How to achieve high operational and energy yield when sowing safrinha corn

Corn production in Brazil, together with soybeans, contributes around 80% of the total grains. Therefore, to meet production demand within the crop's operational windows, equipment with greater technology and efficiency is sought.

Case IH's new Fast Riser 6100 folding seeder promises to change the way large-scale planting is done, delivering precision for small plots across the entire area. Its seed box with four tons of capacity reduces the number of supplies and improves the use of working hours. Combining high yield with excellent uniformity, it guarantees superior results even in short planting windows.

Even though the Fast Riser 6100 looks very sophisticated, and therefore takes a lot of time to prepare, the model has several features. Its entire mechanism has just seven grease nipples that take just 10 minutes to fill, saving time when preparing for sowing. Another benefit is that they only need to be lubricated every 50 hours of work, providing longer periods without the need to interrupt the implement's operation for maintenance. The seeder has the most precise distribution on the market, thanks to the technology of the Precision Planting V2 dosers, with a seed disc, sealed by a rubber disc that increases its useful life, which results in a highly uniform seed distribution, with high values ​​of singulation.

The model has 61 lines, spaced 45 cm apart, generating a working width of 27,5 m. This range, combined with the appropriate speed, allows it to reach up to 20 hectares per hour, delivering quality every meter. When compared to the others, the Fast Riser 6100 provides up to 40% more uniform spacing, reducing the number of failed and double plants. It also has a depth limiter, ensuring that the seeds germinate in the same amount of time and without wasting energy to emerge. To avoid overlapping planting lines, the seeder has the AFS system, which allows variable sowing and line disconnection. It provides savings of up to 30% in inputs, in addition to ensuring an adequate population of plants, avoiding competition for resources.

The new hydraulic system automatically corrects the need for weight distribution on the wings, forcing the implement against the ground or making it lighter as necessary. This system allows the Fast Riser 6100 to work on contour lines and terraces, adapting to different terrain conditions by applying variable pressure on the carts and wheelsets. Adjustment can be done directly from the cabin, among three options, to suit both light and hard soils. This technology, combined with 20-inch cutting discs, allows cutting-edge performance in both direct and conventional planting, resulting in less soil disturbance and superior quality furrows.

To facilitate transport, the Fast Riser 6100 folds in half, making it just 6,2 m wide, allowing maneuvers in smaller spaces and taking up less space in the shed. When in transport position, the seeder has 60 cm of free space, reducing damage along the way and facilitating access for implement maintenance. The command to change position is made directly from the cabin and takes just 90 seconds, making the process more agile.

The cabin, as it has the AFS system, becomes the center of the operation. This system, in addition to controlling the position of the Fast Riser 6100 and the adjustment of the hydraulic system, can also receive maps of the area. With them it is possible to make personalized adjustments, sowing at variable rates according to the slope or fertility of each plot without having to directly interfere with the implement. Therefore, the tractor chosen for the operation must have performance compatible with this different performance seeder.

For such a task, the Case IH® Steiger 540 AFS Connect is more than up to the task. Compatible with the Fast Riser 6100 technology, the Steiger not only has the AFS system but also features that allow monitoring of the operation in real time, even from a distance. Its monitor is highly intuitive, featuring remote connectivity, map generation and administration of varied doses during operation. In the event of any problem or malfunction, it is possible to request remote diagnosis to reduce the time the tractor will be idle.

But this tractor is not just about technology, it has 4x4 traction and a longer wheelbase, which guarantees better traction for adverse terrain. Its chassis and structure are made of half-inch steel, with a reinforced traction bar that gives it robustness and the ability to pull heavy implements. The Steiger has a three-point hydraulic system that can lift 8,9 tons and its set of quick-connect valves is capable of supplying 428 liters per minute at constant pressure and flow, thanks to a dedicated hydraulic pump. Its design was designed to minimize the effects of soil compaction, without losing power or performance.

The tractor's transmission is Case IH's PowerDrive Powershift, with a choice of four or six gears depending on the power chosen. The Steiger has Power Boost to provide more power at the PTO or speed, allowing it to overcome obstacles in the area without losing performance. It has emissions control, in addition to a two-stage turbocharger system that allows better engine response both at high and low rpm (RPM). The tractor also has a spacious cabin, whose functional lever has been redesigned to leave the most used functions just a touch away.

In terms of autonomy, the Steiger AFS Connect has a 1.722 liter tank, significantly reducing the number of refills and increasing operational performance. To facilitate maintenance, it only needs three key fluids to keep it running and the oil change must be carried out every 600 hours of use. These two cutting-edge Case IH products have been subjected to testing so that their performance can be evaluated.

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the energetic and operational performance of the Steiger 540 AFS Connect tractor in conjunction with the Fast Riser 6100 seeder, using automatic transmission management (gears 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) at speeds of 6,0 ; 7,0; 8,0; 9,0 and 10,0 km h-1.

The experiment used the Case IH tractor, model Steiger 540, with nominal power (ISO TR14396) of 542 hp, electronic management of extra power of 613 hp, with Full PowerShift transmission (16 x 2), 4WD traction and management system automatic productivity. The Fast Riser 6100 seeder was attached to the traction bar, with 61 rows spaced 45 cm apart and only seed deposition, 20-inch straw cutting disc and sowing depth of 4,5 cm in the soil, according to Figure 1 .

During the test, the set was equipped with double tires on the front and rear, with pressure of 12 PSI on the inside and outside, respectively. The total mass of 27.745 kg was distributed 57,7% on the front axle and 42,3% on the rear axle, and the mass-to-power ratio was 51,2 kg hp-1.

To study operational and energy performance, hourly consumption and per area worked were determined, in addition to operational performance. The operational speed values ​​were determined using the 740030A radar (Vansco). Hourly fuel consumption was measured with two flow meters (volumetric type - nutation disc) model RCDL25 (BadgerMeter) allocated at the fuel inlet and return.

The experimental area located in the municipality of Primavera do Leste (MT) had soybean coverage (harvest) of less than 1 ton ha-1, slope of 2% and soil with a sandy texture. Strips of 500 linear meters were determined to conduct the evaluations, with a maximum load variation of 5% and speed stabilized after the initial 20 m, as shown in Figure 2.

Below (Figure 3) the results of the studied parameters are presented. The efficiency value (EF = 90%) to determine the operational capacity was carried out on the farm, with the set moving in the evaluation ranges.

Through the results obtained experimentally, it is possible to verify the maximization of operational and energy efficiency with the correct dimensioning of the evaluated set.

Maintaining operational speed in all operating ranges resulted in seed deposition singulation values ​​within the limit of 95%. Highlighting the importance of this variable to ensure adequate distribution of plants in the sowing line, which leads to high crop yield.

In addition to correct distribution, we must highlight parameters relating to the operational performance of the set, as if they are not met, they can result in high production costs. Such as operational speed, fuel consumption per hour and per area worked, in addition to the operational capacity of the set.

With the increase in operational speed (Figure 3A) we can observe an equivalent increase in fuel consumption per hour (Figure 3B), since the energy demand of the operation increases with the increase in operational speed. However, to more assertively analyze the real fuel consumption of the set, the fuel demand per area worked (L/ha) must be checked. In which, according to Figure 3C, we can observe the maintenance of this parameter with the increase in the studied speed, this is due to the adequate dimensioning of the mechanized set. Thus, minimizing its energy expenditure. Demonstrated by maintaining fuel demand at around 3,0 L/ha, regardless of the speeds evaluated.

In addition to the energy factor, the increase in the operational capacity (Figure 3D) of the set stands out with an increase in operational speed, making it possible to carry out a larger area worked in less time. Reaching 23 ha/h at the highest speed evaluated, as a result of the adequate sizing of the tractor with the seeder, as if the sizing is carried out inappropriately we may face problems such as slipping and a disproportionate increase in fuel consumption, factors that harm the performance of the machines. agricultural activities in the field and directly affect the cost of the operation.

Due to these factors, we can verify the assertiveness when working with the Steiger 540 and Fast Riser 6100 set, which results in good levels of operational capacity and fuel consumption in the seeding operation.

By Lauro Costa Rezende (Case IH Agriculture, Tractor Marketing); André Gutierrez Peres (Case IH Agriculture, Marketing Seeder); Samir Paulo Jasper, Gabriel Ganancini Zimmermann, Fernanda Gonçalves Moreno (Agricultural Tractor Adaptation Laboratory, UFPR)