AMAZONE, the renowned agricultural equipment manufacturer, and FieldView, Bayer's leading platform for digital agriculture, are starting a strategic collaboration with the aim of further promoting and simplifying the adaptation of smart farming practices.

This collaboration aims to improve connectivity and create a link between FieldView's advanced digital tools and AMAZONE's precision machinery. Farmers will benefit from easy digital capture of all agronomically relevant parameters, marking an important milestone in the digital transformation of agriculture. AMAZONE and FieldView, both leaders in their field, combine their expertise to make it easier for farms to adapt modern practices.

One of the main objectives of FieldView is to provide farmers deeper and more objective insights into the performance of their crops and fields. Therefore, the collaboration with AMAZONE aims to ensure seamless integration and communication between AMAZONE machines and the FieldView Drive. Basic compatibility with AMAZONE crop protection sprayers and fertiliser spreaders was already in place in the past. Together we worked on improving the documentation for variable fertiliser rates on the basis of application maps. This way, if provided, AMAZONE fertiliser spreaders can apply a different application rate on the left and right side when processing application maps. In FieldView the recording with double precision is now also possible thanks to the co-operation with AMAZONE.
 

FieldView Cab App visualizing rate per side (above) as applied by the Amazone ZA-TS and shown on the AmaTron4 (below)

Most recently, both partners dealt with AMAZONE's seed drill technology. In particular, machines that can simultaneously apply seed, fertiliser and other inputs from different tanks. In one of the next FieldView Cab App versions, the newly created compatibility for AMAZONE seed drills will be made available to all customers. This further development will enable FieldView to fully capture all products applied during seeding and use them as a basis for insight and analysis.

In addition to seamlessly capturing, storing and visualising important field data, FieldView helps users make better decisions every day and achieve the optimum for their land. This ranges from prioritising fields for scouting, early detection of problems and end-of-season maturity monitoring, to detailed sub-plot and field trial evaluations and agronomic performance of individual inputs across the entire farm. 

The latest technologies and highest quality machinery enable today's modern farmer to use AMAZONE machinery for targeted and efficient applications of any input on their land.

Christine Brunel-Ligneau, Digital Farming Solutions EMEA, comments: "It is an exciting and pivotal time for innovation in agriculture. We are rising to the challenges and at Bayer we are focused on providing farmers with holistic solutions based on scientific knowledge. To meet the needs of our customers, we work closely with leading industry partners to enable data collection and sharing between diverse platforms. We are passionate about helping our farmers use modern tools and skills to help their crops, rural areas and the environment thrive."

In the future, FieldView farmers will benefit even more from AMAZONE's technical expertise, with both partners intending to capture additional data layers, in addition to increasing precision and quality of the data collected. For example, captured weather data from AMAZONE machines would allow to make better decisions immediately during field work, or afterwards when assessing the quality of work.
 

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Amazone ZG-TS equipped with WindControl (above) and FieldView Cab App visualising the data captured from the sensor (below)

Gregor Bensmann, Product Manager Smart Farming, is convinced: "... the provision of further objective, machine-generated data layers will increasingly be the basis for decisions of agricultural businesses. The compatibility between our machines and systems such as FieldView enables our customers, through simplified access to the data, to identify additional optimisation potential in their operations and adapt processes accordingly. Access to further sensor data from our innovative AMAZONE machines thus contributes even more to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of agriculture. What's more, the data already underpins the enormous progress that have been made thanks to precision agriculture."

 

More efficient than ever

Amazone has extended its mounted spreader product range with the ZA-TS 5000. The ZA-TS product range has stood for maximum performance with the highest precision since its introduction. Precise spread patterns up to 54 m with application rates of 650 kg/min are the key to this. While capacities of up to 4,200 l were previously possible, the new hopper capacity of up to 5,000 l further increases the maximum area output. 

Increased efficiency

The increase in capacity of 800 l reduces the number of filling operations, thereby simplifying the logistics. The large hopper capacity of the mounted spreader can be used to the full, especially when using lightweight spreading materials such as urea. The number of journeys between the field and yard can be reduced and the increasingly shorter time windows for the spreading are optimally utilised. Efficient, needs-based fertilisation is therefore guaranteed.

Use the full potential

The ZA-TS 5000 comes with the Ultra frame and the Profis weighing system as standard. The intelligent integration of the Profis weighing system in the ISOBUS software enables the user to monitor fill levels and residual volumes, define target weights and fill precisely at any time. The maximum payload of 4,500 kg is utilised in full without running the risk of overloading the spreader.

• Increased efficiency
  Make the best use of fertilisation windows
• Use the full potential
  Fill precisely and avoid empty trips

Precise fertiliser application even around curves

CurveControl adjusts the lateral distribution to the various cornering speeds and corrects the movement of the spread pattern in centrifugal fertiliser broadcasters when driving around bends. This results in more uniformcrops and helps prevent of undesired over-fertilisation inside the bend as well as fertiliser placement beyond the field boundary.

The challenge: complex causal relationships

Curve compensation has already been implemented by AMAZONE in crop protection sprayers. However, the sprayer boom is located tight behind the physical pivot point of the machine. The application rate only has to be adjusted within the boom width for curve compensation. 

The throwing distance of a centrifugal broadcaster is up to twice the working width and the application area is many metres behind the spreader depending on the type of fertiliser. Furthermore, the spread fan is kidney-shaped. 

All this demands detailed knowledge of the way that the spreading unit works with the various fertilisers along with a corresponding complex implementation of a control algorithm. CurveControl therefore has an exceptionally high degree of innovation and complexity for a fertiliser spreader.

Consequence: incorrect application caused by the turn

The current state of the art of modern centrifugal broadcasters has the disadvantage that over- and under-fertilised areas inside of the working width occur when negotiating bends as a result of different speeds. This effect is amplified by the combination of forward speed and swivelling of the spread pattern caused by the steering angle. This means that significant over-fertilisation arises in some areas as a result of these multiple overlaps, whereas gaps occur in other areas. 

In addition to this, the swivelling of the spread fan at the edge of the field causes fertiliser to be applied beyond the field boundary. This must be avoided without fail with regard to resource conservation and to abide to the applicable regulations.

Perfect fertiliser distribution around curves 

CurveControl prevents under- and over-fertilisation, which is undesirable from an ecological and economic point of view, and thereby minimises the risk of nutrients leaching into the ground water. Furthermore, incorrect application beyond the field boundary when negotiating bends is prevented by CurveControl. In addition to this, CurveControl can further improve the environmentally-friendly use of mineral fertiliser in combination with existing solutions such as ArgusTwin, WindControl and GPS part-width section control. 

In summary, CurveControl closes an important, frequently underestimated gap and provides even distribution in all areas of the field. It will not only make a key contribution to environmental protection but will also improve the cost benefit result for every application.

• Environmentally-friendly
  No incorrect application when negotiating bends
• Resource-conserving
  Optimum use of the available fertiliser
• Economic
  Uniform crops in every field situation 

Flexible – Precise – High-performance

AMAZONE sets new standards in the combi spreader sector with the new trailed ZG-TX. Both granular mineral fertilisers and earth-moist limes can be applied precisely through the one machine by means of a simple conversion between the TS spreading system and the newly developed spreading unit for lime. The ZG-TX therefore combines the advantages of the TS spreading system, with its disc-integrated AutoTS for optimum border spreading results, with maximum efficiency in spreading lime. With the simple Special frame and the stronger Super frame, AMAZONE offers the right machine for any application.

The precision spreader in its class – Accurate fertilisation in focus

The term combi spreader is used to describe machines which meter either mineral fertilisers or lime to 2 spreading discs via a floor belt. However, the demand for optimum precision is also increasing in the customer sector for combi spreaders. Against this background, AMAZONE decided to break new ground in the field of fertiliser application and combine it with the precision of the TS spreading system. The result is new in many respects.

Instead of a simple chute via which the fertiliser is guided onto the disc, a defined delivery point adjustment is integrated into the ZG-TX. This in turn enables precision-optimised features such as HeadlandControl and Section Control to be achievable. As a result, the spreading unit, familiar from the TS spreaders, provides precise spread patterns up to a working width of 54 m. When combined with the optional FlowControl torque measuring system, an exact spread rate regulation is guaranteed right from the first second. In this respect, the fertiliser is precisely metered using the intelligent interaction betwen the electric double shutter and floor belt speed. This is also possible independently of which side when using application maps. 

Perfect border spreading

The ZG-TX also sets new standards in border spreading. The AutoTS disc-integrated border spreading system is fitted during assembly to the right-hand side of the machines as part of the TS spreading system. This guarantees an optimum border spreading result right up to the edge of the field, even at large working widths. Previously a feature only found on the ZA-TS and ZG-TS precision spreaders, the system is now also used on the ZG-TX. As a result, up to 17 % additional yield is possible in comparison to conventional border spreading systems. The use of such a border spreading system in a combi spreader is unique. 

Double benefit – lime and fertiliser distributed to perfection

The special feature in the ZG-TX is the simple conversion between lime and granular mineral fertilisers. Only a few individual components need to be exchanged for this purpose. These include the spreading discs, the splash guard and the delivery system. Thanks to the clever software, the terminal recognises that the spreader has been converted. The combi spreader is converted completely in around 25 minutes enabling either lime or fertiliser to be spread immediately. 

Highly efficient lime spreader with innovative features – no compromises during arduous field work

In particular, the robust design of the ZG-TX Super means the maximum load on a single axle. This is provided by the axle load of 15 t combined with a drawbar load of 6 t. The steep hopper walls ensure that even earth-moist limes flow smoothly, and an optional chain rake then guarantees the even flow of material to the spreading unit.

This newly-developed spreading unit ensures maximum work rates. It distributes the lime effectively at working widths of up to 16 m.

Lime spreading from a new perspective

In addition to its performance when undertaking arduous lime spreading, precision was also at the focus of the developments. For example, an optional rate reduction shutter also enables, at the same time, the even application of small quantities of lime of less than 1 t/ha. Furthermore, from the off, the spread pattern can also be optimised for lime by means of a simple delivery point correction.

Again as a new development for combi spreaders, Amazone now also offers a border spread deflector for lime application as an option. This means that lime can also be precisely applied too along field boundaries and ditches.

The right machine for any application

The various levels of equipment available for the ZG-TX trailed combi spreader means that the machine can be specifically tailored to each respective application on large-scale farms, contractors or in machine hire businesses. The Special frame variant comes with a hopper capacity of 6,800 l and 9,000 l with a maximum permissible machine weight of 12.5 t. The Super frame variant has a capacity up to 11,200 l and a weight of 21 t. 

Whereas the ZG-TX Super is equipped with a rigid bottom hitch drawbar as standard, the ZG-TX Special can also be supplied either with a top or lower mounted drawbar.

AS profile tyres up to 2.05 m diameter or 750 mm wide implement wheels evenly distribute the weight on the ground. The optional axle steering with a steering angle up to 20 degrees completes the product line-up. The dual-circuit pneumatic braking system and the LED lights installed as standard ensure safe, high-speed road transport of up to 40 km/h. 

The floor belt rises by 5 degrees which enables a transfer from the rear to the front. This guarantees optimum load distribution during spreading. Maximum drawbar load and reduced axle loads enable safe driving in the field.

Comfortable operation with Easy and ISOBUS

The right control system is available for every application with the two operating concepts Easy and Tronic. The new intuitive ISOBUS control provides all the functions of the ISOBUS world in the ZG-TX Tronic. In addition to Section Control, part-area, site-specific application and job management, the control system can be integrated in the operating system of the tractor with AUX-N. With up to 3 cameras, you have the surroundings and the machine in view at all times. The optional lighting kit is also integrated in the software in the ZG-TX. Flashing indicates the hopper fill level and permits optimum loading using the intelligent interaction with the digital fill level indicator. There is nothing left to be desired here. 

Operation with the machine-specific EasySet 2 in-cab terminal, which is also used in the ZA-X, ZA-M and ZA-V mounted spreaders, guarantees easy operation with any tractor. The focus here is on the forward speed related rate regulation. A wide variety of tractors can therefore be used with ease with a minimum of demand on the tractor.

Uniform crops on the headland

In the ISOBUS-control models, HeadlandControl is responsible for perfect distribution on the headland. In combination with the electric delivery point adjustment, 16 part-width sections are switched following the parabolic shape of the spread fan. Furthermore, the headland is pushed further into the field, meaning, therefore, that Section Control is also possible at the optimum switching points, even with a trailed spreader, without having to cross the headland tramline. The interaction between the components of the TS spreading system makes the ZG-TX a genuine precision spreader in its class. 

• Flexible areas of application
  Quicker and easier conversion between lime and fertiliser spreading
• First-rate spread patterns 
  Precise lateral distribution for fertiliser and lime thanks to the tried-and-tested TS spreading system
• Perfect border spreading
  Up to 17 % additional yield at the edge of the field with the AutoTS border spreading system – proven by field trials at the Wieselburg Innovation Farm
• Maximum performance
  Up to 54 m working width, 11,200 l capacity and 17 t load

The best of both worlds – Cathodic dip painting process combined with powder coating

Paintwork on a fertiliser spreader is exposed to heavy wear and tear. The paintwork is intended to protect the implement from corrosion, especially when handling fertiliser and where moisture is involved. AMAZONE has been using a new premium painting process for the ZA-V and ZA-TS mounted fertiliser spreaders and the ZG-TS bulk fertiliser spreader since the 2022 model year. This involves a cathodic dip painting process (known as KTL) for priming to give the best possible protection even on the internal surfaces of tubes. Then, a powder coating provides an extra-thick coat of paint for increased protection against mechanical knocks and bangs as well as giving the fertiliser spreader a high-quality visual appearance. 

No worries - Manufacturer guarantee against rusting through

AMAZONE now offers a special guarantee for these models in the form of a seven-year manufacturer guarantee against rusting through. The guarantee can be easily applied for free of charge in the myAMAZONE digital customer portal at www.amazone.net/myAMAZONE under the terms and conditions stated there.

Multi-layer painting

The premium painting is carried out in four main steps. The particular characteristic of this multi-layer painting process is the combination of cathodic dip painting and powder coating. In the first step, the carrier material is prepared for painting in 14 processing stages. This includes e.g. multiple etching and degreasing operations. The fertiliser spreaders are then subjected to zinc phosphating in the next step, in order to prevent the formation of rust as effectively as possible. The third stage includes the thick-layer KTL cathodic dip-paint process. Then, finally, the fertiliser spreaders receive their powder coating. The application of a particularly thick powder coating gives the spreader even better protection against those mechanical demands, and it is provided with double corrosion protection as a result of the stove-baking process.