increase font size
WindControl is a fully automatic system that effectively neutralises the effect of wind upon fertiliser spreading operations.
Amazone's recently released WindControl System automatically monitors and adjusts the spreading pattern to compensate for the effect of the wind on the company’s top-of-theline ZA-TS mounted and ZG-TS trailed twin disc centrifugal spreaders.
CLAAS Harvest Centre product manager for Amazone, Steve Gorman, says even minor changes in wind speed and direction can have a significant impact on the distribution of valuable fertiliser.
“Headwinds or tailwinds can stretch or compress the spreading pattern, while crosswinds can shift the pattern laterally,” he says. “These changes can result in significant differences in application rates within the same tramline and from one tramline to the next.”
WindControl is a fully automatic system that effectively neutralises the effect of wind upon your fertiliser spreading operations, helping you to make the most of your application window. The system utilises a highfrequency wind sensor to record wind speed and direction. The job computer calibrates this data with ground speed, calculates new spreader settings and then makes these adjustments automatically.
In operation, if there is a crosswind, the disc speed on the side facing the wind is increased and the delivery system is rotated outwards. At the same time, the speed of the downwind side is reduced, with the delivery system rotated inwards. The adjustments to both discs automatically counteract the wind effect and ensure accurate distribution.
Projecting above the tractor cab, to avoid any turbulence generated by the tractor itself, the spreader-mounted wind sensor is automatically extended when the spreading discs are activated. When the spreading discs are switched off, the mast retracts to its protected position between the tractor and the spreader.
The control terminal displays wind speed, direction and gustiness. In addition to all the usual spreader settings, it comes with a ‘traffic light’ colour system to advise the operator to what extent the system can compensate for the effect of the wind.
If the wind is too strong or gusty, the system will issue a warning that the limit of control has been reached.
WindControl also complements Amazone’s ArgusTwin system, which uses 14 radar sensors to monitor the spread pattern of the left and right discs.
Designed to allow customers to adopt technology and reduce costs, John Deere’s Precision Essentials Programme, offers those customers the option to either buy all their precision agriculture (PA) technology upfront, or select only the hardware and software that will be most valuable to their business.
Anyone who has been round baling and released a completed bale on a slope will remember the feeling of dread as the bale gathers speed and rolls off down the hillside, hopefully to be stopped by the hedgerow or the paddock levelling out.
Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.
Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.
Power Farming has announced a new chapter in its partnership with JCB, which having represented the UK-based company’s construction equipment for over three years, now sees the relationship expanding to include the renowned JCB Agriculture product range.
A Massey University student has inched closer to national victory after being crowned Taranaki-Manawatu's top young farmer, despite being the youngest competitor in the field.
Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture, has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief executive.
Kiwifruit marketer Zespri says its kiwifruit has now reached more than 100 million households globally.
Scales Corporation managing director Andy Borland says the company has delivered an outstanding result.
A key element in Massey University’s research programme is its Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC).
Massey University is regarded by many as New Zealand’s leading tertiary education and research institute for the country’s primary industries.
OPINION: You must feel a bit sorry for poor old Christopher Luxon.
OPINION: As Jim Bolger once said, "Bugger the polls!"
