Perfection for precision fertilisation: TS spreading system

AutoTS – Comfortable adjustment and precise lateral distribution right up to the field border
The disc-integrated AutoTS border spreading system enables the activation of the different border spreading techniques – side, border or watercourse spreading – comfortably via the terminal in the tractor cab, irrespective of to which side.

AutoTS – the ingenious principle
A setting motor twists the carrier vane forwards by approximately 10 ° so that, when border or watercourse spreading, the fertiliser is delivered via the shorter border spreading vanes. Due to the combination of disc speed and a shorter vane, the fertiliser is thrown over a significant shorter distance without affecting it mechanically.

“The design specification for the development of the Amazone ZA-TS was clear: no longer should there be any compromise between normal spreading and side, border and watercourse spreading around the field boundaries.” 
(profi – Spreading systems in practice “hydraulic or mechanical”· · 06/2017)

Border Spreading Calculator – calculate those additional profits
With AutoTS, an average increase in yield of about 17% can be achieved around the field boundary compared with other well-known systems. Calculate it for yourself now!

The problem: Over- and under-fertilisation on the headland

Fertiliser spreaders have a high throwing distance behind the machine. In practice, the switch-off points are usually only achieved when the tractor is turning on the headland. The arc of spread behind the tractor and round to the side creates areas that are either over- or under-fertilised.

Switch-off time on the headland: Without HeadlandControl

• Spreader switches off too late and is already turning 
• Tractor would have to drive beyond the headland tramline

Result: Over- and under-fertilised zones are created

1. Over-fertilisation (dark-green)
2. Under-fertilisation (white)
3. Standard headland
4. Inner throwing distance without HeadlandControl

The solution: HeadlandControl

When HeadlandControl is activated, the throwing width and spread rate are increased on the field side, so that the switch-off point is moved towards the inside of the field. Furthermore, the new part-width section control, which is now adapted to the shape of the spread fan, causes the part-width sections to be switched off from the outside to the inside when entering the headland. Over- and under-fertilised zones on the headland are subsequently avoided.

With HeadlandControl

• HeadlandControl means that the spreader continues to apply fertiliser to the crop when it is on the headland 
• The tractor can follow the wheel tracks of the sprayer

Result: Uniform crops across the headland

1. Improved lateral distribution at the headland
2. Switch-off point moved
3. Extended headland
4. Inner throwing distance with HeadlandControl

AMAZONE WindControl is now available independently of ArgusTwin

Optimum lateral distribution

The wind is always blowing somewhere in the world and this represents a major challenge in maintaining an even fertiliser spread pattern. The influence of wind on the spread pattern can be constantly monitored and automatically compensated for with the AMAZONE WindControl system (according to Prof. Dr. Karl Wild of the University of Applied Sciences, Dresden). Practical trials have shown that the system reacts actively to wind influences for approximately 80% of the spreading time and provides optimisation of the spread pattern.

Mounted on the machine, a high frequency measuring wind sensor, registers both the wind speed and also the wind direction. According to this data, the job computer then calculates new settings for the delivery system and the spreading disc speed. In a cross wind, the disc speed is increased on the side into the wind and the delivery system is rotated outwards. At the same time, the speed of the downwind side is reduced and the delivery system rotated inwards.

With the aid of WindControl, larger time windows are created for spreading even where there is an influence of wind. Apart from all the important fertiliser spreader parameters, the user additionally always has, in view, the real-time direction of the wind, the force of wind and if the wind is gusting. In addition, in heavy winds, when the system is no longer able to compensate for, or when the wind gusts are too frequent, WindControl sends an automatic alarm to the driver.

AMAZONE WindControl ensures an optimum lateral distribution even in crosswinds.

The benefits 

• Higher output through longer windows of use 
• Increased yield through optimised lateral distribution 
• Operational safety via the automatic warning system

The ArgusTwin system always ensures optimum lateral distribution of the fertiliser via permanent online monitoring and correction of the delivery system. This leads to a more effective fertiliser use and forms the basis for optimum crop management.

The spread fan acquisition in the Argus system is based on measuring the lateral distribution by means of radar technology which is insensitive to dust and dirt and delivers reliable results under practical conditions. ArgusTwin monitors both the left- and right-hand spread fan and corrects the electric delivery system if necessary.

Automatic delivery system adjustment

Via the ISOBUS terminal, the application rate, and any further relevant data relating to the fertiliser to be spread, are entered from the setting chart. For the Argus system, the spreading chart has been updated to include the throwing angle that gives the optimum lateral distribution. Utilising this value, ArgusTwin constantly checks whether the predetermined direction of throw for that fertiliser is in fact being maintained by the spreading discs. When the actual throwing width deviates from the “desired” throwing width due to inconsistencies within the fertiliser, worn spreading vanes, working across slopes or during starting and stopping procedures, the spreader readjusts, on its own, the setting for the delivery system – and that of each side individually. The only pre-condition for its use is the electric delivery system adjustment.

The benefits

• Constant on-line monitoring of both spread fans 
• Maintains an optimum lateral distribution of the fertiliser even with: 
  • variable fertiliser quality 
  • environmental influences, such as moisture and dew  
  • fertiliser coating on the spreading discs 
• Automatic slope compensation of the spread pattern 
• Positioned protected directly above the spreading discs

1. The problems in practice – poor lateral distribution, for instance, due to a change in fertiliser properties
2. Automatic adjustment of the delivery system via ArgusTwin
3. Perfect lateral distribution enables uniform crops, even with varying fertiliser quality and properties

GPS ScenarioControl can be used in conjunction with the AmaTron 4 ISOBUS operator terminal and the AmaTron Twin App.

"GPS-ScenarioControl from Amazone helps to avoid mistakes when selecting the border spreading system as well as unnecessary wheel tracks." ("profi" - Practical test "Going to the border with the App" 01/2022)

Support for needs-based fertilisation

When applying fertiliser, drivers have to juggle various tasks. Firstly, they need to ensure optimal lateral distribution of the material to be spread, as well as maintaining the desired application rate of the fertiliser. Secondly, they must ensure that the most appropriate border spreading mode is used alongside ditches, footpaths or field boundaries, to guarantee legally compliant and precise fertilisation. This can lead to operator errors, especially when changing drivers, as the right border spreading procedure is not activated or deactivated in the right place. Lack of driver knowledge can also lead to non-compliance when applying fertilisers.

• GPS ScenarioControl view on the AmaTron Twin App

Automation of complex switching processes and reduction of driver workload 
 

In the following application, the driver only needs to activate the previously plotted scenario and the fertiliser spreader will automatically perform the saved switching processes. GPS ScenarioControl enables the precise, resource-efficient use of fertiliser, as the various spreading procedures are performed in exactly the right places. This ensures that any subsequent applications by other drivers are legally compliant. In addition, drivers can use the pre-plotted, optimised field route as a guide.

 Field with complete route planning and saved, geo-referenced scenarios

Record and store the right driving strategy
 

When crossing the field for the first time with the fertiliser spreader, all the switching points, driving route and driving direction can be automatically plotted by an experienced driver using GPS ScenarioControl, by pushing the record button. The switching points are clearly marked on the map and the driving direction is visualised with arrows. GPS ScenarioControl is integrated in the AmaTron 4 ISOBUS operator terminal and can be viewed and operated via the AmaTron Twin display extension.

The advantages at a glance:

• Always the same switching processes with different fertiliser applications 
  – Prevention of operator errors 
  – Legally compliant and resource-efficient fertiliser application guaranteed  
  – Correct application in poor visibility, e.g. darkness or fog
• No flattening of crops because routes in the field are always optimised
  – Supports inexperienced drivers

"The tool gives farm managers the certainty that their drivers are spreading fertiliser next to ditches and paths in compliance with the law as well as optimising yields in other respects. This is particularly interesting when the drivers frequently change or when the boss wants to entrust the fertilisation to e.g. his trainees." ("profi" – Practice test "Pushing boundaries with the App" · 01/2022)