Robust solution for medium-sized farms – Fortis LT
#HORSCHtogether
With the new Fortis LT, HORSCH extends its cultivator range with a compact solution for medium-sized farms. Markus Klemm has already worked intensively with the Fortis LT.
New machines are developed from practical requirements. Sales partners play a key role in this process. They are close to the farmers, collect feedback, and pass it on directly to HORSCH. At New-Tec in Sietzsch, a young, dedicated team works on precisely these topics. One of them is Markus Klemm. He is responsible for customers with diverse farm structures in Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and parts of Thuringia. "Every day brings new challenges, and we tackle them together as a team. It works like gear wheels that mesh together – and that's exactly what makes us strong," Markus Klemm explains.
From changing weather conditions to new political regulations and fluctuating market prices, farmers constantly face new challenges: "Agriculture develops constantly, and with it, technology. For us, it's about showing customers new solutions," Markus Klemm points out.
Intensively tested
The new Fortis LT has been working in the area for about a year and a half. "I was skeptical at first, but it quickly became clear: This is a robust and very flexible machine." Its compact design makes it ideal for standard tractors which is particularly important in this region. Many farms have tractors with 200 to 300 hp, but not the very large tractors. "The great thing is that with the Fortis concept, we can now also approach farmers for whom the AS wasn't a suitable solution," Klemm emphasizes. Compared to the well-proven Fortis AS, the LT is significantly more compact and shorter.
The machine features a 4-bar design with a tine spacing of 27 cm and a frame height of 850 mm. Thus, the cultivator can work without blocking, even with large amounts of residues. The levelling system was moved close to the last row of tines. This ensures optimal soil flow into the levelling discs. The transport wheels can be moved away of the working area and thus does not impede the soil flow from the tine zone. This contributes to a high clearance with perfect levelling quality.
"For us, the Fortis is a universal machine. It can work both shallowly for weed control and deeper when we want to loosen the soil intensively." The selection of point and wing options as well as the diverse packer options are particularly appreciated, contributing significantly to its flexibility. Thus, the machine can be adapted to meet the requirements of the farm.
The cultivator's performance was proven in numerous demonstrations at customers' premises. Instead of simply presenting technical specifications, New-Tec deliberately focused on practical tests: Farmers were able to use the Fortis LT with their own tractors. It quickly became clear where its strengths lie: consistent work profile, perfect levelling, and smooth operation. "Many farmers were surprised by how well the results looked," Markus Klemm recalls. "That was convincing – not only for the farm managers, but also for the drivers who ultimately have to work with the machine."
Close exchange
The introduction of new products is not just about the machine itself, but also about the entire design. "As a sales partner, we often are the first to hear what customers need. HORSCH reacts quickly, takes feedback seriously – and together we develop solutions. The triangle works because everyone involved pulls together."
This is precisely what characterizes the daily work: "We see ourselves not just as salespeople, but as partners who lend a hand." For Markus Klemm, this means providing intensive support to farmers: from consultation and demonstrations to first use when machines like the Fortis LT finally demonstrate their strengths in the field of the customer.