Benefits of the two reverse drive Respiro mergers from Austrian manufacturer Reiter include good visibility of the working units and eliminating driving over the material. Outputs of the R6rd (6.0m) and R7rd (7.0m) are 4.0-8.0ha/hr and 5.0-10ha/hr, respectively.

Suitable for use in grass, alfalfa, hay and straw, the two rear linkage mounted models are claimed to be as manoeuvrable as a dedicated self-propelled machine. The two belts on the reverse drive models can deposit material to the right or left or in a small swath on each side. The lack of a central swath option not only helps to reduce the complexity but also the weight. The 3.15t R6rd and 3.38t R7rd is half that of the 6.4t of the trailed R9 profi.

The two merging units are hydraulically locked in transport and work positions. Transport width is 2.4m and height 3.5m (R6) and 4.0m (R7). Standard belt widths are 700mm (R6rd) and 1.0m (R7rd – optional on R6rd). The belts can be stopped for the last few metres to mop up material in field corners for depositing onto an existing swath.

The pick-up technology is the same as that used on the existing models, but the suspension of the two merging units via four springs, two support rollers and an upper link is new. Reiter says the patented solution results in a compact design, brings the centre of gravity close to the tractor and results in good ground contour following.

Recommended tractor power is 180hp (with 800kg to 1.2t of front weight) with a hydraulic flow of 160lit/min. Both machines come standard with road lights.