Dewulf announced it was launching a new four-row harvester on the market called the Enduro. The manufacturer already has a similar machine called the Kwatro, but on caterpillars instead of wheels. Due to demand from contractors and growers, Dewulf decided to develop the wheel machine.

With the new machine, Dewulf is targeting large growers with more than 170 hectares of potatoes and contractors, says Ion Dhont of the Belgian manufacturer. These clients are already familiar with the Kwatro, but in some cases want a tire machine, with a ‘smoother transition from field to field’ being a frequent argument.

However, the Enduro is more than a Kwatro on wheels, says Dhont. “Of course we put the best of this machine into the Enduro.” But the Enduro has no narrowing of the sieve belts. This ensures an optimal sieving capacity. Another novelty is that the driver can easily adjust the inclination of the cleaning module continuously between 0 and 12 degrees. The axial roller module can be bypassed at any angle.

Ground pressure

In terms of ground pressure, the Enduro scores 1.5 kg / cm2, the best figures in its segment, says Dhont. The Kwatro does better with 0.75 kg / cm2. The fact that the Enduro does well is “due to good weight distribution, a tandem axle at the rear and optional VF tires.” By placing the center of gravity of the machine further behind, the front wheels damage the backs as little as possible, even in wet conditions. An additional advantage is that the front wheels can be smaller, so that the machine can be built to reach the short turning circle of the Kwatro.

The new harvester also has innovations such as a ring elevator with a capacity of 200 tons per hour. Its speed is controlled automatically. The 10-ton bunker, “the largest in its segment”, unloads into the tipper via a discharge elevator, which extends over four rows and is still screening soil through the bar chain.

Sliding shaft

The Enduro will be on the market next year. One of the further developments is a sliding rear axle, Dhont indicated. “The rear tires will then run side by side in terms of track. This allows us to spread the weight of the machine even better over the ground. ” Dewulf is targeting this option at the end of next year, Dhont concluded.