R-SOIL PROTECT

R-SOIL PROTECT

Soil-Protective Hydraulic Chassis System with UltraFlex Tire Technology

Low tire inflation pressure for enhanced soil protection

ROPA R-Soil Protect is the combination of a soil-protective, hydraulic chassis system (R-Balance) with MICHELIN CerexBib tire technology. This soil protection concept was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica in Hanover. It only requires 1.4 bar tire pressure and it is available as an option in the Tiger 6S. The synergy of the load-balancing hydraulic chassis with the new generation of MICHELIN IF1000/55 R32 CerexBib tires offers even more contact surface with sustained soil protection and significantly reduced contact pressure.

ROPA R-Soil Protect Benefits

A histogram chart comparing the number of peak loads per axle between the Euro-Tiger V8-4 and the Tiger 6S

Increased Soil Protection with Significantly Fewer Load Peaks

Significant reduction of load peaks by load transfer:  

  • 8 % on the first axle
  • 37 % on the second axle
  • 43 % on the third axle
  • Significantly greater soil protection due to tire inflation pressure reduced by 15 psi in comparison with euro-Tiger V8-4 - unique in root crop harvesting
  • 49 % larger tire contact area, 33% less contact pressure with the IF1000/55 R32 CerexBib
  • Even load distribution over all wheels by networked hydraulics
  • On the slope, the load and the center of gravity of the lower side of the slope are shifted to the top of the slope, reducing pressure on the wheel on the lower side thereby reducing need for higher tire inflation pressure to deal with uneven distribution of loads
  • Cleaning elements are guided horizontally even on slopes, providing perfect cleaning performance
  • Maintains and protects the soil structure, maintaining infiltration capacity and air exchange

R-BALANCE

An illustration of the active hydraulic suspension and drive line of the ROPA Tiger 6S

Patented Hydraulic Chassis System - Roll Stabilization with Load Compensation

The ROPA Tiger 6S features an innovative chassis concept with an oscillating front axle in conjunction with two hydraulically supported rear axles. Compared to the chassis on previous 3-axle beet harvesters (with the central axle fixed to the frame), this reduces the sway of machine by one third! The reason for the improvement is the hydraulic connection of the cylinders at the front and rear axles on one side, so uneven ground at one wheel only affects the frame by 33 per cent compared to the previous system. Thanks to the reduction of the chassis swing, the row and depth control are improved simultaneously, as the frame is averaged to the position of three axles. The hydraulic connection of the axles always distributes the load equally over all 6 wheels. The hydraulic chassis system minimizes tire load and ground pressure, thus ensuring further reduction of tire pressure.

An illustration of how not having R-Balance increases compaction on the soil when harvesting on slopes

Up to 10% slope compensation

The automatic slope compensation via six hydraulic cylinders and sensors is also unique among 3-axle sugar beet harvesters. The chassis is kept completely horizontally for up to 10 percent side slope. The gravity center and, thus, the load of the wheels on the slope bottom are shifted to the slope top.
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An illustration of how the R-Balance suspension of the Tiger 6S reduces compaction on the soil when harvesting on slopes

Focal point/soil pressure compensation

The track depth of the wheels on the slope bottom is substantially reduced, the infiltration capacity is retained, thus significantly reducing erosion risk during heavy rains.
The slope stability and traction increase greatly, the risk of tipping over is considerably reduced alongside with increased driving comfort.
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