Steyr Konzept redefines the tractors future
Tractor manufacturers the world over are pushing the development of the tractor. Each is implementing technology that will benefit the farmer and improve the workability of the machine. STEYR Konzept has highlighted potential solutions on what the future of tractor production could be.
Who is STEYR?
STEYR is a Tractor manufacturer situated in St. Valentin, Austria. The company was part of the STEYR-Daimler-Puch conglomerate from 1934 until 1990 and was subsequently purchased by Case Corporation in 1996. STEYR exists today as a marque of CNH Industrial, a company which was formed when CNH Global, merged with Fiat Industrial in 2012.
What is the STEYR Konzept?
STEYR engineers have developed the STEYR Konzept, combining innovative technologies in a hitherto unique way to create an environmentally friendly, yet efficient and, above all, functional tractor concept. This concept tractor, designed by CNH Industrial’s Design Centre makes use of a high-performance, 4-cylinder diesel engine as well as several electric motors, which can be controlled individually, and then supply energy where it is needed. This makes the tractor a modular hybrid electric drive vehicle.
How does it work?
The STEYR Konzept uses a compact 4.5-litre four-cylinder unit which operates as an energy generator and charges batteries. Networked electric motors also feature which means that power is always available where it is needed most. An e-torque boost, fed from the central battery, supplies additional energy at peak power. The result of this system provides an efficient electric continuously variable drive. The tractor also benefits from not having a mechanical transmission or hydraulic components in the powertrain. This ensures fewer moving parts, and optimum energy flow and better reliability in the long run.
Tractor hydraulics and PTO are electrically driven, with the latter allowing variable motor speeds as well as reversing. The Konzept benefits from 700V and 48V connections which are available for electrical implements. Engineers have also designed the tractor to regenerate power when descending slopes, for example, another benefit of electric motors. The motors can also be charged at the plug socket.
Clean energy
In purely electric mode, the STEYR Konzept enables zero-emissions driving, in relation to both exhaust emissions and noise pollution. Whether for farmers or local authorities, the tractor is the ideal fit for environmentally sensitive areas, such as in urban environments, close to residential areas, in stables or greenhouses.
Operator experience and ride comfort
Engineers have been able to move the centre of gravity closer to the ground which ensures better stability, while 4WD steering and individual wheel speeds allow for a smaller turning circle. The new cab concept, which features large glazed sections and integrated cameras, creates the ideal all-round view along with improved safety.
Precision Farming re-thought
The STEYR Konzept is also carrying forward new solutions in relation to precision farming equipment. A drone equipped with crop sensors, which flies ahead of the tractor during fieldwork, supplies real-time data.
For the first time, a digital farm office is used in this concept tractor, allowing farm management from the convenience of the tractor, and operation via an integrated display in the right-hand side window. A head-up display facing towards the front projects all key vehicle information into the operator’s field of vision.
According to CNH Industrial, the process to develop the conceptual model served as an important investigation into the future of tractor design that “blends a unique combination of technologies and functionality into an environmentally friendly, efficient and fully functional machine”.