Australia Watanabe Potato Digger 2 Rows AWB- 1600
The Australia Watanabe AWB-1600 is a professional-grade, 2-row potato digger for large-scale farms. Two models are available: the AWB-1600 B (1200kg) for general use and the AWB-1600 C (1350kg) for heavy or clay soils. Its durable gearbox ensures stable power transmission, while precise hydraulic controls allow accurate depth adjustment.
The digger requires a 95 HP minimum tractor with a standard 540 RPM PTO and two hydraulic remotes, making it compatible with models like the John Deere 6155M, Kubota M7-131, and Case IH 5115 Maxxum. Designed for efficiency, it operates at 3-5 km/h, making it ideal for harvesting potatoes and other root crops on farms over 50 hectares.
Product parameters
| TECHNICAL DATA</ | AWB-1600 B</ | AWB-1600 C</ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1200 Kg | 1350 Kg |
| Number Rows | 2 | |
| Tractor requirements | ||
| Engine power (min.) | 95 cv | 95 cv |
| Input speed p.t.o.-shaft | 540 RPM | 540 RPM |
| Required control valves | 2 | 2 |
| Working speed | 3 - 5 Km/h | |
Product Overviews: The Harvesting Expert for Large-Scale Farm Profitability
In today's competitive modern agriculture, efficiency directly impacts a farm's bottom line. For large-scale potato growers, traditional or inefficient harvesting methods translate to higher labor costs, longer operational windows, and potential crop damage losses. Australia Watanabe understands this deeply. The AWB-1600 2-Row Potato Digger is not merely a simple implement; it is a complete high-efficiency harvesting system solution based on precision engineering and data-verified performance. Designed for professional farms pursuing scale, mechanization, and maximum return on investment, it integrates powerful performance, exceptional adaptability, and long-term reliability to help turn each season's hard work into substantial, profitable yields.
What is the AWB-1600 2-Row Potato Digger? – Core Equipment Built for Efficient, Large-Scale Harvesting
The AWB-1600 2-Row Potato Digger is our core harvesting equipment meticulously engineered for modern, large-scale farming operations. Its design purpose is unequivocal: to harvest vast potato fields in the shortest possible time, with minimal crop damage and optimal operational cost. Unlike smaller or basic equipment, the AWB-1600 was conceived from the ground up as professional-grade agricultural machinery. Its two-row synchronous digging design perfectly balances operational efficiency with tractor power requirements, making it the ideal step for mid-sized to large farms transitioning to mechanized harvesting.
As a well-known agricultural machinery manufacturer based in Australia, Australia Watanabe has poured decades of engineering expertise into this model. The AWB-1600 is more than just a "digging" machine; it integrates a series of processes including precise lifting, efficient separation, and gentle placement. For farm managers seeking a reliable potato harvesting equipment supplier, understanding the AWB-1600's design philosophy is the first step toward making an informed purchasing decision. It represents the critical upgrade from reliance on weather and manual labor to dependable, controllable mechanical power.
Core Advantages of the AWB-1600 Potato Digger – Profit Assurance Backed by Data
Choosing the AWB-1600 means selecting a proven solution for enhancing your farm's profitability. Its advantages are demonstrated in several measurable, tangible key areas:
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Significantly Enhanced Operational Efficiency, Shortening Harvest Windows: Under typical field conditions, the AWB-1600 maintains a consistent working speed of 3-5 km/h. Calculating at an average of 4 km/h, a single unit can efficiently harvest approximately 32-40 acres of potato fields per day (based on 8 hours of net operation). Compared to traditional single-row implements or semi-mechanized methods, this can increase productivity by over 50%, allowing you to manage the optimal harvest window more effectively and mitigate risks from changing weather.
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Exceptional Soil Adaptability and Rock-Solid Performance: The AWB-1600 series features a heavy-duty design, with the AWB-1600 B and C models weighing 1200 kg and 1350 kg respectively. This substantial weight is not a burden but the foundation of stability. It provides the necessary ground pressure for the digging components, ensuring no drifting in loose sandy soils and smooth penetration in heavier clay soils, achieving consistent digging depth and drastically reducing the need for frequent adjustments and downtime due to varying field conditions.
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Optimized Power Match for Lower Fuel Consumption per Area: The implement requires a tractor with a minimum 95 HP power output and connects seamlessly with a standard 540 RPM PTO shaft. This precisely calculated power requirement means you don't need an oversized tractor, avoiding "overkill" power waste. In practice, its efficient drivetrain maximizes the conversion of tractor power into digging action. User feedback indicates it can reduce fuel consumption per unit area by 10-15% compared to some older models, directly lowering long-term operational costs.
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Built for Durability, Reducing Total Cost of Ownership: We use high-strength steel for the main frame and digging shares, with long-life sealed bearings at key pivot points. A telling data point: under normal maintenance and use, the core structural components of the AWB-1600 are designed for a service life exceeding 10,000 working hours. For most farms, this translates to reliable service for dozens of harvesting seasons. A longer lifespan reduces annual depreciation costs, resulting in a more favorable long-term return on investment.
Product Features & Technical Specifications – The Engineering Details Behind the AWB-1600
Understanding professional equipment requires delving into its technical core. Every specification of the AWB-1600 points toward reliability and efficiency.
Key Operational Parameters:
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Model Options: AWB-1600 B (1200 kg) and AWB-1600 C (1350 kg) configurations to suit different soil conditions and tractor ballast needs.
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Row Configuration: Standard 2-row operation, compatible with mainstream planting row spacing.
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Power Requirement: Minimum tractor power of 95 HP, ensuring ample power.
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Input Speed: Standard 540 RPM PTO shaft input for wide compatibility.
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Hydraulic Requirement: Requires 2 sets of hydraulic remotes from the tractor for precise control of digging depth and separation mechanism.
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Working Speed: Recommended operating speed of 3 - 5 km/h for optimal soil-tuber separation and minimal damage.
Innovative Design Features:
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Precise Hydraulic Depth Control: Independent hydraulic cylinders allow the operator to adjust digging depth in real-time from the cab with an accuracy of ±1 cm. This ensures the ideal digging depth is maintained regardless of field topography, significantly reducing tuber cuts (damage rates can be kept below 2%).
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High-Efficiency Vibrating Separation Sieve: A large, stepped vibrating web with adjustable frequency effectively separates soil, clods, stones, and potatoes. Its separation efficiency reaches up to 98%, ensuring harvested potatoes are clean with minimal debris, reducing post-harvest sorting labor.
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User-Friendly Adjustment Design: Key adjustment points like sieve angle and vibration intensity use manual, quick-adjust mechanisms. This allows the operator to optimize settings in the field based on crop and soil conditions without special tools, saving valuable operating time.
Suitable Farm Types & Soil Conditions – The Wide Applicability of the AWB-1600
The design of the AWB-1600 allows it to deliver core value in diverse agricultural scenarios:
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Large-Scale, Specialized Potato Farms: For professional farms with over 50 hectares of potato cultivation, the AWB-1600 is the cornerstone for building an efficient harvesting line. Its high efficiency and reliability are crucial for handling the pressure of peak harvest periods.
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Growing Farms Seeking Mechanization Upgrade: For farms looking to transition from inefficient harvesting methods, investing in the AWB-1600 is a "future-proof" decision. It immediately elevates harvesting operations to a modern standard, significantly reducing dependence on seasonal manual labor.
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Complex and Varied Soil Conditions: Whether dealing with typical Australian sandy loam or moisture-retentive clay loam, the different weight configurations of the AWB-1600 B and C models provide options. The heavier C model is particularly suited for heavy, clay-based soils, ensuring the digging share has sufficient weight to penetrate without slippage.
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Other Root Crop Harvesting: With simple adjustments, the AWB-1600 is also suitable for harvesting other root crops like carrots, sugar beets, and onions, enabling multi-purpose use. This increases equipment utilization and offers a flexible solution for farms with diversified cropping systems.
How to Choose the Right Potato Digger – A Decision Guide Based on Your Farm
Selecting the right equipment is half the battle. The following key factors will help determine if the AWB-1600 is the right fit for your operation:
Assess Your Farm Scale & Planting Pattern: If your potato cultivation area exceeds 20 hectares and you use a standard twin-row planting system, the AWB-1600's 2-row configuration will perfectly match your needs, maximizing efficiency.
Verify Your Existing Tractor Equipment: Ensure your tractor has an engine rated at at least 95 HP and is equipped with a minimum of 2 sets of rear hydraulic remotes. This is fundamental for the AWB-1600 to perform at its full potential. As the manufacturer, we also offer tractor compatibility consultation.
Analyze Your Primary Soil Type: If your land consists mainly of sandy or light loam soils, the AWB-1600 B model (1200 kg) will be a cost-effective and efficient choice. For more challenging, heavy, or compacted soils, we recommend the AWB-1600 C model (1350 kg), whose extra weight delivers more stable digging performance.
Define Your Long-Term Operational Goals: If you pursue the lowest total cost of ownership and highest equipment availability, investing in a robust, easy-to-maintain professional implement like the AWB-1600 is far more economical than dealing with frequent repairs or replacements of cheaper alternatives.
AWB-1600 B vs. C Model Comparison – Precise Matching for Your Specific Needs
To help you make the most precise choice, here is a clear comparison of the two models:
| Feature | AWB-1600 B Model | AWB-1600 C Model |
|---|---|---|
| Total Weight | 1200 kg | 1350 kg |
| Core Design Focus | Versatile & Efficient | Heavy-Duty & Stable |
| Ideal Soil Types | Sandy, light loam, medium loam soils | Clay, heavy loam, stony fields |
| Recommended Tractor | 95-130 HP tractor, providing good traction and balance | 110+ HP tractor recommended to fully leverage its heavy-duty advantages |
| Key Value Proposition | Offers the best value for money in most conditions, a perfect balance of weight and efficiency. | Delivers unmatched stability and digging power for the most challenging soil conditions, minimizing slippage. |
Maintenance & Care Guidelines – Key to Keeping Your AWB-1600 Performing Like New
Proper maintenance is the guarantee of long-term, reliable operation. We recommend following this simple yet crucial maintenance schedule:
After Each Day's Work (approx. 8-10 hours):
- Thoroughly clean soil and weed build-up from the digging shares, shaking sieve, and conveyor rods.
- Check the wear on the digging share blades and look for any loose bolts.
- Lubricate all grease points (approx. 15 in total), especially the vibration bearings and chains.
At the End of Each Harvest Season:
- Perform a complete cleaning and inspection.
- Check hydraulic hoses for wear or leaks.
- Apply a protective oil or grease to exposed metal surfaces (non-working areas).
- Store the machine in a dry, level shed.
Every 500 Operating Hours or Annually:
- Inspect the rubber buffers on the shaking sieve for aging or cracks.
- Check the tension and wear on the drive chains, adjusting or replacing as necessary.
- We recommend a comprehensive service and adjustment by our authorized service technician.
- Adhering to this schedule can reduce unexpected failures by up to 70% and significantly extend the service life of the machine's core components.
Core Components Breakdown – The Foundation of Outstanding Performance
The reliability of the AWB-1600 stems from its uncompromising approach to core components:
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Heavy-Duty Gearbox: Utilizes a fully enclosed gear drive with oil-bath lubrication, offering excellent heat dissipation and low noise. Its torque reserve factor is as high as 1.8, easily handling sudden load impacts during digging to ensure smooth, uninterrupted power transmission.
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Reinforced PTO Driveline: Comes standard with a cardan shaft featuring safety guards and an integral overload protection device. This slips when encountering an immovable obstacle, effectively protecting both the tractor's PTO shaft and the implement's drivetrain from catastrophic damage.
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Dual Hydraulic Control System: Independent dual hydraulic circuits control digging depth and sieve angle separately. The hydraulic cylinders use imported seals to ensure reliable performance and prevent leaks and pressure loss, even in dusty environments.
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Multi-Stage Adjustable Shaking Sieve: The sieve web is made from high-fatigue-strength spring steel, driven by an eccentric shaft. The vibration amplitude and frequency can be adjusted across multiple stages based on crop and soil moisture to achieve optimal clod breaking and separation.
Why Choose Australia Watanabe?
Australia Watanabe Tractor Stone Crusher Co., Ltd. was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Kondinin, Western Australia 6367. With nearly five decades of experience in the agricultural machinery industry, we have become one of Australia's leading manufacturers of stone crushers and land reclamation equipment. Specializing in high-quality, reliable machinery solutions, we focus on agricultural land clearing, rock removal, and farm management.
Our factory, located in Kondinin, spans approximately 5,000 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art production facilities and advanced processing capabilities. The facility is staffed by over 160 skilled professionals who contribute to our operations in research and development, design, manufacturing, and after-sales support. We are committed to delivering products that meet international standards, through continuous innovation, rigorous quality control, and strict adherence to industry regulations.
Over the years, our products have gained widespread recognition not only in Australia but also across the globe. They are widely used in agricultural land clearing, rock removal, and land regeneration projects. Our commitment to performance and reliability has made our stone crushers highly sought after in international markets.
Our equipment is manufactured in compliance with global industry standards, including ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. These certifications reflect our dedication to producing high-quality stone crushers that are both reliable and environmentally sustainable. Our adherence to these standards ensures that our products maintain the highest levels of performance and durability.
We offer a two-year warranty on our EW-4000 Series Stone Crusher & potato digger, covering any manufacturing defects and faulty components under normal operating conditions. During the warranty period, any defective parts will be repaired or replaced at no cost. Our dedicated customer support team is available for troubleshooting and technical assistance, ensuring that our clients are supported throughout their equipment's lifecycle. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, neglect, or improper maintenance. For more information on our warranty terms, please feel free to contact us directly.
At Australia Watanabe Tractor Stone Crusher Co., Ltd., we remain committed to providing high-efficiency, durable stone crushers and unparalleled customer service. We strive to drive the advancement of agricultural mechanization and land development, maintaining the highest standards in innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. By choosing us, you’re not just purchasing equipment; you’re investing in a long-term partnership with a trusted supplier.
FAQ
What is the price and warranty for the AWB-1600?
The final price depends on the chosen model (B or C) and any specific configuration options. We encourage you to contact our sales team directly for a detailed, competitive quote tailored to your location and needs. As the manufacturer, we stand behind our equipment with a comprehensive 2-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.
Is my tractor powerful enough to operate this potato digger?
The AWB-1600 requires a tractor with a minimum of 95 HP and a standard 540 RPM PTO shaft. It also needs 2 sets of hydraulic remotes for optimal control. Most modern tractors in this power category meet these requirements. If you are unsure about your tractor's compatibility, our technical team can provide a verification.
Is the machine difficult to operate or set up?
No, the AWB-1600 is designed for user-friendly operation. Key adjustments for digging depth and sieve action are made conveniently from the tractor seat using hydraulic controls. While no specialized training is required, we provide clear operational manuals and can offer guidance to ensure you get the best results from the first day.
How often does it need maintenance, and are parts readily available?
Routine maintenance is straightforward and mainly involves daily cleaning and greasing (approx. 15 points). Major service intervals are around every 500 operating hours. As the direct manufacturer, we guarantee the availability of genuine spare parts. Our global supply network ensures that components like digging shares or sieve parts can be shipped promptly to minimize your downtime.
Do you offer international shipping and support?
Yes, we regularly export our machinery worldwide and have extensive experience with international logistics, documentation, and customs processes. We provide full support from the point of order to delivery at your port or specified location. Post-sale, our support team is available for remote technical assistance.
Customer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Liam O'Connor, Farm Manager, Co. Meath, Ireland
We run the AWB-1600 B on our 120-acre potato farm with mostly loam soil. This machine is the workhorse we needed. Setup was straightforward, and it hooks up perfectly to our 105 HP tractor. The two-row efficiency has cut our harvesting window down significantly. It's robust and simple – just the way we like it. Lost one star only because in our very wet corner, it wanted to ride up a bit; maybe we should have gone for the heavier C model for that extreme condition. Still, a fantastic investment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anya Petrova, Agricultural Co-op Director, Krasnodar, Russia
Our co-operative purchased three AWB-1600 C units for our heavy black soil plots. The weight (1350kg) is the key – it digs in with authority where lighter machines would bounce and skim. The potato yield coming off the belt is clean, with minimal damage. After a full season, maintenance has been basic greasing and cleaning. For our challenging soil, the C model was unequivocally the right choice. Durable, powerful, and utterly reliable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Diego M., Head Mechanic & Partner, Mendoza, Argentina
From a maintenance perspective, the AWB-1600 B is a dream. The design allows for easy access to the shaking grids and drive chains for cleaning and service. We've clocked over 500 hours on it in our sandy soils, and aside from replacing a few wear strips, it's been all routine upkeep. My partner (the farmer) loves the output, and I love not having to fix it every other week. That's a win-win in my book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Chen Wei, Operations Manager, Large-Scale Vegetable Farm, Hebei, China
We imported the AWB-1600 C for our contract potato harvesting and to use for root vegetables. The build quality is impressive. It handles our wide, flat fields with ease, and the adjustable depth control is precise. The reason for 4 stars is a minor logistical one: ensuring we had the correct, high-flow hydraulic connectors on our tractors required an initial adjustment. Once past that, performance has been excellent. The efficiency gain justifies the cost for a large operation like ours.
