The Stage V Volvo Penta block in the Ropa Panther 2S kicks out a maximum power of 796hp; a big increase on the 530hp of the first version of the twin-axle sugar beet harvester.
Fitted with dual turbochargers, the 16.12-litre six-pot inline engine, which also powers the company’s triple-axle Tiger 6S, generates 3,550Nm at a fuel-saving 1,000rpm and a maximum torque of 3,650Nm.
In developing the new harvester engineers appear to have gleaned some of the hardware from the Tiger 6S. This include the cab, but then with an upgraded interior, and the narrow steering column is said to provide better visibility of the lifting unit. The Panther 2S has two 12.1 inch operating terminals (one on the previous model) and there are new joysticks and controls.
Also coming from the Tiger 6S are two developments that automatically adjust the working depths of the harvesting attachment: R-Trim (automatic adjustment of topper height) and R-Contour (automatic share depth adjustment of individual rows).
The Panther 2S has a higher cleaning capacity and Ropa reckons the 30m³ bunker can be emptied in 50 seconds. On the road, the new steering system automatically synchronises the articulation point and front and rear axles. The machine travels at 40km/hr at a reduced engine speed.
Fitted with more powerful LED lights, direction indicators and rotating beacons, the Panther 2S retains automatic slope compensation, which uses four hydraulic cylinders and sensors to keep the vehicle level on slopes of up to seven degrees.
Pre-production models are working this season and the new harvester will be available as a production model for the 2022 sugar beet campaign.
