Mr. P Nageshwar Rao speaks at the Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition held at HAU, UK
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Mr. P Nageshwar Rao speaks at the Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition held at HAU, UK

TAFE entered into collaboration with Harper Adams in June 2018 to develop advanced technological, agronomic and educational solutions for the delivery of sustainable food production around the world.

Recently, the National Centre for Precision Farming (NCPF) at Harper Adams University successfully hosted its first Agricultural Innovation Conference and Exhibition on July 03, 2018.

The event which was sponsored by AHDB and supported by Agri-Tech West, started with a keynote speech from LEAF Chief Executive Caroline Drummond MBE. She said: “In terms of where innovation is going in agriculture, it’s exciting times.”

Mr. P Nageshwar Rao from TAFE R&D was amongst the speakers for the event. He shared TAFE’s history and the situation in India and said: “Precision farming in India is still in a nascent stage; unique challenges will require tailored solutions in this market.

“We believe by 2025, in India, adaptation of technologies like imaging, FMS, mobile apps, autonomous in agriculture space to be at par with global standards.

With regards to hearing about HFH, Mr. P Nageshwar Rao added: “When I heard about a tractor without a driver, I said this is where we need to jump to join hands together.”

News | Spotlight

TAFE wins 3 awards at Frost & Sullivan’s GMLA 2018

TAFE Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, has won 3 awards in the “Frost & Sullivan Global Manufacturing Leadership Award” in the categories of Supply Chain Management, and Enterprise Integration and Technology, for the year 2018. The TAFE team received the awards at the Frost & Sullivan Manufacturing Leadership Awards at Huntington Beach in California, USA, on June 13, 2018.

Frost & Sullivan’s Manufacturing Leadership Awards, now in their 14th year, honor companies and individual leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Winning projects and individual manufacturing leaders have demonstrated achievement in clearly defined categories, and are chosen by a panel of expert judges for results that have delivered clear and compelling value, return on investment, and other tangible outcomes.

The awards are as follows:

  • Enterprise Integration and Technology Leadership Award for “TAFE Digital Quality Management System”
  • Supply Chain Leadership Award for “TAFE Supplier Risk Management Model”
  • Supply Chain Leadership Award for “TAFE Differential Engagement Model”

To quote Frost & Sullivan, “TAFE is now among an esteemed group of leaders who are shaping the future of global manufacturing.”

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Eicher Tractors journey through the ‘Highest Motorable Road’ in the world

The power of Eicher tractors from TMTL was put to test during the first ever tractorthon journeying from Manali all the way till Khardung La Top, at a height of 18380 ft above sea level, in July 2017. This herculean feat of covering 473 kilometers of varied terrain was the first tractorthon and Eicher’s success of completing this task lives up to its promise of providing an “Umeed Se Zyada” experience.

One of the oldest names in the tractor industry, Eicher tractors are well known for being economical, fuel efficient and its unique distinction of being the pioneer in agricultural mechanization and product technology. The Eicher 548 and 557 embarked on one of the toughest journeys and successfully completed the challenging Tractorthon on the World’s Highest Motorable Road.

The Eicher 548 is packed with the air-cooled technology and Eicher 557 with water-cooled technology, and both tractors traversed the rocky terrains with ease as Egon Eicher and his son, from the family of the first founders of Eicher Germany drove through the stunning lands of Leh. This action packed power ride showcased the signature style of Eicher’s ruggedness and reliability to perform even in the most extreme conditions.

The Tractorthon was a show of power and Eicher tractors’ uncompromising promise of durability, reliability and its promise of an Ummeed Se Zyada experience.

News | Events

TAFE TRIBE launches a new store at Sembiam!

TAFE TRIBE is the original merchandise portal of TAFE, offering a range of interesting, high quality products that embody the essence of the TAFE’s brand, its globally renowned standards of design, quality and efficiency.

Capturing the spirit of TAFE and its people, the products under TAFE TRIBE build a brand new way of life. They are like a badge of honour; a proud proclamation; a marker of identity and living the TAFE way of life.

After a successful year of operation with the lounge store at TAFE head office and the online store, TAFE TRIBE is proud to announce that its newest store at the TAFE Sembiam Plant, Chennai, was inaugurated on 28 June, 2018. The much awaited store presents an amazing range of apparel, travel gear, stationery items, collectibles, gifts and lifestyle gear, carefully curated and designed to reflect the TAFE brand.

The store was inaugurated by Mr. John Edwin (President and Chief Officer), Mr. Shaik Rahiman (Vice President Manufacturing), and Niraj Jain (Head of Materials). The drone parade carrying the TAFE TRIBE flag was a marvel for everyone, piquing their interest and drawing them to the store. Balloons, buntings, and banners in the classic TRIBE colours red and white added to the festive environment of the store launch.

The store was extremely well received and hopes to promote TAFE’s way of life to all. Do drop by at the TAFE TRIBE Store at Sembiam and shop from the exciting collection of Original TAFE Merchandise. You can also shop online at tafetribe.com and avail free delivery pan-India on orders above Rs. 500.

Gear up with authentic TAFE Merchandise. Live the Brand. Join the TRIBE.

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New training programs and initiatives at TAFE’s PTC

Since 1963, TAFE’s Product Training Centre has been playing an integral part in supporting TAFE’s multi-fold growth over the decades by integrating learning and hands-on training modules for the service staff to provide its customers with quality after sales service.
With the needs of customers changing, staying ahead of times is crucial to stay relevant. Over the years, PTC has introduced several programs that facilitate knowledge sharing, ensuring that the technicians and service staff always have access to knowledge.
PTC recently launched a two-day refresher training program for aftermarket private tractor mechanics which aimed at educating the participants about the tractor – its parts like the common and special parts, and the procedure to remove and fit the same. They were also trained on some of the latest changes in the aggregates and adjustments. The training ensures that TAFE customers receive the best service from the technicians and around 338 private tractor mechanics have been trained so far and the training has been well received.
Additionally, TAFE has started training programs for tractor models MF 6028 and MF 2635 at their PTC centers, and also one for the field team dealing with the new IPTO (Independent Power Take Off).
A mechanic skill level competition was organized in Bihar and Jharkhand for PTC trained mechanics where their skill levels were evaluated to encourage them to improve their skills, which was marked by the attendance of about 35 mechanics. The competition comprised of objective-type questions based on repair and maintenance of tractors and the top three scorers were awarded and recognized.
335 dealership technicians from various dealerships across India have successfully completed the basic product training programs and new product training programs; and 593 TAFE personnel from across functions, technical and non-technical teams have successfully completed various training programs at PTC up to March 2018. Apart from this, various electrical models and wiring diagrams have also been introduced in the electrical section for easy understanding of the trainees.
The Product Training Centre is TAFE’s commitment to Cultivating the World and ensuring that customers get the best after sales service. With its expertise, training programs and evolving teaching methods, PTC is paving the way for a one of a kind customer satisfaction experience.

TAFE sponsors SAEISS Tractor Design Competition - 2018
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TAFE and SAEISS inspire young minds to design tractors

Nurturing young minds is an essential part of TAFE’s journey of Cultivating the World. With the significant increase in the tractor industry’s growth, it is evident that farm mechanization is a key factor in the success of our country’s agricultural sector. Encouraging the youth of the country to take more interest in farming and empowering them with knowledge on the industry is essential to accelerate this growth.

SAE INDIA Southern Section (SAEISS) has been organizing a Tractor Design Competition (TDC) since October 2016 for the undergraduate engineering students of India. The competition was launched by SAEISS in the presence of Mr. Cuneyt Oge, SAE International and gives engineering students an opportunity to understand the customer requirements, design, build and test various tractor models, including a 17 hp tractor. The engineering students have to design, manufacture, assemble, and prove their tractors before a team of technical experts.

This year, the SAEISS Tractor Design Competition was sponsored by TAFE, and Simpsons, and engineers from both TAFE and Simpsons conducted three workshops on the various aspects of tractor design. Each team submitted their design report which was evaluated by the chief judges Mr. C. Varadarajan and Mr. S. Nakkeran. The judges visited the colleges of the 22 registered teams in March 2018 for a preliminary inspection and gave feedback which significantly helped the teams enhance their tractor designs.

The finals of the competition was hosted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) at their Kattangulatur campus, Chennai from 21st to 23rd June, 2018. The competition included design report presentation, and technical inspection of the tractor for both safety and performance. Out of the 22 registered teams, 16 teams demonstrated their tractors in maneuverability and durability tracks. The team from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore was the overall champion and SAEISS TDC – 2019 was launched during the valedictory function.

This tractor design competition is a first of its kind in Asia with a primary objective to encourage interest in the design of tractor and to improve students’ employability. In addition to building technical competencies, student engineers learn to prepare business cases for the project, behavioral competencies like communication, team work and leadership skills.

Tractor Design Competition 2018 was inaugurated by Mr. S. Sriraman, Chairman, SAEISS and Senior Vice President (R&D), TAFE on June 21, 2018. He appreciated the hard work put in by students and their faculty advisors to reach the finals and told students to make use of the opportunity to discuss various aspects of design with the Industry experts during the course of this event. Dr. D. Kingsly Jeba Singh, Dean, School of Mechanical Engineering., SRMIST, and Mr. P. S. Rajamani, Whole Time Director, Simpsons, Chennai also attended the event as guests.

Venkateswaran K, Elango. R, Bhagwat Nagalwade, from TAFE R&D COE participated and presented a technical paper in the Fluid Power Technical Seminar (FPTS)
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TAFE R&D presents paper on enhanced new product development

Fluid Power Society of India conducted the Fluid Power Technical Seminar (FPTS) in Bangalore on June 19 and 20, 2018. Venkateswaran K, Elango. R, Bhagwat Nagalwade, from TAFE R&D COE participated and presented a technical paper in the seminar.

The paper presented was titled “Methodology Adapted in Hydraulic System Simulation to Enhance New Product Development” was well received by the audience and committee members, and awarded a certificate and shield for the paper.

This paper focuses mainly on simulation driven product development as one of the methods to reduce lead time for concept creation, concept optimization and to reduce the product development cost. It is detailed into three major categories:

1) Overview of model based system engineering in product development

2) Simulation methodology demonstration of a hydraulic system through AMESim software, and

3) Challenges faced by OEM

This paper presents the methods used in modeling of a tractor hydraulic system with assumptions and meeting the performance requirements. It elaborates the modeling of each sub system and validation of subsystem. The paper also explains the identification of critical factors, sensitivity study and Design of Experiments (DoE) on performance parameters and its ability to size for the given product specification through simulation.

The TAFE team at HAU's Agri-EPI Centre
News | Spotlight

TAFE and HAU collaborate to develop sustainable agriculture solutions

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited TAFE has entered into a new international collaboration with UK based Harper Adams University (HAU) to develop advanced technological, agronomic and educational solutions for the delivery of sustainable food production around the world.

HAU is an agriculture university established in 1901 in the United Kingdom. HAU’s Agriculture Engineering Precision and Innovation – Agri-EPI Centre is one of the four national Centres for Agricultural Innovation created as part of the £17.7m UK government investment from UK’s Strategy for Agricultural Technologies to help provide engineering and precision agriculture solutions for the agri-food industry.

The collaboration with HAU’s Agri-EPI Centre will include joint research projects and programmes, joint publications and staff exchanges. The areas of research will focus on agriculture, engineering and technology development programmes on autonomous farming and energy efficient implements, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems and sensor technologies, and the Hands free hectare project to be implemented at JFarm India – TAFE’s adaptive agriculture research centre.

TAFE President & COO – Mr. T R Kesavan said, “TAFE’s collaboration with Harper Adams – Agri-EPI Centre is a reaffirmation of TAFE’s commitment to its vision of ‘Cultivating the World’ as it aims to combine integrated farming techniques with precision agriculture and engineering to develop sustainable farming models that work for both marginal and large farms. This collaboration will provide opportunities for developing a range of advanced training skills, learning and the promotion of international technology transfer and exchange.”

Engineers from TAFE have moved into the new Agri-EPI Centre on the Harper Adams University campus to work on the centre’s first major research and development project. On the team’s arrival, Harper Adams University engineering lecturer, Kit Franklin said, “We at Harper Adams have been building contacts with TAFE for the last 18 months. It’s great to now have this young and enthusiastic team of engineers from TAFE’s Centre of Excellence here in the UK where we’re about to start our first collaborative engineering project. Along with the completion of the project, I hope the team will get a flavour of British agriculture, helping them to return with fresh new ideas.”

Welcoming them to the Agri-EPI Centre, Lee Williams – Newport Centre Hub Manager said, “We’re extremely excited about the first major R&D project coming into the centre, but even more so as it’s a large global tractor manufacturer that’s working in collaboration with Harper Adams.”

TAFE tractor ambulance drives jumbo to safety!
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TAFE Tractor ambulance drives jumbo to safety!

What does an elephant and a TAFE tractor have in common? Other than the power and rugged structure there’s not much of a connection you can make. Here’s a unique story from Sri Lanka of a ailing baby elephant that was unable to join its herd, and a TAFE tractor helped it get medical assistance. Continue reading to know more about this heart-warming story.

The vets and rescue team spotted a baby elephant that was sick and unable to join its herd. Attempts were made to help it move, but in vain. Then the rescue team decided to transport the animal to an elephant orphanage where it could be treated. But moving the baby elephant was no easy task.  And they quickly accomplished the task of transporting the elephant to safety with the help of a TAFE tractor.

They hitched a detachable trolley to the tractor and converted it into a makeshift ambulance!

After several attempts at pulling and pushing the elephant onto the trolley, the vets and rescue team finally managed to onboard the elephant. The uphill climb seemed daunting, but the TAFE 45 DI tractor proved its reliability and power in this time of need and successfully made it to the top with the jumbo seated comfortable on the trolley. They even crossed a small river in the midst where they poured water on the laying elephant and continued on their journey.

The baby elephant was then rushed to a medical facility where the vets treated the wounds and administered drips once again while moving it to the elephant orphanage in an other vehicle.

TAFE’s tractors are renowned world over for their remarkable capability on and off the field, but this one is very special. Nurturing has always been a way of life at TAFE, whether it is helping people and farmers all over the world prosper, or coming to the rescue in the hour of need, regardless of nature of the job. Yet another heart-warming story in our journey of #Cultivating Lives, Happiness and #CultivatingTheWorld.

Read more here: https://goo.gl/W43y1k

 

A product demo in progress at TAFE Madurai for customers
Read | Spotlight

TAFE’s MF Experience Centres redefine customer delight

TAFE as an organization has always strived to help the farming community through its products and services. For more than five decades, it has listened to its customers and their needs by providing superior products that are relevant to the times. TAFE has helped transform the lives of millions of farmers around the world, by powering farms in more than 100 countries.

In line with this, TAFE inaugurated MF Experience Centres at its Madurai and Doddaballapur facilities. It intends to provide TAFE customers with a unique brand experience through visits to the factory and the MF Tech Zone; multimedia presentations on brand heritage and Massey 4.0; and providing in-depth understanding of the technologies used through working prototype models of Massey Ferguson tractors.

The MF Experience Centre at TAFE Madurai has seen a steady flow of customers including over 1000 farmers visiting during the Pongal season. The MF Experience Centre at TAFE Doddaballapur was inaugurated recently, and has been visited by around 500 farmers. The farmers reviewed the tractors specific to Karnataka like, MF 7250 and MF 6028, among other heavy implements like the Hydraulic Reversible Mould Board Plough and an eight ft. Rotavator. These efforts resulted in several spot bookings. Additionally, the visitors were also given a health check-up and a portrait alongside the MF tractors as a souvenir of this experience.

TAFE in its journey of ‘Cultivating the World’ goes the extra mile to create a lasting relationship with its customers beyond the sale of products.