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.

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