e-LS connect – agile, digitally networked hydraulics for higher efficiency

• ROPA and Fendt introduce e-LS connect, a fully electronic hydraulic communication system via ISOBUS, eliminating the need for physical load-sensing lines.

• The system enhances precision, operational reliability, and efficiency, demonstrated on the ROPA Keiler 2 RK22 potato harvester with faster hydraulic responses and reduced fuel consumption.

• Environmental benefits include prevention of oil leaks and contamination, while operator comfort improves through simplified pressure adjustments and fewer maintenance needs.

• Existing compatible Fendt tractors and ROPA machines can be upgraded via software updates starting in 2026.

• e-LS connect represents a significant step toward standardized, cross-manufacturer hydraulic networking in agriculture, showcased at Agritechnica 2025.

The future of hydraulic connectivity in agriculture

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With e-LS connect, ROPA and Fendt present a groundbreaking advancement in hydraulic communication between tractor and implement at this year’s Agritechnica in Hannover. For the first time, the system enables fully electronic communication of the required oil pressure via ISOBUS – without a separate hydraulic load-sensing control line. This marks a new level of precision, efficiency, and system stability between tractor and implement.

From hydraulics to electronics – a technological leap in practice

For nearly 30 years, the communication of hydraulic oil pressure between tractor and implement has been based on a physical load-sensing line (LS).

With e-LS connect, this connection is now being fully digitalized: the required oil pressure is transmittedelectronically from the implement to the tractor via ISOBUS, allowing the hydraulic pump to precisely regulate the pressure needed for the desired flow rate.

As a result, components such as pressure control valves, sensors, and LS signal lines become obsolete – reducing potential failure points, increasing operational reliability, and simplifying the coupling and uncoupling process.

More dynamics, higher efficiency, improved harvest quality

In field operation, the ROPA Keiler 2 RK22 potato harvester demonstrates the full potential of e-LS connect. Functions within the working hydraulics, such as bunker unloading, respond even faster and with greater precision. At the same time, fuel consumption decreases because the hydraulic pump continuously operates with the optimal control pressure differential.

The outcome: greater efficiency, improved crop quality, and increased overall profitability.

Focus on sustainability and operator comfort

By eliminating hydraulic couplings, leak oil losses and dirt ingress are prevented – a clear contribution to environmental protection. Operator comfort is also enhanced: the driver no longer needs to manually adjust pressure differentials, and workshop visits for calibration are no longer necessary.

Existing Fendt tractors of the 500 Vario Gen4, 600 Vario, 700 Vario Gen7/7.1, and 800 Vario Gen5 series can be prepared for e-LS connect via software update starting June 2026.

For existing ROPA Keiler 2 RK22 machines, e-LS connect will be available through a software update beginning in 2026.
Additional ROPA machines compatible with e-LS connect will be showcased at Agritechnica.

A step toward standardized hydraulic networking

With e-LS connect, Fendt and ROPA jointly set a milestone on the path toward cross-manufacturer, standardized hydraulic networking in modern agriculture.

By fully digitalizing hydraulic communication, the efficiency gains are realized across the entire machine chain – from tractor to implement.
For operators, this means more precision, comfort, and sustainability in everyday use.

Key benefits at a glance

• Fully electronic hydraulic communication via ISOBUS

• No LS-hose, no contamination, no oil leakage

• Faster, more stable, and more precise response

• Reduced energy demand and lower fuel consumption

• Fewer components = greater operational reliability

• Increased comfort and driving pleasure for the operator

Experience e-LS connect live at Agritechnica 2025

ROPA and Fendt jointly present e-LS connect at Agritechnica 2025:

• ROPA: Hall 25, Stand G13

• Fendt: Hall 20, Stand B26