Special Products

A unique rear linkage for the Claas Challenger, a front linkage system with PTO for the New Holland G70 SuperSteer that was considered impossible at the time and even high-pressure pump units for CNC machines: Not everything Zuidberg develops falls within the company's core business. But that is precisely what characterises Zuidberg. “We are never afraid to tackle new things.”

Claas Challenger Rear linkage: “Almost a museum piece”
For the Claas Challenger, a unique high-powered crawler tractor, Zuidberg developed a rear linkage in 2001 that went into production two years later. “The Claas Challenger was derived from the Caterpillar 85E and was a typical American machine, made to pull implements forward and not, as is common in Europe, to lift things. At Zuidberg, we make front linkage systems and front PTOs, not rear linkages, so this required a very different approach,” explains Martin Kalter, OEM Sales Manager. “Several types of rear linkages were available in the market, but all of them failed to meet the European customer's requirements. So, we set to work on developing a custom-made rear linkage. It’s not what we usually do, but we knew we could manage it. That's why we were happy to take on the challenge.”

It resulted in an extra-heavy-duty rear linkage with a great deal of lifting power. It was not only the power that made this rear linkage special; it was distinctive in several ways. “Pivotable, fully integrated with the drawbar, with integrated draft control with the tractor, a fully hydraulic quick coupling frame and a hydraulic top rod,” Martin lists. “It became a series product, and around 75 were eventually made. It has since become a bit of a museum piece, although there is still the occasional request for spare parts from abroad.”

New Holland G70 SuperSteer Front linkage: “Like a Formula 1 car”
Around the same time that the rear linkage for the Claas Challenger was developed, Zuidberg also designed a front linkage with PTO for the New Holland G70 SuperSteer. Martin: “The New Holland with SuperSteer steers incredibly sharply, leaving almost no room for a PTO at the front axle. We used horizontal cylinders instead of upright cylinders so that the linkage could be connected to the steering front axle without getting in the way of the PTO - which was on the front axle carrier. We also used a hinged top rod. That meant the front linkage system for this tractor was a totally different concept. It was completely new to us and produced an unusual look. With its protruding nose, the front of the linkage resembled a Formula 1 car.”

Zuidberg was the only manufacturer who could supply a front linkage and PTO on this combination without steering restrictions. Martin: “You could only come up with this if you can think freely, outside the box. We could, and we still can. We never back down from a challenge.”

Cast and integrated linkage and PTO: “Exceptional then, but very common now”
Zuidberg also developed other non-typical front linkage systems. “These were initially special but later often became standard. The same applied to the integration of attachments. In 2006, we were the first to supply the linkage system with PTO fully cast and integrated. It’s very common nowadays, but it was exceptional at the time. We laid the foundation for it back then.”

HP pump units: “Also born of the idea that things can always be done better”
Developing high-pressure pump units for CNC machines falls entirely outside Zuidberg’s core business. These pump units are used to cool tools under high pressure, and the high pressure also breaks up waste chips. Zuidberg still makes them. “These units were also born from the idea that things can always be done better. Something similar already existed, but there were a lot of problems with it. So, Henk Zuidberg developed his own HP pump units that were more robust and, what’s more, cheaper.” The units are supplied to importers of machine manufacturers and are used within Zuidberg itself. “Henk assembles and tests them all personally.”

“Never afraid to tackle something new”
With Zuidberg's growth and continued professionalisation, there are fewer departures from standard production these days. Martin: “It’s no longer possible for us to do things the way we did in the past. We now do things in a way that is more aligned with the size of the company. Of course, we still offer customer-specific solutions, but this is more linked to minimum annual quantities these days. Zuidberg has made its mark by being bold and never afraid of tackling something new. That is in our genes and will never change. We are and will continue to be Performance Pioneers.”