Equipment

this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers. (Image credit: Van der Waay)

Van der Waay has unveiled its latest innovation, the Top Cleaner V, a fully autonomous roof-cleaning and coating machine designed to replace the long-standing Safety Cart.

According to the company, this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers.

Unlike its predecessor, the Top Cleaner V operates entirely on its own, removing the need for an operator to travel along with the machine. It moves through a single gutter, making it compatible with greenhouses of different peak heights and roof designs. With just one button, growers can send the machine to the far end of the greenhouse, where it automatically turns around and returns, neatly retracting the water hose as it goes.

The Top Cleaner V is built from a series of modular components, allowing growers to customise it to match their exact workflows. Whether the job involves brushing glass from ridge to gutter, applying greenhouse coatings, or cleaning gutters, the machine can be configured for any combination of tasks. This makes it a versatile, future-proof solution suitable for a wide range of greenhouse types and operational needs.

Growers can choose from specialised brush sets designed for different peak sizes, a dedicated gutter brush for fast gutter cleaning, and spray booms for accurate coating application. Optional features include a remote-control system for safe ground-level operation, a service platform for smooth movement along the greenhouse façade, a high-pressure pump for water supply, and a portable generator for complete energy autonomy.

Safety has been a key priority in the development of the Top Cleaner V. All rotating parts are fully enclosed, and the machine is designed for easy access when maintenance is required. It can also be placed on a service platform to move conveniently from one peak to the next, provided the greenhouse façade is equipped with a rail system.

Key technical details include a 230 V power supply (compatible with a portable generator), adjustable operating speeds of up to 20 metres per minute, a hose reel that holds approximately 200 metres of ½-inch hose, and a maximum machine weight of around 285 kg depending on configuration. The machine has a wheelbase of 150 cm, offering stability during operation.

Van der Waay highlights the Top Cleaner V’s competitive pricing and high efficiency, noting that the machine can pay for itself quickly. Even a 1% increase in light transmission inside the greenhouse leads directly to a 1% rise in crop production, making clean, well-maintained glass essential for growers aiming to boost yields.

Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield. (Image credit: Waboost)

Waboost has unveiled a new Rent-to-Buy programme designed to give farmers and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) operators easier access to its advanced nanobubble technology.

The scheme allows agricultural businesses to rent Waboost’s Gea 1, Gea 10, and Gea 20 machines on a monthly basis, gradually moving towards full ownership without the burden of a large upfront payment.

By lowering the financial barriers, Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield, crop health, and nutrient uptake. The monthly rental cost covers each machine individually and includes full technical support and warranty protection. Users also have the flexibility to expand their system over time or upgrade to Smart models featuring integrated automation and data insights.

“Farmers are being pushed to achieve higher water efficiency and productivity while managing tight budgets,” explained Bostjan Veronik, Waboost CEO. “This Rent-to-Buy option lets them benefit from the advantages of nanobubble technology without committing to high capital expenditure from the start.”

Nanobubbles are known to improve oxygen transfer, minimise biofilm build-up, and enhance nutrient absorption — essential factors for hydroponic, aquaponic, vertical farming, and high-performance soil systems. Waboost’s Gea series helps growers achieve stronger root development, faster growth rates, and lower chemical usage.

The Rent-to-Buy scheme is now open to greenhouse growers, vertical farms, and open-field producers across Europe and other participating regions, giving more agricultural businesses the opportunity to adopt next-generation water and oxygenation technology.

P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter. (Image credit: XAG)

XAG, a global pioneer in agricultural robotics, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of smart farming tools from autonomous drones and lightweight field rovers to AI-driven tractor consoles, precision fertigation systems, and advanced IoT sensors.

Together, these solutions highlighted how automation and digital intelligence are helping farmers boost productivity, use resources more efficiently, and reduce variation in crop performance.

At the centre of XAG’s display was the P150 Max, a high-payload, multi-function agricultural drone engineered to deliver exceptional performance across diverse field operations. Designed for flexibility, the drone allows operators to switch effortlessly between systems for precision spraying, granular spreading, field mapping, and aerial logistics. This modular capability gives farmers a powerful tool to perform critical tasks with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Equipped with an impressive 80 kg payload capacity and capable of flying at speeds of up to 20 m/s, the P150 Max can take on demanding jobs and uneven terrain with confidence. Its RevoSpray 5 System includes an 80-litre intelligent liquid tank paired with dual centrifugal nozzles capable of spraying 32 litres per minute. When upgraded with XAG’s four-nozzle kit, the output increases to 46 litres per minute, making it highly effective for orchards and dense crop canopies. With droplet sizes adjustable from 60 to 500 microns, farmers can fine-tune applications for everything from row crops to fruit trees.

For spreading tasks whether fertiliser distribution, direct seeding, or powder application the RevoCast 5 System offers up to 300 kg per minute and features a vertical waving mechanism that improves precision and wind resistance. Its 115-litre smart granule container ensures accurate metering and uniform coverage across the field.

The drone integrates the RealTerra Field Mapping System, enabling autonomous surveying of up to 20 hectares per flight. High-resolution imagery is processed instantly to produce detailed maps, while onboard AI detects obstacles, field boundaries, and crop structures to enhance safety and workflow planning.

Fitted with the RevoSling Module, the P150 Max becomes a powerful aerial transporter, ideal for moving supplies, harvest produce, or equipment—particularly across rugged or inaccessible terrain.

At the heart of the drone is the advanced SuperX 5 Ultra Intelligent Control System, delivering fully autonomous flight with centimetre-level precision. Its 4D imaging radar and wide-angle FPV camera help the drone navigate around irrigation systems, posts, and overhead lines. Whether in complex orchards or open fields, the P150 Max maintains stable and secure operation.

Farmers can plan missions effortlessly using the XAG One App or the SRC 5 Remote Controller, which calculates optimal flight paths based on field contours and elevation. The drone’s accuracy is supported by the XRTK 7 Mobile Station, ensuring consistent positioning even in remote areas with limited connectivity.

Downtime is minimised thanks to the Smart SuperCharge Battery, which can recharge in as little as seven minutes using the Parallel Charging Kit—allowing for continuous field operations.

With nearly two decades of research underpinning its development, the P150 Max represents XAG’s most refined drone design yet, combining robust construction, intelligent automation, and superior terrain adaptability. Purpose-built for real-world farming, it offers a powerful boost to operational efficiency, sustainability, and precision agriculture.

(Image credit: Komet Irrigation)

Komet Irrigation, a global pioneer in sprinkler irrigation technology since 1952, has introduced the Komet Precision Wave (KPW) – a groundbreaking pivot sprinkler designed to deliver exceptional water distribution uniformity and boost irrigation efficiency.

The innovation will headline Agritechnica 2025, where Komet will also debut the Komet Experience Hub, a state-of-the-art research and testing facility advancing the science of irrigation performance.

For decades, uneven water delivery at the outer edges of pivot systems has remained one of agriculture’s biggest challenges. The KPW addresses this long-standing issue through an innovative oscillating deflector, which generates a highly consistent droplet pattern across the entire pivot radius. This technology ensures stronger plant hydration while minimising water loss from runoff or evaporation—factors that are increasingly vital as farmers contend with climate variability and water scarcity.

Built at Komet’s manufacturing headquarters in Lienz, Austria, the KPW adheres to stringent European engineering standards. It offers a flexible performance range with a 9–15 metre throw radius and multiple flow options, making it suitable for a variety of pivot configurations, soil types, and crops. The KPW is available in both head-up and head-down models, easily recognisable by their white and yellow deflectors, allowing farmers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to select the best configuration for their specific field conditions.

“Uniform irrigation is one of the biggest drivers of yield and efficiency,” said Andree Groos, CEO of Komet Irrigation. “The KPW gives farmers peace of mind that every plant—from the centre to the outer edge—gets the water it needs, consistently and efficiently. It’s the kind of innovation that helps our customers grow more with less.”

In addition to unveiling the KPW, Komet will introduce visitors to the Komet Experience Hub, a 1,000-square-metre research and development centre created to transform how irrigation products are tested and optimised. Featuring IoT-enabled monitoring, automated analytics, and controlled simulations of wind, evaporation, and droplet trajectory, the facility provides accurate, reproducible data to improve water management decisions for farmers, agronomists, and manufacturers.

“For the first time, farmers can see exactly how sprinklers and regulators perform under controlled yet realistic conditions,” added Groos. “The Experience Hub represents our commitment to transparency, precision, and progress in irrigation design.”

At Agritechnica 2025, visitors to Hall 9, Booth A09 will be among the first to experience this innovation in action. Komet will also host a special competition with exclusive prizes, including a guided tour of its Austrian manufacturing facility—home to over 70 years of irrigation engineering excellence shaping the future of efficient agriculture.

SILOKING has developed DryScan, an innovative digital solution fully integrated into all SILOKING SelfLine models. (Image credit: SILOKING)

Consistent TMR (Total Mixed Ration) quality is vital for animal health, productivity, and farm profitability.

However, fluctuations in the dry matter (DM) content of feed often caused by changing weather or storage conditions can disrupt feeding accuracy. This inconsistency may lead to feed waste, unstable rumen pH, and even empty feed tables, ultimately affecting animal performance.

To tackle these challenges, SILOKING has developed DryScan, an innovative digital solution fully integrated into all SILOKING SelfLine models. The system continuously measures the dry matter content of each feed component in real time during loading, automatically adjusting the fresh matter quantity. This ensures that every batch of feed maintains a uniform composition, day after day.

When combined with SILOKING Feeding Management, farmers gain a complete, data-driven feeding solution. The software not only enables precise ration planning but also provides digital documentation and ongoing performance optimization. This integration simplifies feeding operations, reduces manual errors, and supports sustainable livestock management.

With SILOKING’s all-in-one approach, customers benefit from a single, reliable partner for both hardware and software. The result is a future-ready feeding system that enhances efficiency, animal well-being, and farm profitability  ensuring that precision truly begins with dry matter content.

AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way. (Image credit: AGCO Power)

AGCO Power has revealed a bold new vision for the future of agricultural and forestry machinery, showcasing a range of powertrain innovations that combine advanced diesel technology with low-carbon, sustainable solutions

The goal is clear to help farmers meet modern agricultural challenges while preparing for a cleaner, more efficient future.

At the centre of this innovation is the new CORE80 diesel engine, an 8-litre powerhouse delivering 252 kW of power and 1680 Nm of torque. This engine powers the 5th-generation Fendt 800 Vario, representing the next step in efficient and high-performance farming machinery. AGCO Power’s entire CORE engine series including the CORE50 and CORE75 — has earned top marks for efficiency in DLG’s PowerMix Test 2.0, proving their value in real-world farming conditions.

Complementing the diesel line-up is AGCO Power’s Future Battery Concept, which made its world debut at Agritechnica. The 150 kWh battery, based on NMC cell chemistry, is designed in-house and offers huge potential for electric farming equipment. “Battery technology currently appears promising for agricultural applications,” notes Director Engineering,  Kari Aaltonen, who estimates commercial production in five to seven years. Electric powertrains offer reduced operating costs and simpler maintenance, making them ideal for next-generation farm machinery.

In partnership with Valtra, AGCO Power also introduced its CO₂ Calculator concept, a pioneering tool that measures the type of fuel used and calculates a machine’s carbon footprint in real time. “Reliable data on the operational carbon footprint is a major competitive advantage for farmers,” says Jarno Ratia, Director of Product Management. The technology enables farmers to monitor emissions and improve sustainability reporting, helping them align with EU Green Deal standards.

Finally, AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way to extend machinery life while reducing environmental impact. “Remanufacturing can lower total cost of ownership and reduce the carbon footprint versus a new machine,” explains Jussi Rinne, Director, Quality and Aftermarket. By reusing up to 80% of engine components, AGCO supports both farmer profitability and environmental responsibility.