Torino , Italy
Designers at CNH Industrial Italia SpA have unveiled three new product designs that will impact agricultural machinery world-wide and re-examine how comfort, efficiency, and sustainability can be combined in agricultural machinery, showing the full potential of technologies under development.
All three product designs were awarded with a 2020 Good Design award by The Chicago Athenaeum.
The STEYR Konzept Tractor is a striking study of the future of tractor development. The distinctive design brings real-world benefits in areas ranging from performance to visibility to sustainability.
The tractor’s advanced design includes the minimalist cabin interior where information is projected onto transparent screens, enabling maximum visibility and enhancing operator comfort and productivity.
The Konzept’s forward-thinking technology includes an innovative hybrid power system combining a conventional engine, a generator and electric drives. The concept tractor was designed in conjunction with sister CNH Industrial powertrain brand FPT Industrial. Its modular hybrid powertrain system is the perfect blend of compactness, efficiency and thought-through engineering. This allows different power sources to be used depending on application. As a result, the tractor can be operated with zero noise/exhaust emissions where possible/required.
“The futuristic lines of the Konzept’s external styling recognize the importance in agricultural machinery of both trusted brand heritage and forward-thinking design,” says David Wilkie, Head of the CNH Industrial Design team that together with our Innovation team, created this design concept.
“At the same time, the white external cab frame and asymmetric grille recall STEYR’s long history mas a stylish high-end tractor brand. Our ultimate aim, though, was to create striking elements of style that, when combined with the designs of our engineers, also bring practical benefits in areas ranging from performance to visibility to sustainability.”
The New Holland BigBaler 1290 High Density exemplifies a high design vision and enhanced operational efficiency. The product’s flowing lines were inspired by nature, specifically the sight of crops swaying in the breeze as they grow, and its sinuous, sleek form reflects the machine’s functionality.
The product significantly enhances baling sustainability. Using patented Loop Master™ knotting technology, twine offcuts are eliminated, and over the course of a baling season, this could save some six kilometers or 46kg of twine. This makes for twine free, uncontaminated forage and no residue left in the field.
The BigBaler’s high density is designed for delivering all-out efficiency and productivity. It produces bales of up to 22% higher density than conventional large square balers, significantly increasing transport and bale handling efficiency.
Operator comfort is further enhanced with a new intuitive user interface using the large IntelliViewTM IV touchscreen display. A range of automated features, such as IntelliCruiseTM technology, which automatically adjusts tractor speed in relation to crop throughput, further enhance productivity.
Design Director Wilkie adds: “The design vision for the BigBaler 1290 High Density stems from nature, inspired by the flowing lines of crops as they sway in the fields. It incorporates the natural flow vision denoted by its sinuous, sleek lines that encapsulate the functionality of the machine and enhance the efficiency of the machine’s components.”
Finally, the CASE ‘Project Zeus’ — the world’s first electric backhoe— is a unique-in-the-industry prototype, which perfectly combines the essence of CASE’s heritage and its mission to enhance sustainability in construction in a clean and simple design package. This zero-emission machine has the same power and performance as its standard diesel equivalent and delivers significantly lower operating cost.
‘Project Zeus’ also features innovative lighting/backlighting design elements; its rugged and clean lines and contouring; a specialized metallic “Power Tan” color scheme; and a modern and intuitive user experience that combines traditional backhoe operation with specialization related to electrification.
Wilkie states: “It is extremely practical and built around function while delivering distinctive design elements that communicate strength and progress. From the lighting to the color and the way that the operator interacts with the machine. ‘Project Zeus’ represents the sustainability and forward-thinking of our industry.”
Designers: CNH Industrial Italia SpA
Manufacturer: CNH Industrial N.V., Case, STEYR, New Hollander Agriculture, and FPT Industrial SpA