The electrification of agricultural machinery and auxiliary components is becoming increasingly important also in the agricultural sector. As a result, HARTING has for several years focused its innovative efforts on the development of a standardised interface between tractor and attachment. The resulting newly developed AEF high-voltage connections were presented at the Agritechnica trade fair, held from November 12-18, 2017 in Hanover (Germany), for various applications.

The connector transmits data and power, and was developed within the AEF (Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation) in cooperation with all major agricultural machinery manufacturers. “The AEF high-voltage connections are a new technology. To date, the agricultural industry has relied on hydraulic or mechanical solutions for power transmission,” said Guido Selhorst, Head of Corporate Market Communication at HARTING. But the electrification of agricultural machinery and attachments is becoming increasingly important to farmers since it can significantly increase productivity. Among others, the use of electric motors is the basic prerequisite for the implementation of complex movement tasks and speed changes in attached equipment.

The AEF high-voltage connections are designed to meet the future power requirements of ancillary equipment and attachments. "The HARTING high-voltage connection supports the development of fully electric and hybrid drive systems on the tractor and the increasing demand for electric drives on attachments," explained Selhorst.