Danfoss Partnership Yields First Completely Joystick-Operated Combine in Europe

Danfoss Power Solutions, Ames, Iowa, and AGCO Corp, Duluth, Ga., introduced the Fendt IDEALDrive solution earlier today at Agritechnica 2019. Agritechnica, the world’s largest exhibition of agricultural equipment and related products and services, is held every two years in Munich. AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural equipment. IDEALDrive is a joystick steering system for harvester combines and earned Agritechnica’s DLG Innovation Award silver medal. It eliminates the conventional steering column and steering wheel to provide an unobstructed view of the area directly in front of the combine. All functions otherwise found on the steering column are incorporated into the new system.

This IDEALDrive consists of Danfoss’s JS1-SbW joystick and EHD electrohydraulic steering valve. The control architecture between the joystick and valve is fail-operational—a redundant system to provide safety and flexibility. “This pilot project with AGCO allowed us to develop our steer-by-wire technology for the general market,” says Ida Salamana, principal account manager for Danfoss Power Solutions. Integrating steer-by-wire technology results in better visibility, less operator fatigue, and higher productivity.

Danfoss and AGCO are exhibiting at Agritechnica 2019: Danfoss in Hall 16, Booth B20 and AGCO in Hall 20, Booth B14.