The weight of agricultural machines, does a heavier device mean better cultivation, when is the greater pressure of working elements on the cultivated soil significant, and when can it be an obstacle, how does it translate to the stability and durability of agricultural devices, mounted or trailed machine
The weight of my agricultural machine – the heavier, the better?
The considerable weight of the tillage machine can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the tractor used, the machine's suspension type, the soil type, and the specific cultivation conditions. Regarding the benefits of the greater weight of the tillage machine, it enables better performance in various field and climatic conditions, such as drought, where lightweight devices may be ineffective. Key advantages are presented below.
Increased pressure on the soil: heavier machines ensure superior contact between working tools and soil, which is crucial for effective cultivation. For instance, during tasks such as cultivation or harrowing, heavier machines penetrate the ground more effectively, breaking up harder clusters and preparing the soil for sowing.
Stability: heavier machines are generally more stable on uneven or sloping terrain, reducing the risk of losing control while operating.
Durability and strength: heavier machines are more robustly constructed, resulting in extended service life. These machines will likely undertake longer cultivation runs, making the investment in additional kilograms of steel worthwhile for large farms. Thicker and stronger components are more resistant to damage, particularly in challenging growing conditions.
Possibility of mounting additional tools: heavier machines possess a greater load-bearing capacity, permitting the attachment of additional tools or accessories without the risk of overloading.
It is crucial to tailor the selection of machinery to the specific requirements and conditions of the field. For heavy tillage machines operating on light soils, it is essential to equip them with tillage rollers that possess appropriate load-bearing capacity to prevent unwanted sinking.
Agricultural machine suspension Selecting a farm tractor and the appropriate suspension, as well as considering the weight of the tillage machine, are crucial decisions for the farmer. The right combination can significantly impact work efficiency, operating costs, and the quality of soil cultivation.
Advantages of mounted tillage machines
Improved maneuverability: mounted machines are typically easier to maneuver, especially in smaller fields or challenging terrain.
Reduced fuel consumption: mounted machines are lighter, generally resulting in lower drag during operation.
Decreased space requirements: they are more compact and easier to store.
Disadvantages of mounted tillage machines
Tractor load: can significantly burden the tractor, impacting its durability.
Smaller working width: mounted machines may have a limited working width compared to trailed machines. The limitation arises from the tractor's hydraulic lift, as trailed machines have their own chassis. More weight rests on the machine's running gear and less on the lift or tractor's transport hitch.
Trailed tillage machine featuring an independent chassis.
It possesses its own wheels and chassis but requires support from a tractor, which provides propulsion and control. Its self-contained chassis allows for a more even distribution of the machine's load, reducing the burden on the tractor's suspension and enhancing overall durability. Farmers should consider investing in machinery with a driving chassis, despite its higher cost, particularly when fields are distant from the farm. The tractor collaborates with various cultivation devices throughout the season, making it essential to distribute the forces impacting the tractor during transport more onto the machine. This practice helps prevent expensive repairs and overhauls of the traction machinery in the future.
Advantages of trailed tillage machines with their own chassis
Working width: trailed machines are generally larger, enabling faster and more efficient operation over extensive areas.
Reduced load on the tractor: as these machines are trailed, they exert less stress on the rear linkage compared to fully mounted equipment.
Compatibility with smaller tractors: trailed machines are designed for use with lower horsepower tractors.
Disadvantages of trailed cultivation machines with their own chassis
Higher space requirements: require more storage space and may be more difficult to maneuver due to large dimensions.
Poorer maneuverability in small fields: more time needed on headlands when fields are divided into small parts, trailed machines will not be the best choice.
Higher acquisition cost: additional elements such as a drawbar and running gear generate higher financial outlays.
The primary advantage of trailed machines is the alleviation of the tractor's lifting systems and the potential to use the same pulling device with a cultivation machine up to 1.5 meters wider, resulting in a rapid return on investment. When selecting a cultivation machine, it is crucial to consider the soil type, the distance of the device's parking from the fields, the size of the plots the machine will work on, the transport route distance, the type of work to be performed, and the budget. A well-selected tractor and cultivation machine can significantly increase work efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.
The complete range of cultivation equipment from Rolmako
Rolmako is a manufacturer of tillage machines, offering a comprehensive range of equipment for both small and large-scale farms with high-power agricultural tractors. The devices provide soil processing capabilities up to widths of 8.0 m, 10.0 m, or 12.0 m. For instance, disc harrows are available in widths from 1.25 m for orchard needs up to 12.0 m for large farms and service companies. For field cultivation, the selection begins with the light U622 disc harrow, requiring a minimum of 85 HP, and extends to heavier models such as the compact U693 disc harrow (95 - 310 HP), the U652 disc harrow (110 - 340 HP), the SpeedCutter harrow for ultra-shallow cultivation (120 - 280 HP), and the heavy U671 stubble harrow for tractors with powers ranging from 120 to 400 HP. These machines vary significantly in terms of weight, shock absorption, distance of working tools, disc tilt angle, and center of gravity distribution, ensuring adaptation to the specific conditions in which they will operate.
Large agricultural machines with suitable working parameters must possess the appropriate weight. For extensive cultivated areas, trailed machines should be selected. Cultivation equipment can incorporate front support wheels to alleviate the tractor's hydraulic system during field operations. To further ease the burden on the tractor, alternative suspension systems for certain machines should be considered, replacing the standard three-point suspension system with a drawbar eye or ball hitch.
Summary
Heavy soils such as clays and black soils present challenges due to their compact and hard structures. Heavier tillage equipment can better penetrate this surface, facilitating deeper and more effective loosening. During drought conditions, retaining soil moisture is crucial. Deeper tillage with heavier equipment allows for covering surface layers, reducing evaporation and aiding in moisture retention. This ensures plants have better access to moisture during sparse rainfall periods. While compaction is often problematic, controlled compaction is beneficial in drought conditions. Lightly compacting the soil surface post-cultivation helps retain moisture. Heavier equipment offers greater stability, particularly on hard, uneven ground, promoting uniform crops and minimizing machine damage.
The decision between a trailed or mounted tillage machine depends on the specific needs and characteristics of the farm. Considerations should include field size, type of work, storage availability, and the power and type of the pulling machine. In challenging conditions such as heavy soil and drought, stronger and more durable machines are essential. Heavier machines are generally more robustly constructed, potentially leading to a longer service life and reduced need for frequent repairs, ultimately enhancing efficiency, safety, and work comfort. They facilitate operation under the most challenging conditions, such as hard soil and drought. Heavier tillage machines provide several benefits not offered by lightweight models.




