Soil data is collated by means of a GPS receiver. Plant growth status is determined with the aid of an optical sensor.
By using the ISARIA system, the farmer obtains the optimum yield. At the same time, he saves costs, as he spreads only as much fertiliser as necessary for plant growth.
A crucial building block for the system is an agricultural mechanism installed on the front hydraulics of the tractor.
The Fritzmeier engineers have deliberately chosen not to use a hydraulic system.
“Often there are no free hydraulic connections on the front of the tractors. For this reason, we have implemented electric actuators, ” states Johan Janker, Development Engineer at Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik.
A power supply for the sensors is always available. Janker identifies operational readiness as a further advantage of the electric system.
“The equipment is primarily employed on a seasonal basis, as a result of which long downtimes may occur”.
Hydraulic systems do not always perform the best under seasonal conditions. LINAK electric actuators are practically maintenance-free, can always be put into action and are directly operated from the electronics in the ISARIA system. A cost-effective and readily realisable design.
LINAK actuators belonging to the LA36 series are far from overtaxed. A force of 4,000 N is required to smoothly swing the sensors in and out. The LA36 linear actuator can provide up to 10,000 N.
For Fritzmeier engineers, the robustness of the actuator is even more important than the force requirement.
“During climate tests, we determine whether our actuators function under extreme temperatures and stand up to rapid temperature changes,” says Soren Hother Rasmussen. He is Managing Director of LINAK GmbH.
“In some tests, actuators must repeatedly withstand ambient temperatures from +100 °C to -30 °C and remain functional. Actuators are also exposed to a variety of chemicals”.
In addition to all the advantages in respect of integration and robustness, Janker identifies one further advantage: the self-locking capacity. When extended, the electric actuator does not require any additional energy. Due to its self-locking capability, the spindle retains its position.
The ability to integrate with existing electronic systems is where electric actuators come into their own. If, for example, feedback on position is required, this is only possible in a hydraulic system by introducing additional modules.
Janker still sees great potential for the use of electric adjustment systems in the agricultural sector.
“Many hydraulic systems can already be replaced by electric systems. Control is simple, and integration is easy to implement. Electric systems are continuing to spread,” Janker says.
The new ISARIA system from Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik not only required forward-looking engineering with regard to sensor technology and data processing, but also in the area of mechanical operation and adjustment.
Electric adjustment affords many options in agriculture, and is simple to integrate.
Contact LINAK TECHLINE for specifications and more actuator solutions – for spreaders or other farming equipment.
