The new intelligent trailing steering system for the ROPA Keiler 2 RK22

• ROPA launches an intelligent trailing steering system for the Keiler 2 RK22 that autonomously controls the harvester’s steering axle for precise tractor tracking.

• The system reduces turning radius and enhances maneuverability, particularly during tight turns, headlands, and reversing.

• It operates using an integrated gyroscope and real-time steering angle calculations without additional mechanical or hydraulic parts.

• Activation is simple via button combinations, integrates seamlessly into workflow, and allows manual override at any time for operator control.

Forward and Reverse! – More Comfort, More Precision, and More Agility – Perfectly in Track

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With the new intelligent trailing steering system for the ROPA Keiler 2 RK22, ROPA presents an innovative solution for the autonomous control of the potato harvester’s steering axle. The system independently regulates the steering movement and ensures that the Keiler follows the tractor precisely in track. “Cutting corners” is consistently avoided, significantly reducing the turning radius of the tractor-harvester combination. The autonomous trailing steering system offers noticeable advantages, particularly in tight turns, on headlands, as well as during maneuvering and reversing.

The intelligent trailing steering system significantly relieves the operator and works with exceptional sensitivity and precision. The ROPA onboard computers continuously control the steering axle so that the wheels of the potato harvester follow the tractor track as accurately as possible. Compared to manual control via the mini joystick, the autonomous system enables smoother, more precise, and reproducible steering movements.

A particular highlight is the autonomous steering during reverse driving. The Keiler detects the direction of travel and actively steers into the driven curve. In doing so, the system amplifies the tractor’s steering movement, making maneuvering through tight turns significantly easier and more precise. This function provides a substantial increase in comfort, especially in confined spaces, during reversing, or when aligning the tractor-harvester combination.

The intelligent trailing steering system is controlled by an integrated gyroscope. This permanently detects lateral acceleration, while the steering angle is calculated in real time using the driving speed and the vehicle geometry stored in the control unit. Additional steering linkages or further mechanical or hydraulic connections are not required.

Quickly Activated, Easy to Operate

The intelligent trailing steering system is conveniently activated by simultaneously pressing the multi-function button and the steering button on the left or right control element. When entering a row, the system is deactivated via the headland start button and reactivated at the end of the row using the headland end button, provided the trailing steering system had previously been active. This allows the steering system to be seamlessly integrated into the workflow.

Once activated, the system immediately takes over active steering. The intelligent trailing steering system can be activated or deactivated at any time, with the active status clearly indicated by the red illuminated steering button on both the left and right control elements.

The operator nevertheless retains full control at all times, as the autonomous system can be overridden manually whenever required and subsequently reactivated using the button combination.

Key benefits at a glance

• Precise tracking of the Keiler in the tractor’s wheel track during forward driving

• Active support and amplification of steering during reverse driving

• Intelligent detection of forward and reverse travel

• Significantly reduced manual steering effort and noticeable operator relief

• Easy activation via button combination on the control element – without repositioning hands

• Automatic deactivation and activation via the headland start and end buttons

• No additional steering linkage or further mechanical/hydraulic components required

• Manual steering intervention possible at any time