The introduction of a hydraulic-drive machine to its Axis twin-disc spreader range offers farmers the best control yet of broadcast fertiliser applications, according to Kuhn Farm Machinery.
The Axis 50.1 H EMC W, launched at Cereals 2012, incorporates Kuhn’s Coaxial Distribution Adjustment (CDA) technology – a patented feature on all Axis models – as well as hydraulic drive previously only used on the Axera range. This combination of proven technologies allows on-the-move adjustment of application rates, integration with GPS, and – through independent control of each disc – on-the-move adjustment of spread patterns according to borders and field shape.
The EMC (Electronic Mass Control) facility, meanwhile, provides an automatic and instant monitor of fertiliser spread, while two high-capacity weigh cells provide a constant record of the amount of fertiliser in the hopper.
The standard Axis 50.1 H EMC W machine has a 4,000-litre hopper and is adjustable to spread from 18m up to a theoretical maximum of 50m. It’s available ready to operate directly through a tractor’s Isobus terminal, or supplied with the CCI 100 control box for use with tractors without a terminal.
Other features of note include the electrically driven agitators (which stop automatically when the aperture is closed to minimise any grinding of fertiliser at the hopper base), plus – for GPS-controlled machines – a facility to automatically switch the spreader on and off at the headlands and adjust the working width on short work. The Axis 50.1 H EMC W comes with a ladder as standard.
The CDA system lies behind the Axis’ ability to maintain consistently accurate spread patterns automatically at varying forward speeds and/or application rates. It varies the fertiliser drop point onto the disc, and alongside innovative hopper and agitator design it also allows a maximum mass flow rate of up to 500kg/min.
Independent hydraulic drive to each disc allows the actual amount of fertiliser spread to be monitored via the pressure at each disc motor. Using this information, an electronic management system controls the position of actuators and, in turn, the precise application rate in relation to target rate, width of spread and forward speed.
The electronic regulator automatically compensates for any variation in fertiliser flowability, and hence there is a reduced requirement on the operator to monitor flow, and the system is capable of identifying a blocked hopper outlet instantaneously.
The EMC system avoids the need for conventional static calibration testing, as the machine makes the adjustments automatically from simple pre-programmed data.
The Axis 50.1 H EMC W Isobus (without control box) costs from £30,121 (June 2012 price).
For more information visit: www.kuhn.co.uk.
