The Agritechnica 2025 trade show, held under the guiding theme “Touch Smart Efficiency,” cemented the industry’s focus on integrating digital intelligence with advanced hardware to achieve higher yields while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. The primary trend was the transition of alternative power and robotics from concepts into commercially available, high-performance machinery.
The 2025 show was bigger than the previous show in 2023–there were more attendees (476,000 vs. 470,000) and exhibitors (2849 vs 2812) and more countries represented (171 vs. 149). The total space for the two shows was the same–394,000 sq in 24 halls at the Hanover Exhibition Center in Hanover, Germany. The bi-annual show ran Nov. 9-15.
Key New Models and Technology Unveiled
Manufacturers focused heavily on hybridization, automation, and engine efficiency:
- Hybrid and Next-Gen Power Systems:
- Zoomlion DV3504 Hybrid Tractor: A flagship hybrid tractor (350hp class) featuring a distributed intelligent electric drive system (MIDD) for high traction and fuel efficiency, showcased performing autonomous harrowing operations.
- Zoomlion H7-600E Hybrid Harvester: The world’s first hybrid large-capacity intelligent combine harvester, pairing a 480hp engine with an 11.55 kWh battery to achieve a peak output of over 600hp, offering improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
- Fendt 800 Vario Gen5: Powered by the new AGCO Power CORE80 engine (8-liter, 252 kW), this release highlights a focus on highly efficient, low-emission diesel technology with enhanced torque (1680 Nm).
- AGCO Power Future Battery Concept (150 kWh): A key component of the electrification push, demonstrating a dedicated, in-house developed battery for agricultural machinery.
- Automation and Robotics:
- XAG P150 Max Agricultural Drone & R Series Rover: The P150 Max drone offers an 80kg payload for autonomous spraying and spreading, while the R Series Rovers (R100, R200) are designed for precision crop protection in controlled environments like orchards and greenhouses, emphasizing robotic task automation.
- DEUTZ-FAHR Tractor Assisted Guidance System (TAGS) (Silver Award): An advanced AI-based stereo vision and real-time 3D mapping solution specifically designed for improved safety and automation in the variable terrains of agricultural operations.
- Specialized Machinery and Components
- Merlo HyperCompact Telehandler Concept: A debut concept focused on high maneuverability and performance in confined spaces, like traditional farm buildings.
- BKT AGRIMAX PROHARVEST VF 1020/55 R38 CFO Tire: A massive tire designed to reduce soil compaction on high-capacity combines through a large, evenly distributed footprint.
Main Topics and Discussions
The guiding theme, “Touch Smart Efficiency,” steered the main industry discussions:
- Sustainable Productivity Growth: This was highlighted as the new overarching goal, shifting the focus from mere yield to yield balanced with ecological resource consumption. This requires measuring and evaluating performance in terms of climate protection and biodiversity alongside economic viability.
- Digitalization and Automation Integration: The trade show emphasized software-driven processes and digitally integrated systems. The debut of the Digital Farm Center in Hall 21 showcased the importance of robotics, AI, cloud-based data platforms (like MerloMobility), and sensor technology for real-time decision support and optimized farming.
- Alternative Fuels and Energy Transition: Discussions continued regarding the use of “drop-in” renewable fuels like RME and HVO in current diesel models, while the high-power sector saw advancements in hybridization (e.g., Zoomlion’s harvesters) and dedicated battery-electric solutions for smaller machines (e.g., AGCO Power’s battery concept). The latter was also a testimony of the challenges in electrification of large tractors. AGCO new battery will most likely in series production only after 2027, if not later. PSR
Emiliano Marzoli is Manager-European Operations for Power Systems Research
