FlowCheck

For monitoring the fertiliser spreader aperture

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At Agritechnica 2017, AMAZONE introduces its FlowCheck system for monitoring the spreading apertures on the ZA-TS mounted spreader. In spite of the sieves, which are fitted as standard inside the hopper, a blockage of either aperture could possibly occur. Reasons for this can be, on the one hand, foreign objects or encrusted fertiliser lumps which get into the fertiliser spreader during the loading procedure, are deposited on the sieve and thus, after time, block the sieve. Or, on the other hand, on days of high air humidity, hydroscopic fertiliser types such as, for example, urea tends to stick to the hopper walls or lump together. This might then result in the fertiliser bridging and blockages.

AMAZONE now offers the new FlowCheck system for all hydraulically-driven ZA-TS models. This is a system which constantly monitors each aperture for blockages and also if the spreading unit is running empty. The flow pressure within the hydraulically-driven spreading disc motors is measured via sensors in the hydraulic system and if this changes, due to a blockage in the aperture and thus a reduction in the application rate, the system detects this and sends an alarm to the driver via the terminal. This is monitored for both the right and left hand sides individually. Thus on either side of the machine, any big variations in application rate can be detected.

Whereas FlowCheck ensures that the application rate on either side is the same under all circumstances or, in case of deviation informs the driver, the total application rate of the spreader is monitored and regulated via the weighing system. In addition, the driver is always informed via the weigh-cells of the actual fill level in the hopper.