His farm is situated in Vella in the canton of Graubünden, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, at 1,250 metres above sea level. For the hay harvest, however, he has to go considerably higher still. At around 1,800 metres, Renzo farms organic land where the work is particularly demanding and labour-intensive. This is where the new TP 470 Vario has to prove itself in day-to-day operations.
Renzo, what was your first impression of the TP 470 Vario?
I got to know the vehicle during the test drive and knew straight away what I was getting. Even then, I noticed how comfortable it was to drive. The suspension and the overall handling won me over straight away.
The ride comfort and the overall package have made the Aebi Transporter my favourite. Not least because it’s a Swiss product and is manufactured in Switzerland. That made the decision easy for me.
What makes the biggest difference during the hay harvest?
One of the biggest advantages becomes apparent at the end of each swath. I just have to lift the pick-up, whereupon the four-wheel steering engages automatically. This makes the Transporter very manoeuvrable. You can get round bends quickly and carry on working straight away. The joystick also makes it easy to adjust the speed to suit the situation. Once you’ve got the hang of it and understand the machine better, the difference compared to what I was used to before is enormous.
What makes your job particularly easier?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve particularly enjoyed the central lubrication system, the suspension and the high level of ride comfort. The ride comfort is simply outstanding.
Of course, I prefer to drive the van myself. But my apprentice and my son are also allowed to get behind the wheel. I let everyone have a go – that’s just the sort of person I am.
The TP 470 Vario in action
Renzo Blumenthal’s first summer with the new Transporter has confirmed the impressions he gained during the test drive. The TP 470 Vario supports him with the demanding forage harvest in the mountainous region, combining manoeuvrability and efficient operation with a high level of ride comfort.
The video, featuring the full interview, shows how the transporter is performing on the high-altitude fields above Vella and what experiences Renzo has gained during the first few weeks.
