With an annual production value of more than €70 billion and in excess of 250,000 farms, the agricultural sector is an important component of the German economy. The targeted use of sensors on agricultural machinery and forestry machines maximises efficiency and productivity. Position sensors from WayCon measure the path and distance exactly, enabling processes to be automated. Effective use of sensors can therefore help optimise time and resources.
Further information are provided in our brochure for agricultural machinery.
Pallet forks with draw-wire sensors
In industrial livestock farming, pallet forks are used as attachments for tractors for transporting feed. Draw-wire sensors are used to measure and control the raising and lowering of the pallet forks. When it comes to storing and stacking hay bales in particular, the ability to control the attachments precisely speeds up the work process, saving time and money.
Draw Wire Sensors MH60
| Ranges | from 1000 to 4000 mm |
|---|---|
| Linearity max. | ±0.1 % |
| Output analog | 0...5 V, 0...10 V, 4...20 mA, Potentiometer, optional redundant |
| Output digital | CANopen, optional redundant |
| Protection class | IP67 (optional IP69K) |
| Download | Data sheet MH60 |
Combine harvester with encoders
Combine harvesters are harvesting machines that are used to cut and thresh grain. Modern combine harvesters make it possible to harvest grain on a huge scale. Angle sensors, such as the WPH series with its wear-free Hall-effect sensor element, are installed in the cutting unit to monitor whether the cutting angle and alignment are correct. This is crucial in ensuring that the cutter bar always remains in the optimum position to guarantee consistent harvesting performance. Angle sensors are also used in the steering systems of self-propelled mowers.
Analog Rotary Sensor WPH
| Output | 0.5...4.5 V, 0...5 V |
|---|---|
| Sensor element | hall effect |
| Diameter housing | ø40 mm, ø60 mm |
| Protection class | IP67 (housing), IP65 (shaft) |
| Shaft | solid shaft |
| Download | Data sheet WPH |
Field sprayers with ultrasonic sensors
Field sprayers are agricultural machines that are used to apply pesticides and fertilisers. The height control mechanism of the spray booms relies on ultrasonic sensors and is important to ensuring the product is applied as evenly as possible. Maintaining the optimum distance from crops and soil reduces costs and protects the environment. Ultrasonic sensors can also be used to automate field sprayers.
Ultrasonic Sensors UFP
| Ranges | up to 3500 mm |
|---|---|
| Resolution max. | 0.125 mm |
| Linearity max. | ±0.3 % |
| Protection class | IP65, IP67 |
| Output | 0...10 V, 4...20 mA, switching output |
| Housing | cylindric M12x1, M18x1, M30x1 |
| Download | Data sheet UFP |
Disc harrow with linear potentiometer
Disc harrows are used in farming to plough up and aerate the soil. This encourages volunteer grains to germinate more quickly. Linear potentiometers are mounted on disc harrows to ensure efficient soil cultivation. The durable linear sensors measure the alignment of the harrow and use this to determine the cultivation depth. Optimum alignment can increase the operating speed and reduce the amount of working time.
Linear Potentiometer LZW-IP
| Type | Cylindrical, self-aligning rod end bearing |
|---|---|
| Ranges | 50 - 750 mm |
| Linearity max. | ±0.05 % |
| Protection class max. | IP67 |
| Displacement speed | ≤5 m/s (IP65), ≤3 m/s (IP67) |
| Operating temperature | -30...+100 °C |
| Material | Aluminium housing, stainless steel rod (IP65), chrome steel rod (IP67) |
| Download | Data sheet |
Grape harvester with magnetostrictive sensors
Grape harvesters are self-propelled machines that are used to harvest grapes. Careful handling of the delicate grapes is of the utmost importance, but the vines must not be exposed to too much stress either. Magnetostrictive sensors are used to adjust the shaking rods and the guidance system. The precise sensors ensure that grapes and vines are not damaged during the harvest.
Magnetostrictive Sensor MSB
| Ranges | 50 - 2500 mm |
|---|---|
| Resolution max. | 10 µm |
| Linearity max. | ±0.02 % |
| Displacement speed | < 10 m/s |
| Analog output | 0.1 - 10.1 V, 0.1 - 5.1 V, 4 - 20 mA |
| Voltage supply | 24 VDC ±20 %, (12 VDC for output, 0.1...5.1 VDC) output |
| Protection class | IP67 |
| Operating temperatur | -30...+90 °C |
| Operating pressure | up to 350 bar |
| Magnetic cursor | magnetic cursor |
| Download | Data sheet MSB |
