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Case IH Launches AFS Connect Puma tractor

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Case IH Launches AFS Connect Puma tractor

Long known for dependability and durability across a variety of operations, the Case IH Puma® series lineup now includes the AFS Connect™ Puma tractor, as well as an addition to the short wheelbase Puma series tractor lineup: the Puma 175.

Existing Puma 185, 200, 220, 240 tractors — as well as the all-new high-horsepower Puma 260 — now come equipped with more power options, a revamped operator environment and AFS Connect technology for unparalleled data management, tracking and sharing across a range of machines. Meanwhile, the Puma 175 offers greater horsepower to efficiently complete a variety of tasks across tough applications.

“The AFS Connect Puma takes what livestock and row crop growers have always loved about Puma tractors — their reliability, efficiency and multipurpose dependability — while increasing their power, comfort and data connectivity to help operators tackle farm tasks with ease,” said J.E. Cadle, Case IH mid-range tractor marketing manager.

“Plus, with integrated AFS Connect technology, farm owners and operators can easily keep track of their fleet on the web or mobile devices, all while adding operating efficiencies like reducing gaps and overlaps in coverage.”

Greater operator comfort and efficiency

Case IH engineers took every effort to ensure the AFS Connect Puma series tractor offers the gold standard in cab comfortability. A larger cab, more operator head and leg room, and greater visibility all contribute to an improved in-cab experience. Other improvements include a larger entryway with redesigned steps for easier entry and exit.

Models equipped with a CVXDrive™ continuously variable transmission can also adjust optional hydraulic cab suspension from the upgraded AFS Pro 1200 display for the ultimate smooth and quiet in-cab experience.

Efficiency updates include a larger, 124-gallon fuel tank for longer runtimes between fill-ups, new rear hydraulic remote valves with pressure release levers, updated right hand steps with an easy-open battery box, two integrated tool storage compartments, service and maintenance improvements, new lighting options and more.

Multiple in-cab storage areas — as well as an optional cooled storage box — have also been added and updated, allowing operators to bring more bottles, snacks and other supplies during long days in the cab. A laminated windshield with an optional 240-degree sweep front wiper improve visibility, and climate control upgrades make in-cab cooling faster and more efficient.

Greater control, performance and durability

The new AFS Connect Puma 260 tractor comes standard with a heavy-duty class 4.5 front axle and a heavy-duty rear axle, increasing the GVW capacity to 31,950 lbs. and allowing for larger diameter (group 48) rear tires to help carry larger implements and get more power to the ground. This increased capacity is optional on Puma 220 and 240 tractors equipped with a CVXDrive continuously variable transmission as well.

Expanded AFS Connect capabilities

With AFS Connect technology — which has been embedded directly into the cab of the AFS Connect Puma — operators can comfortably reach new levels of productivity and efficiency. Featuring three powerful in-cab system components, this technology offers greater equipment visualization and agronomic data analysis than ever before:

  • The AFS Pro 1200 display features a large, 12.4-inch screen, additional camera feeds, easy Bluetooth® pairing and remote display viewing capabilities that can be accessed at any time by a farm manager or trusted Case IH dealer.
  • The AFS Vision Pro operating system remains familiar and easy to use, allowing operators to customize and configure tractor settings according to their specific preferences. This includes seven programmable run screens and split screen viewing to create a sophisticated environment that puts operators in control.
  • The AFS Vector Pro receiver improves guidance and streamlines connection signals, ensuring the AFS Connect Puma performs efficiently and consistently.

Taken together, these system components create a formidable suite of tools that enable producers to more easily track, share and visualize equipment data, allowing for easier farm management and capitalization on previously unrealized efficiencies. And, with added Remote Display View, operators can rely on a trusted Case IH dealer to perform remote machine diagnostics in order to determine repair needs, suggest tactics and more.

The all-new Puma 260 & 175 models

The newest tractor to enter the Puma family, the Puma 260 redefines the meaning of a compact, high- power tractor. In addition to being fully equipped with AFS Connect for advanced data management and tracking, the Puma 260 features superior horsepower (260 hp, 300 peak) with axle, tire and transmission updates to support a rugged workhorse design.

Cooling advancements ensure the Puma 260 consistently performs out in the field, while comfort improvements keep operators refreshed inside the cab.

In addition to Puma series tractors equipped with AFS Connect, the short wheelbase Puma lineup is expanding to include the new Puma 175 tractor. A dependable, powerful tractor, the Puma 175 offers more horsepower (180 engine hp, 225 peak) and relies on an updated CVXDrive continuously variable transmission to grant extensive power while maintaining the excellent torque curve growers have come to expect.

This new model includes the same quality-of-life improvements introduced previously with Model Year 2022 Puma series tractors: updated steps, an elastic hood closing rope, an enhanced armrest, a redesigned cab entry, upgraded interior space, new storage areas, a revised monitor bar and better air flow quality.

“With two new models to expand the Puma series tractor lineup, we’re confident that these updates will be beneficial to operators across a wide range of operations,” said Cadle. “Between all-new AFS features, comfort upgrades and power improvements, the future of Puma series tractors — and those who operate them — is bright.”

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Case IH Expands Its VT-Flex 435 Vertical Tillage Family

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Case IH Expands Its VT-Flex 435 Vertical Tillage Family

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The VT-Flex™ 435 vertical tillage tool is the go-to choice for producers looking to manage their residue effectively with easy, on-the-go gang angle adjustments — whether using conservation or conventional tillage practices.

Now producers can choose from more sizes — including 30- and 34- foot options — that make sizing, cutting and mixing residue and preserving soil for each season even more productive. The 30- and 34- foot models come with hydraulic in-cab control of gang angles, optional TigerPaw™ Crumbler® with hydraulics or spring down pressure and an optional rear hitch.

The VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool is now available in seven configurations — 11, 15, 20, 23, 25, 30 or 34 feet — to match the needs of a wide range of operations and tractor horsepower requirements (110 to 400 horsepower).

The VT-Flex vertical tillage tool offers simple, variable gang angle adjustments, allowing producers to meet the soil management needs of their fields with greater flexibility and precision. With adjustments that can be performed on-the-go and a rugged, durable design built to withstand harsh conditions, this vertical tillage tool is ideal for mixed farms and small to midsize grain operations to large operations using conventional or conservation tillage practices.

“The VT-Flex 435 was initially designed to serve producers with varying residue coverage needs and to accommodate conservation tillage practices,” said CJ Parker, Case IH tillage marketing manager. “This vertical tillage tool delivers fast and easy gang angle adjustments on-the-go, and the expansion of the size offerings of the VT-Flex 435 truly provides producers with the options needed to meet their desired field finish and residue management goals.”

Flexible and agronomic soil management 

Agronomic flexibility is a core design feature of the VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool, which helps producers achieve optimal field conditions with simple, variable gang angle adjustments. Gang angles are mechanically or hydraulically adjustable from zero to 12 degrees to match the operator’s desired field finish and deliver dual-season capabilities.

A single-point hydraulic depth control offers operators quick and easy adjustments in various fields and conditions. From the tractor cab, operators can adjust the front gangs independently from the rear gangs to further vary residue coverage and field finish.

Additionally, 20-inch, shallow concavity fluted blades help cut reside at shallow gang angles, cutting and mixing reside with soil for faster breakdown.

Equipped with a TigerPaw Crumbler roller, the VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool produces uniform clod sizing and residue distribution for an optimal field finish. A standard walking tandem design on the main frame and wings provides balance and stability, reducing soil compaction while providing optimal depth control. The 30- and 34-foot units now feature an optional in-cab hydraulic down pressure control for the TigerPaw Crumbler roller for further adjustments in adverse conditions.

On-the-go adjustments to cover more ground in less time 

Making the most of time spent in the field is an essential consideration for producers — which is why the VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool is designed to maximize in-field productivity. Hydraulic gang angle control is a standard feature on the 30- and 34-foot models and is optional on the 15-to 25-foot models, allowing operators to seamlessly adjust the tillage tool while continuing to cover more acres at speeds of 6 to 9 mph.

With 1- to 4-inch depth capabilities, the VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool offers single-point hydraulic depth control for quick and easy adjustments in various field conditions. A front T-hitch design allows tight, efficient turning when space is at a premium. The 30- and 34-foot models have the option of a rear hitch to pull an additional harrow for more clod sizing.

A durable design withstands the toughest field conditions 

The VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool is built tough to work hard season after season. The machine is equipped with 20-inch Earth Metal® VT wave blades designed to withstand harsh conditions with maximum durability, while flat, crimped centers on blades create exceptional blade and gang strength and durability.

Case IH has incorporated several durability features on the VT-Flex 435 vertical tillage tool that are common and proven on other Case IH vertical tillage tools. Rugged cast-iron nodular spools and large arbor bolts make for greater toughness and weight where needed.

The TigerPaw Crumbler roller features a proven spring-down pressure design with formed bars to add strength under harsh conditions. A powder coat paint finish also provides greater resistance to impact, scratching, fading and in-field wear and tear.

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GDM continues to grow in the South African soybean genetics market

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GDM, one of the largest multinational plant breeding companies responsible for 41% of all soybean seed production worldwide, has taken another important step toward internationalizing its operations.

With the approval of new soybean technologies in 2021, the company started registering
13 varieties from Brazil. Three are scheduled to launch later this year due to the agreement between GDM and commercial partners. Such an initiative will leverage the expansion of the company’s genetics in this territory.

According to The Business Leader for Africa, Asia, and Europe, Thiago Schwonka, this action will boostthe sustainable development of South African agribusiness. As part of GDM’s strategy for the country, the company has invested in the R&D program to generate new varieties and expand its portfolio.

In this initiative, producers will have access to more technology and better performance, which will gradually increase productivity in the field, thus increasing South Africa’s role in the global production of oilseeds. “This is a game changer in this market, and we expect to launch two varieties of soybeans per year.

We will increase the productivity of South African crops through the genetic potential of
our varieties, available through DONMARIO Seeds. Therefore, we will collaborate with the country’s development”, he says.

The executive also points out the possibility of pre-launching the first wheat varieties with GDM genetics already in the next crop. Since 2019, the company has been investing in the research and development of this type of cultivation in the country, and by 2027, the expectation is to get 20% share of this market.

“Material that performs well in Argentina is also tested in South Africa due to similar latitude and climatic conditions. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the work with wheat and soybean harvested over the years is satisfactory”.

In this last harvest, the company stood out as the leading provider of plant genetics in South Africa, and the goal is to expand market share in a territory that is constantly changing crops due to the appreciation of the soybean commodity and increased costs of corn, the main crop worked in the country.

By 2027, the goal is to expand its participation in the soybean market.

Focus on food security

The South African government has an extensive program to promote the installation of foreign (seed) companies in the country called the EPR (End Point Royalty), which encourages companies to invest in research and development programs and assists in the protection of the certified seed market, contributing to the food security of the population.

GDM has supported EPR since 2019 as the initiative aligns with the company’s vision of working across extensive crops in all relevant markets worldwide. “We want to collaborate for the development of the country with a broad portfolio of high-performance materials, from different cultures and to the various agricultural regions.

We believe in the potential of our germplasm and how it can significantly impact South African crops, together with new technologies,” Schwonka points out.

Excellence in research
Globally, GDM is a leading innovator in plant breeding; it provides germplasm for 41% of all soybean production in the world, investing heavily in research, development, and commercialization of many varieties and crops. Around $400 million was allocated to research in Brazil in 2022 alone.

More than 1,200 employees are employed at the company worldwide, with more than 500 exclusively dedicated to R&D. A total of 64% of Brazilian employees are involved in R&D.
The company is already known as one of the world’s leading providers of soybean genetics.

For this, it seeks to deliver the most advanced to multipliers and producers to ensure productivity gains and profitability of its planted areas. GDM’s breeding program intends to develop products with broad productive potential, producing more within the same location.

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John Deere turns to Matterport technology to boost productivity

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Matterport recently announced that machinery manufacturer John Deere (NYSE: DE) has agreed to use Matterport’s Digital Twin Platform and 3D capture technology to build a virtual Operations Center for remote management of over 60 facilities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Matterport’s platform creates simulated digital replicas of John Deere manufacturing facilities, where teams can remotely track progress, plan for site changes, and collaborate remotely.

Utilizing Matterport’s Pro2 and Pro3 cameras, John Deere will capture spatially accurate, 4k resolution digital twins to optimize facility operations. With Matterport’s digital twin platform, John Deere employees can remotely access any facility’s digital twin to track assets and materials, monitor vehicles, and integrate real-time IoT data streams.

Collaboration takes place in real-time within the digital twin to improve productivity while reducing the need for costly site visits.

“We’re proud to support John Deere on their journey to reinvent manufacturing operations,” said Jay Remley, Matterport’s Chief Revenue Officer. “For global businesses with facilities spread across several regions and time zones, the ability to remotely optimize each space based on its own unique parameters is a critical unlock for operations management.

Our digital twin platform enables companies to reap real productivity gains and cost savings by digitizing their operations for more efficient maintenance, remote monitoring, and improved decision making.”

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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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