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The Axis-M 30.1 EMC twin-disc fertiliser spreader has taken application to the next level. According to Rauch, this spreader can give precise control of the application rate without the need for weigh cells to be fitted on to the machine. While the EMC technology was available in the hydraulically driven Axis-H, it’s being used on a PTO-driven machine for the first time this year. The Axis-M received a gold medal at Agritechnica.
In contrast with weigh cells, the Axis EMC controls fertiliser flow using metering shutters on each side of the machine. The drive torque of the spreading discs is proportional to the fertiliser flow rate at the metering side. In previous EMC fertiliser spreaders, the drive torque of the spreading discs was still determined by oil-pressure sensors and rev counters. The generation of EMC controls works with contact-free sensors fitted at both spreading disc drive shafts. Rauch uses magnetostriction speed measurement modules, which have been used on Segways.
The magnetic field of the spreading disc drive shafts changes under load. The change of the magnetic field is measured in a contact-free manner and converted into a torque signal. The known torque is required to keep the flow rate constant. The rate of fertiliser is measured every two seconds with a 1% variation in output, according to Rauch. If the spreader sends a signal back to the control box that the flow rate has changed, it can automatically open or close the shutter as required to have the correct torque measurement to keep the flow rate the same. Rauch believes this technology will decrease running expenses.
The Quantron controller is the brains of the machine. Entering the field name, type of fertiliser and then keying in the application rate are just some of the functions. The unit detects the PTO input speed from the tractor and adjusts the spreader’s fertiliser drop zone on the disc to give the correct working width. This data is also required to calculate the torque readings from the sensors.
A blue loading line shows when the spreader is finished reading the data from the tractor after turning on the unit for the first time and activating the PTO. Type in the rate of fertiliser and it’s good to go. When applying three bags per acre, you get an application rate of 370kg/ha.
A comprehensive range of Rauch mounted spreaders, including the MDS machines, from 700-litre hopper size will be on display at the Cork Machines Ltd stand.
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