Lubrication-free polymer plain bearings in hoeing technology for weed control

• What was needed: iglidur G plain bearings
• Requirements: The hoeing elements are exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as dust, dirt and moisture. The bearings must therefore be extremely robust. In addition, samo was also looking for a material that is lubrication-free and cost-effective.
• Industry: agriculture
• Success for the customer: iglidur plain bearings are robust, wear-resistant, corrosion-free, light and lubrication-free. They are also very insensitive to dust and dirt and easily absorb shocks and impacts. A total of 32 plain bearings are used in the application.

With the VarioCHOP, the processing width can be easily set manually or automatically. This way weeds are chopped more efficiently and sustainably.

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Problem

In order to successfully combat weeds, organic farmers in particular are currently relying on choppers that reach the roots of the weeds. The problem with conventional devices: they have to be set mechanically and when stationary at up to 60 points, using a spanner and foot rule. Operations that are very time consuming. For this reason, samo Maschinenbau GmbH has developed the VarioChOP system, which allows variable and stepless chopping.
The VarioCHOP consists of several chopping elements, the number of which the customer can determine themselves. A parallel kinematic system allows easy adjustment of the individual elements. 
The chopping elements are exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as dust, dirt and moisture . Accordingly, the bearing points must be extremely resistant and withstand not only the weather but also shocks and impacts.  
In addition, samo was also looking for a material that is lubrication-free and cost-effective.

Solution

Today, iglidur plain bearings ensure a safe bearing of the moving chopping elements. More precisely, a total of 18 iglidur plain bearings made of the tribo-polymer iglidur G are used in the parallel kinematics of the chopping elements. As an all-rounder, iglidur G is extremely wear-resistant, corrosion-free and light. Furthermore, samo Maschinenbau can now also completely dispense with additional lubricants. The absence of grease and oil also prevents lubricants from entering the soil. The plain bearings are very insensitive to dust and dirt and can be cleaned easily. Shocks and impacts are absorbed by the iglidur plain bearings . A further 14 plain bearings made of the same material ensure maintenance-free bearing of the vertical guide. iglidur G has a high permissible surface pressure and is also very attractive in price as a large bushing with a diameter of 35 millimetres. Thanks to a large number of tests in the in-house igus laboratory, the material has also been proven in heavy-duty applications for years.

A total of 14 iglidur G plain bearings are used in the level guide of each chopping element.

In parallel kinematics, the designers rely on 18 lubrication-free, lightweight plain bearings made of the all-rounder material iglidur G for each hoeing element.

The plain bearings are simply pressed into the elements. They are lubrication-free, insensitive to dust and dirt and therefore ideally suited for use in agricultural machinery.