Fireward, a UK-based firm, showcased a number of variations of its automatic fire suppression systems at the show. Just before Christmas, the company fitted its first system to an agricultural machine, a Claas Lexion 660 combine.

The type fitted to the combine is known as a dual-agent system, which uses both dry powder and wet chemical in the event of a fire. The dry powder initially diffuses the fire while the wet chemical is used to stop it reigniting. The two substances are stored in their own respective cylinders.

Pressurised detection tubes are piped from these cylinders to outlet nozzles positioned at potential high-risk areas. In the case of the combine, this includes the engine bay and around the pulleys.

If a fire does occur, the pressurised detection tubing is designed to burst at the point of highest heat in less than 10 seconds.

Depending on the spec of the system required, pricing starts at €2,900 and ranges up to €6,700.

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