REMOTE CONTROL

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 10

REMOTE CONTROL

The world’s first re-mote-controlled header harvester or combine has been produced by the Claas organisation.

It differs from an every-day model only In a small antenna fixed to the roof of the cab. Here the wireless signals are received and fed into the regular system, which converts them into the control operations required. The “operator" controls the machine by a portable transmitter. All operations, including starting the engine, engaging the clutch, gear shifting, braking, engaging the cutterbar and threshing mechanism, variable ground speed, lift of reel and cutterbar, steering wheels, etc., are all performed automatically. The machine cannot get out of control at any time. Efficient safety devices can stop

the engine and the machine instantly in the event of an emergency.

The remote control system was developed by Claas in cooperation with the SimpropElectronic Company. Claas are intending to test the machine overseas during the coming harvest under severe conditions. During these tests a television system will also be used. Claas are Confident that the trend will be towards using a whole fleet of combines, with only the leading unit being remote con-

trolled and the others following it automatically. In discussing this new development, Mr D. Harry, sales director for the New Zealand importers and distributors, said that because of the anticipated costs it was not expected that sales would be made on a large scale in the foreseeable future. “Furthermore the Claas combines that farmers and contractors buy today will not be more quickly outdated," he said. The Claas Senator Telematic is seen in the photograph above.