Agrifac’s latest Holmer Terra Dos T4-30 beet harvester has gained more power and offers more functions too. Power now comes from a Mercedes 626hp 6-cylinder engine and is pushed through a new drive system with load-sensing hydraulics and an automotive adaptive control unit that allows the engine speed to regulate itself between 1,150rpm and 1,550rpm.

 See also: Giant Holmer beet harvester breaks cover in Norfolk

Top speed is now 40kph, too, compared to the previous 32kph. The machine is 12.6m long and the 27t empty weight of the machine added to a 21t full load of beet makes for an overall weight of 48t.

The T4-30 can pivot 30deg left and right to cut unproductive time spent turning at the end of the row, says the company. Meanwhile, Michelin UltraFlex IF 800/70 R38 tyres on the front axle put just 1.4 bar of pressure on the ground, while even bigger Michelin 1050/50 R32 rear tyres spread the weight of the back of the machine.

When harvesting, the rear axle runs between the track of the front axle, too, so the ground is run on only once.

Two toppers are available. A Kos-I integral topper spreads the chopped material between the rows, while the Kos KO topper can also push tops out through a side-exit system. The scalping system has also been lightened to reduce the weight of the scalper unit and make the unit more agile.

The HR lifter is available in three models: the HR45 has fixed 45cm lifting, the HR50 has fixed 50cm row widths and the VHR uses variable row widths between 45cm and 50cm.

A 900mm-wide transfer web replaces the 800mm unit, boosting machine throughput. Transfer web speed, turbine speed and elevator speed can all be adjusted from the seat. Nine and 12 row lifting units are available.

The T4-30 will be on display for the first time at Lamma 2015.