Within a context of high fertiliser prices, fertiliser spreading specialist Sulky unveiled a device for managing centrifugal spreading of headlands at Sima 2009. Called Stop & Go, it provides increased operator comfort, an estimated saving of 3% on fertiliser, less lodging and better crop health.
The system works through geo-positioning the tractor/fertiliser spreader with the aid of a GPS antenna linked to a guidance bar. It is fitted to a Sulky large-width centrifugal spreader from the X12-44 range and linked to the GPS antenna/boom section control box through a specific connection designed by the company.
Stop & Go then pilots the electric opening/closing of both rate shutters on the fertiliser spreader.
Control of the right- and left-hand shutters can be done independently. The operator has the choice of completing the machine with the Sulky Vision WPB weighing system. At any time, if necessary, he can revert to manual spreading controls.
In practical terms:
1) At the start of each field, the operator programs, on the control box of his guidance bar, the spreadwidth and the distance between the GPS antenna and the centre of the centrifugal projection of each disc (15-20m towards the rear and 3-15m on the side).
2) The operator starts by outlining his field thanks to the Tribord 3D border device; the Stop & Go system will then save in the control box (and show the operator) the area covered by the fertiliser pattern as the application continues.
3) On headlands, thanks to the geo-referencing, the rate shutter opening/closing is immediate and automatic through quick reaction electric actuators.
4) In corners or short ground, on the outlined side, the rate shutter will automatically close once the predefined overlap quantity (set by the operator beforehand) is reached.
For more information visit Reco at: www.reco.co.uk.
