Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Ensuring development focused on limiting the weight and stress on tractor components, engineers achieved these objectives by introducing a new frame and support arm concept for the grouper units. This resulted in less weight, a more compact layout and a centre of gravity reduced by 15cm. Much of the weight saving was achieved by manufacturing the conveyor belt frames from aluminium.
The Lift Control suspension, adjustable in the cab, is combined with the non-stop release device for effective machine protection.
Designed to suit a variety of pick-up sizes found on various harvesting equipment: to adapt the swath delivery width between 1.80m and 3.60m, from the cab. This allows swath delivery to suit narrower round balers, wider large square balers and the largest harvesters.
Each of two rear mowing units uses the 8-disc / 3.5 metre Optidisc Elite cutter bar that for optimal overlap, particularly in bends or on slopes, is suited to combine with a FC 3125 F front mower conditioner, delivering a 42cm overlap.
Conditioning is easily adjusted to suit forage and weather conditions using two lever-controlled speeds, while a transfer plate, placed between the mowing unit and the belts, prevents any crop loss.
The groupers’ conveyor belts are driven by twin pumps supplied from a hydraulic reservoir tank integrated into the central frame. Other hydraulic functions, including lifting, lowering, conveyor positioning and folding use a hydraulic connection from the tractor. The design eliminates overheating and increases the responsiveness of machine functions.
Forage can be delivered in a swath, flat or with a single conveyor belt in use, for example, when mowing the paddocks headland.
Machine functions can be monitored and controlled using a tractor’s ISOBUS terminal or the CCI 800 or 1200 control boxes, with most common actions controlled by the CCI A3 joystick handle. An integrated inclinometer can automatically control the belt speed according to the slopes. LED work lights are part of the basic equipment of the machine, while for increased space and easier access to the rear of the tractor, the machine’s front guards automatically retract rearward when placed in the folded position.
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