Belgian harvesting equipment specialist Dewulf has expanded its carrot machinery portfolio with the new ZB3, a self-propelled three-row top-lifting harvester developed for growers using odd-row planting systems and requiring greater harvesting capacity. The machine uses three independently controlled harvesting elements equipped with Dewulf’s Floating Share system, allowing each share to follow field contours separately and maintain consistent harvesting depth on uneven ground. The crop is lifted by 14-metre Super Grip belts with automatic tensioning, while sensors detect belt misalignment and automatically stop the affected harvesting unit to prevent damage.
Crop handling has been designed around both capacity and harvesting quality. A six-piece reversible knife set removes the foliage, while gear-driven synchronisation is intended to maintain cutting accuracy at higher operating speeds without damaging carrot crowns. The cleaning system combines adjustable webs with 1,150 mm and 900 mm hedgehog belts, while an optional web-based lifting unit is available when foliage conditions prevent reliable top lifting. The 7-tonne bunker can unload on the move, with unloading height adjustable between 1.48 and 4.10 metres, helping maintain harvesting continuity alongside transport vehicles.
Power comes from a 350 hp Scania DC9 Stage V engine, supported by engine management designed to reduce unnecessary rpm and fuel consumption. Dewulf has also engineered the rear axle to accept either conventional wheels or 900 mm triangular tracks, allowing the ZB3 to be adapted to different soil and harvesting conditions.
