increase font size
Kramer’s new ‘Smart Attach’ system avoids the need for the operator to leave the cab.
One of the greatest ‘pains’ when changing loader attachments, apart from having to climb down from the cab, is having to change hydraulic hoses that either can’t be undone or can’t be reattached because of residual hydraulic back pressure.
Whatever the problem, it’s usually something that tries an operator’s patience.
Specialised handler manufacturer Kramer, looks to have addressed the issue with its new ‘Smart Attach’ system that avoids the need for the operator to leave the cab. It uses a clever design detail – a hollow locking pin that is hydraulically inserted into the receptor coupling.
This means that auxiliary oil-flows, usually directed via traditional couplings, is now directed through the locking pins, doing away with the need for auxiliary hose couplings altogether.
While this is might appear to be a simple solution, attempts to do the same in the past have led to some problems; typically the high pressures needed for attachments has resulted in blown seals at the locking mechanism.
Kramer has overcome this issue with the help of electronics, which sense when the system has been engaged via a dashboard switch and automatically drops the system pressure from the standard operating pressure of 220 bar to only 25 bar.
This lower value is enough to activate the pins and locate them in the female sockets in the frame of the bucket or implement, before returning to the standard operating pressure when the system is deactivated.
To account for any wear in the hitch points, the locator pins have some ‘float’ built in, allowing them to locate securely, even if the frames on the bucket and on the loader fail to line up exactly.
The company claims that oil-flow remains unrestricted, with switching attachments done in seconds, rather than the minutes required when climbing out of the cab, twice, in a typical changeover. That alone should sell it to many.
While it is impractical to retrofit the system to existing machines, on the plus side, many existing buckets and attachments can be adapted to the system, and it is entirely compatible with all the Kramer-equipped quick hitch attachments that have been produced since 1963.
Only available on the 8 Series loaders at present, there are plans to extend the system across the complete range in due course.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…
