Agritechnica 2023: Hydraulics, modularity, sustainability

MANN+HUMMEL relies on modular designs for hydraulic filters and fuel prefilters

Hydraulics, modularity, sustainability: MANN+HUMMEL will be focusing on these topics at Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural technology. The focus of the exhibition presentation will be on the latest generation of hydraulic filters for agricultural and construction machines as well as fuel prefilter systems for treating impurities from the tank. Visitors will also be able to find out about the development of filters that will be used in the future in hydrogen-powered agricultural machines. 

Ludwigsburg, October 5, 2023 - “Green Productivity” is the motto of Agritechnica, which will take place from November 12 to 18 in Hanover, Germany. “The motto is in line with our vision of shaping a sustainable future for agriculture,” says Benoit Tronet, Senior Manager Sales at MANN+HUMMEL. It is no coincidence that the company, which produces solutions for filtration of oil, fuel and urea, will be focusing particularly on the subject of hydraulics at Agritechnica. “We want to expand our portfolio in this direction and thus bridge a gap,” according to Tronet. 

Hydraulic oil filters extend component lifetime 

Harmful particles can also get into hydraulic components such as pumps, valves, motors, cylinders or accumulators due to abrasion of moving parts or maintenance work, for example. Mobile agricultural machines that are already exposed to dirt and dust pose a particularly high risk. The resulting increased abrasion can have serious consequences, from longer maintenance times to total failure of entire machines and systems. With its hydraulic oil filters, MANN+HUMMEL offers the right solution to remove harmful particles from hydraulic oil and thereby reduce downtimes and extend the lifetime of the affected components. The filters are located directly on the oil tank of the agricultural machine and are therefore very accessible and easy to maintain. During product development, MANN+HUMMEL placed particular importance on a modular design that enables the connection of different sensors and cable cross sections. “Our product portfolio of hydraulic filters can be combined with different housings, filter elements and seals,” explains Mike Märtz, Chief Engineer for Hydraulic Filtration at MANN+HUMMEL: “It’s a modular system that supports customized solutions without the need for tailor-made tools for the individual customer.” 

Trade fair visitors can configure their own fuel prefilters

With the new fuel prefilter systems from MANN+HUMMEL, visitors to Agritechnica will be able to see for themselves the advantages of a modular toolbox. “We will be presenting individual elements from which visitors can configure their individual filters,” explains Benoit Tronet. The fuel prefilters are used to filter coarse impurities and condensation from the tank or from the fuel. Their modular design, consisting of different heads as well as a variety of filter media and accessories, allow numerous possible applications. For example, only the filter element can be removed from the surrounding plastic housing and replaced. “Compared to conventional complete replacement, this is a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution,” says Tronet. 

Product solutions for future hydrogen engines 

Unlike in the automotive industry, which is concentrating wholly on electric drives, hydrogen could be the preferred drive source in agricultural combustion engines in the future. “The development of hydrogen engines for tractors is in full swing,” as Benoit Tronet knows from numerous customer discussions. MANN+HUMMEL is ideally prepared for this and is developing corresponding product solutions for hydrogen drives, which trade fair visitors can also find out about at Agritechnica. These solutions include, for example, hydrogen-compatible oil filters. “As filtration experts, we are also in this case called upon to separate what's useful from harmful particles,” says Tronet. He predicts that hydrogen engines for tractors will be ready for series production within five years.

Last but not least, the ENTARON XR self-cleaning air filter will be presented by MANN+HUMMEL for the first time at Agritechnica. The ENTARON XR eliminates the need for unplanned, time-consuming and risky manual cleaning of the air filter element. This protects the health of machine operators as well as saving time and money. The innovative air filter is already installed in Fendt tractors and will be able to be seen at the agricultural machinery manufacturer’s booth (Hall 20, booth B39).