestone MasterCore Tire Line Provides Mine Sites With Customized Tire Performance (August 7, 2020)
    https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2020080701.html

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SDF Group:First specialist tractor equipped with 4WS technology

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Frutteto CVT ActiveSteer from SDF Group is the first specialist tractor equipped with 4WS technology, which introduces four-wheel steering to vineyards and orchards for the further benefit of safety and productivity.

Having been the first company to mass-produce a four-wheel-drive agricultural tractor with the SAME DT 25 in 1952, and to produce a four-wheel-drive tractor with a central drive shaft in 1965, SAME’s specialist tractors now introduce a totally new technology to this sector. Indeed, until now four-wheel steering in agriculture has been confined to telescopic loaders and, in rare cases, also to open field agricultural tractors.

However, SAME is now offering its first four-wheel steering system specifically designed to increase performance and safety in tight spaces such as vineyards and orchards where specialist tractors require maximum manoeuvrability. In addition, confirming the need for the utmost compactness, it has introduced this technology while keeping the track and wheelbase values the same as for traditional rear axle versions.

As well as increasing manoeuvrability, four-wheel steering technology offers greater safety than articulated tractor or axle systems, which to obtain a higher steering angle are further forward than is traditional, it doesn’t requirea larger wheelbase and nor does it cause shifts in the machine’s centre of gravity.

Thanks to the new rear axle, the rear wheels can also now achieve an angle of plus or minus 20°, and their position is controlled by an electronic control unit with three different driver controlled operating modes. This allows the driver to select:

  • the movement of the rear wheels in relation to the front ones, which drastically reduces the turning radius, but without ever adversely affecting the machine’s stability;
  • crab mode, useful for example when contour ploughing along the lines of a slope, but also for handling operations with forklifts in confined spaces
  • delayed mode, with which steering is in any case proportional to that of the front wheels, but with a slight delay. Indeed, this function is very useful for driving with towed trailers. Thanks to this feature they will no longer tighten the turning radius with respect to the tractor in front of them.

In addition to these three automated control modes, the steering angle of the rear wheels can be adjusted manually, and also locked at will to compensate for slipping downstream of the sloping rear axle or locked in a central position for road transport.

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Agricultural equipment manufacturer SDF take majority stake in VitiBot

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The European agricultural equipment manufacturer SDF is taking a majority stake in the robotics French specialist for the vineyard care market.

The two companies will join forces to develop and offer the market a range of innovative and high-performance solutions for a new increasingly sustainable precision agriculture.

About VitiBot

VitiBot is a French startup based in Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region. The company is a leader in the emerging market of vineyard care robotics with Bakus®, a 100% electric and autonomous straddle tractor.

The company was founded in 2016 by a father and son, Dominique BACHE, winegrower in the Aube convinced by Cedric BACHE, young engineer in robotics. VitiBot embodies a new dynamic in the French agricultural equipment industry, source of new professions and many jobs to come.

The Bakus® robot is the result of 5 years of research and is developed by a team of young engineers, all passionate about robotics and ecology, who have at heart the ambition to offer new practices to the winegrowers while improving social and environmental sustainability.

SDF

SDF is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tractors, harvesting machines and diesel engines. It distributes products through the SAME, DEUTZ-FAHR, Lamborghini Trattori, Hürlimann and Grégoire brands.

With more than 4,000 employees, the group is a world leader in the specialty crops market and generated € 1.5 bn in sales and an EBITDA margin of 11% in 2021.

Much more than a majority investment: a synergy of know-how & skills, and shared values & ambitions

“We are delighted with this operation that will enable us to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s agriculture, which is the genesis of our project. Joining SDF, a century-old group recognized worldwide for its products and values, is a great opportunity for us, and a guarantee of growth and success.” Cédric BACHE, CEO of VitiBot.

This acquisition is a real innovation accelerator for SDF Group and generates significant synergies for these two highly complementary businesses.

SDF, known for its leading technology in industrial plants and processes, also continuously introduces new processes of innovation to the finished product to ensure that its farm equipment becomes the key to application and use of today’s methods of sustainable precision agriculture.

“Sustainable and digital agriculture is a key factor of our development. After a deep scouting, we realized that VitiBot is the best solution for vineyards that allows us to enrich our tractor offer with self-driving and zero-emission electric vehicles” – commented Lodovico Bussolati, CEO of SDF” Now the goal is to support the company development and the product industrialization, satisfying a market demand that we think will be continuously growing in the future ”.

SDF’s priority focus today are unmanned operation, precision agriculture, digital services, collection and management of agronomic data, and introduction of electrification technologies for farm equipment.

With VitiBot, SDF will benefit from the contribution of highly qualified teams with specific know-how to achieve these goals quickly and effectively.

An ensured long-lasting relationship with customers and historical investors

This operation also ensures that VitiBot consolidates its position as a leader in robotics for the vineyard care, as well as the guarantee of providing local and personalized support to each of its customers.

The company’s historical investors, Maison Louis Roederer, the Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët group, Laurent-Perrier Champagnes, Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, will remain shareholders and members of the strategic committee, thus assisting the company in its project.

Strong recruitment prospects to support the growth of the activity

Within SDF, like other subsidiaries, such as the manufacturer of harvesting machines Grégoire, VitiBot will keep its full autonomy in terms of technical, industrial and commercial development. The entrepreneurial spirit and agility of the start-up will remain, and many highly qualified engineers will be recruited from now on.

With more than 50 Bakus® robots already in use in vineyards around the world, an order book that is already full, and a direct sales force and a growing network of dealers, VitiBot will accelerate its commercial development and consolidate its status as an international leader in vineyard care robotics and in the design of disruptive products in line with the needs of the vineyard and agricultural markets in the future.

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John Deere’s new 6140B 6Cylinder CAB tractor hit Africa, Middle East Market

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Complementing the current 6B model lineup, the new 6140B CAB Tractor comes with the John Deere 6 Cylinder Turbo Charged Tier III engine, incorporating the latest John Deere engine technology to deliver optimized fuel efficiency, immediate torque response and supreme engine reliability.

This well-balanced 6140B CAB Tractor with heavy duty frame and long wheelbase is available in a Standard and Premium version, offering specification and performance features that fully compliment customer needs in grain, hay and forage, sugar cane, timber, dedicated contract work as well as high value crop production systems.

The 12F/4R TSS 40 km/h transmission with wet clutch for the Standard CAB and the 24F/12R TSS 40 km/h transmission with Hi-Lo, Power Reverser and wet clutch for the Premium CAB, allows the customer to choose the tractor that best suits his specific application requirements.

Added to the versatility that comes with the transmissions, optimized performance and efficiency is further enhanced by the heavy duty Cat II 3 point hitch with 5400 kg hitch lift capacity, 200 bar open center constant flow hydraulics with three SCV’s and the 540/1000 rpm. reversable PTO.

This high quality, reliable and heavy duty 6140B CAB Tractor is no doubt the right choice that will provide peace of mind in any application ranging from heavy tillage, planting, spraying, spreading, mowing, baling, material handling and transport work.

The John Deere 6.8 l Turbocharged Tier III PowerTech E engine is equipped with precision engineered combustion components, high pressure common rail fuel injection system, heavy duty efficient PowerCore venturi type air filter, fuel pre-cooling and a dual stage heavy duty water separator.

These high quality components are designed to optimize engine performance including supreme power delivery, fuel efficiency and durability in any extreme heavy duty application ranging from heavy tillage, planting, spraying, spreading, hay making and transport operations.

The 255 l Fuel tank allows you to stay in the field throughout the day, optimizing daily field productivity. Extended service hours with John Deere Plus 50 engine oil further enhances operational efficiency while fully protecting the engine for long hours of operation. Easy access to service and maintenance points on John Deere engines makes servicing of the engine quick and efficient.

The Air Conditioned CAB with flat operators platform, comfortable Seat, Gear shift, Throttle, SCV and PTO controls all conveniently located on the RH console, offers ample space and convenience for great comfort during long working hours. Adding to your comfort, the CAB is standard equipped with both LH and RH doors.

The 24F/12R TSS 40 km/h transmission equipped with the Hi-Lo power shiftable gears, allows an increase in productivity of up to 15% and improvement in fuel efficiency of up to 13%. Also included with this transmission is the PowerReverser feature allowing comfortable travel direction changes, adding to the convenience, efficiency and speed of operations.

Important to highlight is the heavy duty rear axle and 3 planetary final drives, adding to the heavy robust overall frame design allowing heavy loads and trouble free operation in any heavy duty application. Ideally suitable for dedicated haulage application, the heavy duty mechanically actuated brake discs ensure safe and reliable handling of the towed load over hilly terrain.

The heavy duty CAT II three point hitch with lift capacity of 5400 kg is equipped with hook type hitch arms allowing safe and easy hookup with the implement. Mechanical lower link sensing enhances hitch response, ensuring effective and optimized performance of both tractor and implement in the field.

As uptime remains crucial to the effectiveness and productivity of your operations, response to technical breakdowns and availability of parts is a key consideration when planning your new tractor purchase.

Your John Deere Dealer is well structured with professional personnel and services from sales and financing solutions through parts availability and technical support to keep your critical operations on schedule during the important seasonal production periods. It is important to note that your dealer is fully equipped with the latest in technology such as JD-Link to help monitor your equipment remotely for early fault detection and response.

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JCB showcases hydrogen engine technology at Conexpo

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JCB’S £100 million project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines has been given its international debut at one of the world’s biggest construction equipment fairs.

A team of 150 engineers is working on the pioneering initiative to develop hydrogen combustion engines – and more than 50 prototypes have already been manufactured at JCB’s UK engine plant.

The wraps came off the brand new JCB hydrogen combustion engine – the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment – at the Conexpo 2023 show yesterday in Las Vegas as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford is leading the project to develop JCB’s hydrogen technology. Lord Bamford said: “The JCB engineering team has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine. As the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, I’m delighted we are now able to present this technology on the international stage.”

Prototype JCB hydrogen engines are already powering backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler machines. JCB has also made a major breakthrough in proving the wider appeal of hydrogen combustion technology by installing one of the super-efficient hydrogen engines into a 7.5 tonne Mercedes truck – a retrofit which was completed in just days.

JCB has also unveiled its very own designed and built mobile refuelling bowser to take the fuel to the machines. The bowser has enough hydrogen gas to fill 16 hydrogen backhoe loaders and is able to be transported either on the back of a modified JCB Fastrac tractor or on a trailer.

The JCB engineering team has gone back to first principles to completely re-design the combustion process to work for hydrogen. In doing so they have achieved two major things: secured JCB’s place in history as the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and steered us towards the production of a landmark 50 hydrogen combustion engines.

Lord Bamford | JCB Chairman

JCB’s commitment to reducing emissions goes back almost 25 years and the latest diesel engines designed to comply with European Stage V regulations have already delivered a 97% reduction in NOx emissions since 1999 and a 98% reduction in particulates. In addition, JCB’s drive to reduce fuel consumption means today’s JCB machines use 50% less fuel on average than those manufactured more than a decade ago. This has saved 16 billion litres of fuel – equivalent to 53 million tonnes of CO2.

JCB has also been at the forefront of electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zero-carbon products. While battery electric is suitable for smaller machines which do less hours and typically use less fuel, larger machines have a higher energy requirement. This would result in larger batteries, which would take longer to charge, making them less suitable for machines which work multiple daily shifts and do not have the available downtime to recharge.

As a result, JCB has concentrated its development of electric machines on its compact range, including the 525-60E Loadall telehandler and the 19C-1E mini excavator – the world’s first electric mini excavator. As the company examines future fuels which deliver zero emissions, it has left no stone unturned. In its search for a mobile fuel which can be taken to the machine, ensuring maximum uptime and fast refuelling, HVO, biogas, E-fuels, ammonia, and hydrogen have all come under the microscope. Interestingly, JCB engines have been approved for use with HVO since Stage IIIB / Tier 4i engine legislation came into force.

Lord Bamford said: “The majority of these alternative fuels require the production of hydrogen to make, so it makes perfect sense to use hydrogen in the first place because it is a clean zero carbon fuel which can be produced from renewable energy. Hydrogen also offers a potential solution to the challenge of batteries on larger machines; it allows for fast refuelling and is a mobile fuel solution, allowing fuel to be taken to the machine.”

As part of its hydrogen development, JCB also investigated its use in fuel cells and in July 2020 unveiled the construction industry’s first ever hydrogen powered excavator – a 20-tonne 220X.

For the time being, JCB has come to the conclusion that fuel cells are too expensive, too complicated and not robust enough for construction and agricultural equipment.  In challenging the JCB engineering team to think differently using technology that is around us in a zero-carbon way, the JCB hydrogen engine was born.

Lord Bamford said: “The unique combustion properties of hydrogen enable the hydrogen engine to deliver the same power, the same torque, and the same efficiency that powers JCB machines today, but in a zero-carbon way. Hydrogen combustion engines also offer other significant benefits. By leveraging diesel engine technology and components, they do not require rare earth elements and critically, combustion technology is already well proven on construction and agricultural equipment. It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known throughout not just the construction and agricultural industry, but the whole world.”

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Titan Debuts new tread design on world’s largest farm tire

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Titan International, Inc.  is introducing the first-ever R-2 deep-tread tire in the world’s largest farm tire size — the LSW1400/30R46.

This latest addition to the radial Goodyear Custom Flo Grip line is being brought to market to meet the growing demand for greater combine flotation and traction from growers in regions and applications that face incredibly wet field conditions.

Titan is debuting the new tire at National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) 2023 on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023.

“Back in 2016, we introduced the world’s largest ag tire in our Goodyear OPTITRAC line, which has an R-1W tread. The demand for that tire has since skyrocketed, but there are some applications that really should be running a deeper R-2 tread,” said Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, at Titan.

“We’ve been hearing from a lot of growers in the Southeast, the Dakotas, southern Minnesota and elsewhere that they wanted an LSW1400 option in an R-2. We’re excited to now offer that. We think it’ll be a game changer for them.”

Custom Flo Grip versus alternatives
The LSW1400 serves as a better-performing replacement to smaller singles (such as a 900/60R32), as well as to standard factory duals (such as 520/85R42) in the front combine position. The LSW1400 will provide:

  • 40% reduced inflation pressures which means significantly less soil compaction and field rutting, which inhibit yield.
  • Footprint improvement which spreads the already lower inflation pressures over a wider area to further reduce soil compaction and improve yield.
  • Improved traction by offering significantly more power to the ground with the larger — but easier-on-the-soil — footprint.
  • Maximum road speeds thanks to the Low Sidewall Technology® (LSW®) design, which dampens road lope. LSW allows for roading at full speeds, which can have a significant impact on productivity and profitability for custom harvesting operations, in particular.

Industry-leading warranty
The Goodyear Custom Flo Grip — as with all radials in the Goodyear Farm Tire family — comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty that includes 2-year no-cost replacement, 2-year field hazard protection and 3-year stubble damage protection.

Full size range 
With the addition of the world’s largest farm tire size, the Custom Flo Grip line now includes nine sizes, ranging from VF580/85R42CFO up to the LSW1400/30R46. Browse the full size range at https://www.titan-intl.com/tires/CUSTOM-FLO-GRIP.

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Siemens to equip Continental tire factories with automation technology

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Continental’s tire division and Siemens have signed a strategic supplier agreement.

As Siemens announces on the sidelines of the Tire Expo trade fair in Hannover (Germany), the company will supply automation and drive technology for Continental’s tire factories worldwide in its capacity as a preferred supplier.

The aim of the cooperation is to further optimize Continental’s global tire production with innovative control and automation technology. As part of the agreement, standards will be established which will help Continental make its production machinery even more efficient throughout their lifecycles.

“Tires connect cars and roads,” says Cedrik Neike, member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries.
“Without modern and innovative tires, we cannot reach our safety, efficiency, and sustainability targets. That’s why Continental Tires and Siemens have formed a close partnership, one that we are now expanding.”
To drive standardization, Continental will purchase its automation systems and large parts of its drive technology for new machines and developments from Siemens.
The supplier will equip Continental tire factories with Simatic controllers, I/O systems, WinCC Unified operator control units, and industrial PCs. Siemens will also train the relevant employees at Continental tire factories in TIA Portal.
The high degree of standardization will be even further developed, especially where software is concerned. The Siemens Tire Library, a software library for standardizing the control of sensors and actuators, will also provide support on this matter.
This will simplify mechanical engineering as well as maintenance for machines and equipment for Continental and its machine suppliers as well. Standardization also enables the machines to operate uniformly, regardless of machine supplier.
In addition, the use of these digital technologies promotes sustainable production, a key concern in the tire industry. In this regard, Siemens offers particularly long lifecycles for the hardware products to be used in the future and enables software and hardware innovations to be easily integrated throughout the machines’ lifecycles.
Siemens also provides technical support and is working on long-term availability of spare parts.
Siemens and Continental Tires have worked together in the past around digitalization. One example is the digital twin of an extrusion plant, which is used, among other things, for virtual commissioning. Continental Tires also uses Siemens edge technology and cloud hosting for Mendix applications.
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