RESEARCH TEAM

VIDEO: Diesel-electric harvester

The future and past combined

Ben White

Malcolm converted his old Fortschritt 5160 harvester to operate almost every moving part with an electric motor instead of using hydraulic lines and belts. And after seven years of service, it is still going strong.

Fortschritt harvesters were built in East Germany, but imported and distributed in Australia by Horwood Bagshaw in limited numbers.

Malcolm had an interest in electrics from an early age when he assisted his uncle wiring up a house. From that point forward, electrical inspectors saw his work was of a good standard and issued him with a letter, albeit written on the back of an envelope, so he could get his electrical installers licence.

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A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Auto Drafters (June 2026)

This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.

editions

Research Report: High Horsepower Tracked Tractors (May 2026)

Kondinin Group researchers Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli have inspected some of the latest high-horsepower, articulated, fixed-frame and twin-tracked tractors for this month's Research Report. It's all about getting power to the ground.

editions

Research Report: Mother Bins (April 2026)

Mother bins are an important part of on-farm grain logistics. This Research Report details 10 brands including locally-made and imported models with capacities up to 300 tonnes.

editions

Research Report: Diesels Duke It Out (March 2026)

Kondinin Group's Ben White, Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Jenna Santos spent a few days evaluating four of the latest 4WD diesel utes for this month's Research Report.