Auto-steering system for trailed sprayers
Auto-steering system for trailed sprayers
CASE IH has developed a new electronic auto-steering system for its trailed sprayers.
The Autotrak system, developed primarily for the companys larger 3600 litre machine, automatically adjusts the drawbar position to ensure the sprayer wheels follow the rear wheels of the tractor, minimising crop damage during headland turns.
The system can also be used in either manual or automatic modes to assist in maintaining the line of the sprayer wheels when working on hillsides. When in work the tracking system can be linked to the spray master switch so that when spraying the tracking system is switched to manual and, when not spraying, the system reverts to automatic for headland turns.
A look at the innards of the system reveals two angle transducers which feed information into a control box in the cab. One angle transducer tells the computer where the drawbar is in relation to the tractor, and the other informs where the drawbar is in relation to the sprayer.
Operation is controlled by three toggle switches, which enable selection of manual or automatic operation, steer left or right in manual mode and tracking or hillside in automatic mode.
In automatic mode control of these two angles allows the computer to position the drawbar by sending a signal to a hydraulic control unit. Hydraulic steering cylinders then control the position of the sprayer in relation to the drawbar.
In manual mode the drawbar initially aligns the sprayer with the drawbar, after this the operator can then manually adjust the drawbar to any required position.
The Autotrak system can be fitted to Case IH TS 2600, TS 3000 and TS 3600 trailed sprayer range. Prices start at £22,569. *