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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.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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