Called the CM4240 Merger, the Dutch company currently has three prototypes out with contractors.
The development follows increased interest in mergers in recent years, and Ploeger reckons that its self-propelled version, which has taken several years to develop, is ideally suited to contractors.
Much of the technical spec remains under wraps, but we are able to disclose that working widths are from 10.0m to 12.0m, power comes from an 260hp FPT block, and that it combines pick-up technology from Austrian manufacturer Reiter with a number of Ploeger innovations.
One of these is the side-shift function, which provides push-button changing from centre to side delivery and the front location of the pick-ups not only provides operators with good visibility of them (fold to the sides of the machine for transport), but prevents the machine from driving over the crop.
Another key development are the double powered swath rollers that allow for in-field speeds of up to 20km/hr. Developed in the Netherlands, the first production machines are planned for the autumn and the CM4240 Merger will officially be introduced at Agritechnica.
