Weeds quickly removed

Cultivation system removes weeds and reduces the use of herbicides

Profile

What was needed:
iglidur plain bearings

Requirements:
weather-resistant, continuous use, dirt resistance

Industry:
agricultural engineering

Success for the customer:
in addition to requirements, the iglidur plain bearings are maintenance-free and the bearing points need not be additionally lubricated.

Weed removal with the Thiessen Tillage cultivation system

Problem:

The unit is exposed to weather and dirt. The test with steel bushings and deep groove ball bearings quickly showed that it requires too much maintenance. A cost-effective and maintenance-free alternative was sought.

Solution:

Thanks to the incorporated solid lubricants in the iglidur materials, iglidur bearings are maintenance-free and require no additional lubricants. In addition, the plain bearings are extremely durable and thus save maintenance effort and costs for lubricants.

Better harvest results with iglidur plain bearings

Thiessen Tillage Equipment has developed a cultivation system for vineyards, nurseries and orchards that enables fast weeding between plants. The system not only reduces the use of herbicides, but also offers more protection for crops and a better harvest result, as it can passively adapt to changes in the soil contour. The system does not rely on electronics or hydraulics, but on the mechanical feedback of the ground pressure. The iglidur bearings are used in the parallel linkage of the system, which enables the weed control head to float vertically depending on the soil conditions. The device is now used throughout North America and is now starting to be adopted in other countries around the world.

The unit is mounted on the tractor and is therefore exposed to all weather conditions as well as sand and soil. There were three other problems for Thiessen Tillage to solve:

1. Movement takes place in the bearing points at low speed, but continuously.
2. The bearing points are radially loaded
3. The risk of failure due to insufficient lubrication

Initially, the company experimented with greased steel bushings and deep groove ball bearings. However, low-maintenance plain bearings were needed that can be used easily and cost-effectively and withstand the harsh environmental conditions. So the decision was made for iglidur® plain bearings.

By using iglidur plain bearings, Thiessen Tillage Equipment was able to dispense with the use of grease nipples at the bearing points. Also in terms of design, iglidur plain bearings offered advantages. Through your efforts, the design and size of the cultivation system could be adapted. For the end customer, they offer the advantage that they can be easily replaced in their own workshop if necessary.