Automatic downforce control

AutoForce

HORSCH LLC. Products | AutoForce

AutoForce

automatic coulter pressure control

AutoForce – What do you need an automatic coulter pressure control for?

  • Stony soils require more coulter pressure to place the seed at a consistent depth. If the coulter pressure is too low the coulter body would not move smoothly and the seed would germinate irregularly and with different speed.
  • Light conditions or pressure-sensitive soils need less coulter pressure so that the soil is not compacted. Too much coulter pressure compacts the soil and slows down the development of the roots although all seed was placed at the same depth.
  • There rarely are fields that are completely even. The coulter pressure has to be adapted to each section of the field.
  • This is why HORSCH developed an automatic coulter pressure control system.

How does AutoForce work on the soil?

  • The contact pressure of the row is measured with a sensor at the two support wheels. This pressure (= nominal value) is previously set in the terminal. You can choose between three pressure levels 25 kg – 50 kg and 80 kg (the values can also be adapted individually).
  • With changing soil conditions, the row needs more or less power to be able to keep up the set placement depth. The contact pressure would change. The sensor detects this, and the system regulates the contact pressure in such a way that it always corresponds to the nominal value that has been set. This is possible due to the design of the machine which allows for transferring weight to the seed bar.
  • The coulter pressure automatically varies between 150 kg and 350 kg. Thus, the grain is always embedded at the same level. A too shallow placement as well as soil compaction can thus be avoided.