The Dewulf ZK4 top lifting harvester: innovation, quality and efficiency in equal measures

In the field of advanced farming, where efficiency, quality and precision drive success, Dewulf delivers a solution unrivalled in its class: the ZK4 top lifting harvester. This self-propelled harvester, the second generation in the ZK4 line, brings together decades of innovation and craftsmanship to meet the ever-evolving market demands and requirements.

A glimpse into the past: from ZKIVSE to ZK4

The second generation ZK4, formerly known as the ZKIVSE (and available only with the hedgehog unit), is one of many advancements in Dewulf's long line of top lifting harvesters. Since the 1970s, when Dewulf introduced its first self-propelled harvesters, the company has consistently raised the bar. The ZK4, launched in 2023, marks a new pinnacle in this ongoing evolution. With its powerful performance and robust design, the ZK4 is specifically engineered to excel even under the toughest conditions.

Premium harvesting performance

The secret behind the ZK4 lies in its impressive harvesting elements, equipped with 12.65-metre-long super-grip harvesting belts. These belts, with their large drive pulleys and automatic belt tensioners, ensure precise, stable lifting of the carrots, even at high driving speeds.

Unique to this machine are the ‘Floating Shares’: four individual harvesting elements that operate independently from each other, suitable for row distances from 40 centimetres. This system guarantees maximum stability, ensuring optimal lifting and a flawless topping result. With the ZK4 we offer a solution for every sowing plan. This means harvesting of row distances less than 40 cm is also possible, for which a side-shift can optionally be fitted on the harvesting shares (without Floating Shares). Other row distance options include 50, 60 and 75 cm. 

One of the most advanced features of the ZK4 is the Dewulf Automatic Steering (DAS) system. This enables the driver to focus their concentration on the harvesting. A first set of sensors on the harvesting unit controls the rear wheel, which provides gross positioning of the machine. A second set of sensors controls the side-shift, making it possible to move within a margin of 10 cm, specifically 5 cm to the left and 5 cm to the right. Optionally, we can have the shares move with the harvesting belt elements.

New cutter set for product-friendliness and precision

The ZK4 is equipped with a premium reversible cutter set, made from extremely hard-wearing material. These cutters combine speed with high product-friendliness, which is crucial for preserving the quality of the carrots during harvesting. The gearbox driving the cutters is fully enclosed, grease filled and maintenance-free. This gearbox is powered by a single powerful motor, rather than two smaller motors, a design that the potential problem of one motor working against the other.

A key innovation is the Manual Quick Release system, a lever that allows you to easily release the tension on the rollers. This makes replacement of the harvesting belts quick and efficient, which is particularly helpful when harvesting under difficult conditions.

Flexible cleaning options tailored to individual needs

The ZK4 offers a range of cleaning options that can be tailored to the specific needs of the grower or contractor. Three main variants are available:

1. Minimal cleaning: The product is transported directly to the elevator without additional cleaning modules.
2. Moderate cleaning: A long sieving web, an agitator and a hedgehog unit provide additional cleaning before the product reaches the elevator. The long sieving web ensures that the product no longer takes an extra fall before landing on the hedgehog unit. 
3. Maximum cleaning: For the most challenging conditions, Dewulf offers the Flexstar, an additional star-shaped cleaning module equipped with adjustable shafts that can be set from the cab to match the conditions. For those who do not require cleaning, the Flexstar module can be easily swapped for a sieving web module by two people using a forklift. 

This versatility in cleaning makes the ZK4 suitable for a wide range of harvesting conditions and ensures the machine delivers optimal results in all situations.

Discharge elevator of the ZK4 

In the version with the hedgehog web, the product is transferred to the wide elevator via three distribution conveyors of varying lengths after cleaning, while the version without the hedgehog web uses two distribution conveyors. This discharge elevator features an optional hydraulically adjustable end, which can be easily retracted or extended for precise unloading. When unloading into trucks, for example, this option helps to reach deeper into trailers while maintaining high product-friendliness. 

The elevator is also equipped with active side plates, which prevent the product from being damaged as it slides along the side plates of the elevator. The discharge elevator can additionally be equipped with rubber fingers (for long products) or full flights (for rounder products). The elevator can be controlled remotely, too, from the tractor driving next to the machine, for example. This allows the driver of the harvester to focus more effectively on the harvesting parameters. 

Powerful engine and optimal manoeuvrability

The ZK4 is powered by a 450 hp Scania 6-cylinder engine, known for its efficiency and reliability. The engine is equipped with an advanced cooling system that keeps the machine operational even at the highest temperatures. Thanks to its low RPM, the engine consumes less fuel, contributing to the machine's economic efficiency.

When it comes to manoeuvrability, the ZK4 is unrivalled. The machine features a rear wheel that can turn up to 60 degrees, making manoeuvring a pleasure even in the smallest fields. This, combined with the 900 mm wide tracks and the super-wide rear wheel, ensures minimal soil compaction and even distribution across the field after harvesting.

Comfort and control in the Claas X11 cabin

The Dewulf ZK4 is not only a technical powerhouse but also offers a high level of comfort for the operator. The new Claas X11 cabin is designed with the operator in mind, featuring excellent visibility of the harvesting unit and an ergonomically positioned joystick. This design ensures that the hand is perfectly horizontal, with all controls easily within thumb's reach. With fourteen cameras covering the entire sieving path, the operator has full control over the harvesting process. 

For those seeking even greater comfort, a Premium cabin option is available, featuring a swivelling leather driver’s seat and active ventilation. This makes long working days more comfortable and contributes to higher productivity.

Conclusion: The ZK4 as new standard

The ZK4 was designed to meet the demands of the evolving market, and it has certainly delivered. In addition to the listed changes and benefits, Dewulf also ensured that the harvesting belts remain clean through various features, including the rotary cleaners. This was done by repositioning the rubber flaps. The service life of the bearings has also been extended, by fully sealing the drive pulleys, which prevents bits of haulm from getting inside. Additionally, the bearing housing of the drive shaft is now easier to disassemble for maintenance, and a sensor has been added to detect when the belts become dislodged. 

With the ZK4, Dewulf has once again proven that it sets the standard in the world of top lifting harvesters. The combination of innovative technologies, high-quality materials and user-focused design makes the ZK4 an indispensable partner for every professional carrot grower. Whether you work under the toughest conditions or are simply aiming for the best results, the ZK4 provides the performance and reliability you need to succeed.