The NEXAT is a revolutionary self-propelled agricultural platform designed to redefine how modern farming operations are conducted. Developed as an “all-in-one” solution, this machine integrates multiple farming functions, eliminating the need for separate equipment. Its modular design supports a range of interchangeable attachments, enabling diverse applications such as harvesting, seeding, tilling, and spraying.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NEXAT platform, its innovative features, the advantages it offers farmers, potential drawbacks, and whether it is a worthwhile investment.
What is the NEXAT Platform?
The NEXAT platform is an autonomous farming system that operates as a single chassis designed to accommodate various modules for different agricultural tasks. Unlike traditional tractors and machinery that are specialized for specific jobs, NEXAT integrates all critical farming activities into one highly versatile platform.
Its design minimizes soil compaction by operating in a CTF (controlled traffic farming) system, using wide crawler tracks that distribute weight evenly and prevent repeated passes over the same ground.
NEXAT Carrier Vehicle Specs
| Engine | 2 x Diesel Engine 404.5 kW (550 hp) |
| Drive | Diesel-electric drive |
| Steering | All-wheel steering |
| Chassis | Hydraulically adjustable |
| Working Width | 45 ft (14 m) |
| Autonomous | Autonomous driving |
| Implements | Tool-free interchangeable implements |
| Cabine | Rotatable by 270° |
| Standardized interfaces | ISOBUS |
| Camera Monitoring | 360° |
| Widespan CTF | Less 5% Track share |
NEXAT Modules
NEXAT stands out with its modularity, advanced engineering, and environmental benefits. Each module is tailored to a specific task, seamlessly converting the platform into a harvester, seeder, sprayer, or tiller. NEXAT integrates multiple farming operations into one machine, reducing downtime and the need for additional equipment.
This integration reduces costs associated with equipment maintenance, storage, and transportation. With its wide tracks and controlled traffic farming design, the platform significantly lowers soil compaction, which improves soil health and crop yields. The platform is designed to support automation and precision farming technologies, optimizing operations and reducing labor requirements.By streamlining agricultural processes and minimizing ground passes, NEXAT contributes to sustainable farming practices.
NexCo Harvester Module
The NexCo module transforms the NEXAT platform into a high-capacity combine harvester. Equipped with twin transverse rotors, each spanning an impressive 5.8 meters, this module delivers a throughput of 130-200 tons per hour. Its massive 32,000-liter grain tank minimizes downtime, while the 600-liter-per-second unloading rate ensures rapid grain transfer.
These capabilities make NexCo ideal for large-scale harvesting, increasing operational efficiency while reducing the need for multiple machines.
Vaderstad Modules
NEXAT integrates seamlessly with Vaderstad’s innovative seeding and tillage equipment. The Tempo planter ensures precise row-crop seeding, catering to farmers who prioritize crop uniformity and optimal yields.
Similarly, the Carrier disc cultivator enhances soil preparation, offering high-speed tillage and residue management. These modules leverage Vaderstad’s reputation for accuracy and robustness, delivering unparalleled field performance when paired with NEXAT.
Geringhoff Headers
For crop harvesting, NEXAT supports a range of Geringhoff headers tailored for grain and row crops. These headers are designed to maximize throughput and adapt to diverse field conditions.
The integration of Geringhoff’s cutting-edge designs ensures compatibility with the high-capacity NexCo module, making it a versatile solution for various crop types and challenging environments.
Dammann Sprayer
The Dammann sprayer module equips the NEXAT platform with advanced crop protection capabilities. With a 24,000-liter tank and a boom span reaching up to 70 meters, this module is engineered for efficiency in large-scale farming operations.
The sprayer’s precision application technology minimizes waste and maximizes crop coverage, ensuring both economic and environmental benefits.
The NEXAT platform’s modularity enables farmers to tailor their equipment to specific needs without investing in multiple standalone machines. Each module enhances efficiency and functionality, making NEXAT a compelling choice for modern, large-scale agriculture. However, its adoption may depend on farm size, budget considerations, and long-term operational needs.
Perspectives for NEXAT in Modern Agriculture
NEXAT’s versatility is its primary advantage, but its future lies in embracing smart technologies. AI integration can enable the platform to analyze real-time data, adapt operations dynamically, and optimize performance for planting, harvesting, and spraying. For instance, sensors and AI-driven algorithms could assess soil health, detect crop diseases, and even predict optimal harvest times, improving overall productivity and sustainability.
Additionally, its compatibility with autonomous farming aligns with the industry’s trend towards automation. With the development of machine learning models, NEXAT could perform tasks with minimal human oversight, such as navigating complex field layouts or making adjustments based on weather conditions. This capability not only reduces labor costs but also ensures precision and efficiency.
NEXAT’s design inherently supports controlled traffic farming, a critical component for automation. Integrating GNSS systems, computer vision, and IoT technologies could enable the platform to operate entirely autonomously. Moreover, advancements in robotics and AI could allow it to coordinate with other machines in a networked farming ecosystem, creating a seamless workflow.
While the potential is vast, transitioning to a fully autonomous NEXAT requires overcoming challenges such as high development costs, the need for reliable connectivity in rural areas, and regulatory hurdles surrounding autonomous machinery. Farmers will also need training and support to adopt such technology effectively. The NEXAT platform’s prospects are bright, especially as it moves toward AI and full autonomy. By leveraging smart technologies, it has the potential to transform farming into a highly efficient, sustainable, and data-driven enterprise, setting a benchmark for the future of agriculture.
Should You Invest in NEXAT?
The decision to invest in the NEXAT platform depends on the scale and nature of your farming operations. For large-scale farms or operations focused on precision agriculture, NEXAT provides an innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution. Its ability to perform multiple tasks with a single machine offers significant long-term savings and efficiency. However, for smaller farms or those with limited capital, the high initial investment and learning curve might outweigh the benefits.
The NEXAT self-propelled platform represents a groundbreaking shift in agricultural technology, offering unprecedented versatility, efficiency, and environmental benefits. While the platform comes with a high upfront cost and potential complexity, its long-term advantages in productivity, cost savings, and sustainability make it a compelling option for forward-thinking farmers. As agriculture continues to embrace automation and modularity, NEXAT stands at the forefront of innovation, paving the way for smarter and more efficient farming practices.
Photos via NEXAT official website
