A prototype system from New Holland designed to automatically manage traction on combine harvesters has received an EIMA Technical Evolution Award 2026.
The technology dynamically distributes torque between the front and rear axles according to terrain, machine load and operating conditions.
The system is designed particularly for challenging harvesting conditions, including muddy fields, slopes and areas where changing ground conditions can lead to increased wheel slip.
Real-time information including slope inclination, grain tank and fuel levels, gear selection and other machine operating parameters is used to determine the required traction balance.
The operator sets the desired traction balance using the machine’s existing Shift and Reel Up/Down controls. The hydrostatic system then automatically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles as conditions change.
The objective is to make more effective use of available grip while reducing wheel slip, fuel consumption and soil damage.
Automatic adjustment is intended to help maintain forward progress when a combine moves from firmer ground into wetter or more difficult conditions, without requiring the operator to continually intervene.
The system is also designed to reduce the likelihood of the combine becoming stuck, potentially helping to minimise downtime during difficult harvesting conditions.
By automatically responding to changes in terrain, load and machine weight distribution, the technology is intended to reduce operator workload and improve consistency during harvesting.
New Holland will present the prototype at EIMA 2026 in Bologna, where it forms part of a wider programme of new agricultural machinery technologies.
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