Kuhn Farm Machinery announced at Cereals 2014 the availability of a mechanical-drive version of the Electronic Mass Control (EMC) system within the Axis twin-disc fertiliser spreader range. This development makes advanced spreading technology, which was previously only available on hydraulic-drive models, more affordable.
The main methodology for EMC is the constant measurement of mass flow (kg/min) at the point of application, independently at each disc, allowing the machine to then adjust aperture size on the move to maintain a target application rate. This is achieved on mechanical drive machines by measuring the torsion in the drive shafts for each of the discs, with this measurement being correlated with mass flow to give the machine accurate information about the amount of fertiliser being applied.
Mechanical drive models (Axis M EMC) are typically priced approximately 20 to 30 per cent less than the price of the equivalent hydraulic drive (Axis H EMC) models.
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| On mechanical drive models, EMC works by measuring the torsion in the drive shafts for each of the discs, with this measurement being correlated with mass flow to give the machine accurate information about the amount of fertiliser being applied. |
Using the EMC system, Axis EMC fertiliser spreaders are constantly monitoring fertiliser flow (every second), enabling almost instantaneous adjustment of actuator/aperture positions to either side of the machine in response to changes in fertiliser flowability (as may be caused by a partial blockage for example). Similarly, as application rate is a function of forward speed, disc speed and working width, any changes to these parameters are managed by the machine’s information system to allow almost instantaneous adjustment on the move and the maintenance of the target application rate.
The EMC system avoids the need for conventional static calibration testing as the machine makes the adjustments automatically from simple pre-programmed data. As such, 100% of settings for the machine are carried out from inside the tractor cab. EMC also offers the significant advantages over conventional weigh cell systems of providing information and control in relation to each side of the machine independently and also maintaining accuracy in hilly conditions.
For more information visit: www.kuhn.co.uk.
