Dewulf, specialist in machines for potatoes and root crops, proudly presents the refresh of its successful 2-row, self-propelled bunker harvester with harvesting belt elements. The upgraded ZB2 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, now offering even greater bunker capacity, ease of use and respect for the harvested product. The ZB2 top lifting harvester combines industrial-grade quality with top-level performance, addressing the needs of today’s professional root vegetable grower.
The most striking improvement to the ZB2 is its new bunker. Based on the design of the R3060, the upgraded bunker boasts a capacity of 10 m³, a 10% increase over the previous version. Because the bunker now has a fixed front section, it no longer needs to be fully raised for unloading. This allows for simultaneous harvesting and unloading without interrupting the harvesting process, as the discharge conveyor no longer needs to be folded away during unloading.
With a maximum discharge height of 4,100 mm and a minimum discharge height of 1,480 mm, the ZB2 offers ultimate flexibility in the field. Moreover, the discharge point has been repositioned a metre further from the machine, providing additional space between the harvester and transfer trailer for smoother logistics.
The discharge conveyor to the bunker was also redesigned. Inspired by the GBII, it now includes an additional foldable section that allows the bunker to fold in. This new ZB2 version features a 3° reduction in inclination, improving capacity and ensuring gentler product handling.
The harvesting belt units of the ZB2 were upgraded with a new upper frame and the same Premium reversible cutter set used in the recently launched ZK4 and GK3. This new cutter set combines unparalleled cutting speed with the highest possible respect for the product during every stage of the harvesting process. In addition, the set itself is significantly more durable, as the cutters are made from extremely hard-wearing material. Because the cutters are reversible, their lifespan is effectively doubled. The extra platform added at the rear of the machine provides easy access to the cutter sets, significantly improving ease of maintenance.
For growers who harvest in challenging conditions, the ZB2 offers an improved optional sieving harvesting unit. Now made up of two sections, it includes an extra drop for enhanced cleaning. The suspension with two cylinders ensures the unit remains stable and precisely maintains the required harvesting depth. In addition, the sieving web now consists of three belts, which are tensioned at three locations to prevent slippage and extend service life.
The rear axle of the ZB2 was modified to accommodate either triangular tracks (90 cm) or wheels. Steering remains fixed at 12°, regardless of the configuration, and switching between tracks and wheels (or vice versa) is simple thanks to the use of spacers between the axle and machine frame.
Like its predecessor, the ZB2 retains its excellent cleaning capacity with two hedgehog units, proven top lifting technology and the unique Floating Share system for stable harvesting at any speed. The Gearbox Drive provides a maintenance-free, perfectly synchronised cutter system, while in-cab control with configurable presets makes operation intuitive and efficient. In short, the ZB2 is the ideal choice for root vegetable growers seeking to combine capacity, cleaning power and product-friendliness in one robust harvester.