Double Test Drive with LS Tractors tractors

We tested the versatility of the LS Tractor Plus 90 and U60 tractors in the most diverse applications in vegetable production, from planting to harvesting.

We couldn't have made a better choice for a double field test of the LS tractors, Plus 90 and U60 models. A perfect customer for a journey with two important models from the South Korean company, established in Brazil in the city of Garuva (SC). We went to the city of Holambra, in the State of São Paulo, to visit a Premium client of the brand, the company Rijk Zwaan, of Dutch origin, with a subsidiary in Brazil. It is one of the five largest producers of vegetable seeds in the world and has an administrative and seed research and development area in the city of Holambra, in which LS tractors are protagonists in a fleet standardized by the brand.
The person responsible for welcoming us to the company told us about the intense process of choosing the brands that supply Rijk Zwaan. We were impressed by the narrative of the process and application of criteria that led the company to choose LS as its supplier of tractors, which will serve the meticulous and delicate process of producing seeds for horticulture with a high genetic standard.

Our field testing activity took place in one of the research and production units of the company's Brazilian experimental station. The location is Holambra and there we were able to test the two LS Tractor models, in different conditions and with different equipment, depending on their application in the production process.  
LS Tractor presents a tractor portfolio based on six series, with three Plus series models, the Plus 80, the Plus 90 and the Plus 100; two U series models, the U80 and U60; two from the R series, R65 and R50; a G series model, the G40; two from the H series, the H125 and H145; and the MT1.25 microtractor, which has had an incredible national impact and which we are eager to test in working conditions.

Although we already tested the U60 in March 2013 and February 2018, the Plus 90 is new. We knew the Plus 100C right from its launch in September 2013, when it was the brand's biggest model, even before the launch of the H line. Since then, the company has increased its manufacturing at the Garuva (SC) factory, and the company's market share increased significantly. 

PLUS 90
The Plus 90 tractor is the main tractor in the Rijk Zwaan company's experimentation unit, and most operations are carried out with it, especially the heavier ones. The Plus 90 works with double wheels in operations that require greater power availability and, when the double wheels are removed, it serves operations with high demand, however, which need to be carried out in smaller spaces and in which double wheel operation is difficult. . In these heavy operations, the Plus 90 is responsible for pulling the disc plough, the scarifier, the medium and disc leveling harrows, the rotary hoe and the rotary hoe with tiller and fertilizer. 
The process of preparing the raw soil is done with a disc plow or harrow, depending on the situation of the land, sometimes including a pass with a scarifier to decompact it. The scarifier is also used to mix the fertilizer into the soil after it has been mobilized. The tractor is also used to place platforms after applying mulching. The three-meter-long posts are buried to a depth of one meter in the ground, and the hole is opened with a soil drill for fence posts driven by the PTO of the Plus90 tractor. 
The engine of this tractor is from Perkins, model 1104D-44TA, four cylinders, total volume of 4.400cm3, eight valves and turbo suction with aftercooler. It generates a maximum power of 90 hp at 2.200 rpm and a maximum torque of 393 Nm at 1.400 rpm. (ISO/TR 14396 standard). Tier III limits for pollutant emissions are respected in this model.
Power transmission begins with a mechanically driven clutch, with a 330mm diameter organic disc. The gearbox is synchronized, called Synchro Shutlle, but with the option of a hydrostatic gearbox called Power Shuttle. The Syncro Shuttle transmission has 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds, with an equally synchronized inverter, and can reach 20 forward and reverse speeds with the creeper. The speed lever is located on the right side of the seat and the groupset lever is on the operator's left side.  
The Power Take-Off (TDP) is innovative for what is offered in the country, as it has three operating speeds (540/750/1.000), and can use the 750rpm rotation as an economical TDP alternative.

The three-point hydraulic system is category II, with a maximum flow of 61,6L/min and maximum pressure of 200kgf/cm2. The lifting capacity measured at the ball joint can reach 3.800kgf. The system is traditional, with a position and depth control lever. In this tractor, there is an automatic system (Liftmatic) that provides the comfort of adjusting the lift height, and controlling it with a small lever. After adjusting the depth when lowering the implement, it returns to this pre-programmed depth.
The remote control system is an independent type, allowing the three-point hydraulic system and the remote control to be activated simultaneously. It has three remote control valves in the standard version, with a pressure of 200kgf/cm2 and a maximum flow of 61,6L/min. As a creative solution, this model has a color relationship between the lever and the double-action valve, in which the colors (black, blue and green) relate to the valve covers, giving the operator greater ease when doing the coupling the tractor to the implement.
The front axle is driven, with electro-hydraulic drive. On the rear axle, the final reduction is epicyclic and the differential lock does not use a lever, but an electro-hydraulic switch. The steering system is hydrostatic, with an individual pump with a flow rate of 24,2L/min. The three brake discs on the rear axle work wet in oil and are operated via a hydraulic cylinder.
There is a wide choice of wheelsets available to the user, for which the manufacturer already informs the pairs of tires that must be fitted to the two drive axles. On the tractor we tested, the pair of tires that were fitted were 12.4-24 R1 on the front axle, and 13.6-38R1 on the rear axle, double wheeled. However, the manufacturer offers 12 more options for particular conditions. The fuel tank is 100 liters. The shipping weight of the Plus 90 is 3.350kg, reaching 4.950kg with all ballast. The wheelbase is 2.375mm and the ground clearance is 507mm. The gauge can be adjusted to different needs, varying in this model from a minimum of 1.709mm to 1.818mm on the front axle, and from 1.651mm to 1.851mm on the rear axle.

The Plus 90 model is offered in a platform version, with Rops (Rollover Protective Structure), and an open station or in a cab version, like the tractor we tested. Access to the operator's station is via a ladder with two non-slip steps, and handholds on the cabin column and inside the door. There are two doors with keys, and the main entrance, the one on the left and the one on the right, can be used as an emergency exit. The operator's seat is of good quality, with arm rests and retractable seat belt.
The air conditioning system features selectors for speed and direction of air flow and temperature. As for the controls, especially those frequently used (hand throttle, remote control, hydraulic system and transmission), they are in the best access zone. A multifunction control controls all movements for one of the intended uses of this tractor, which is the blade, winch or front scoop. The control panel (system operation information signals and tractor meter) accompanies the steering wheel column when it is adjusted.

TEST
In the experimentation area, the Plus 90 tractor is in charge of heavy operations and works by pulling the plow, scarifier, harrow and rotary hoe with a 1,20m wide tiller and fertilizer spreader. To understand the system used in the experimental station, it is explained that the area is divided into lots and these are prepared and used for seed production. In the raw areas, which have still been incorporated into the production process, the land is prepared for the future placement of the beds. This entire process comprises a sequence of applying a disc plow, medium harrows and levelers, in addition to, in certain cases, the scarifier being used to reduce compaction, as very loose soil is needed to form the bed. The plow loosens the soil and the leveling harrow breaks up the clods, before the tiller enters. They explained to us that, sometimes, it is necessary to use a rotary hoe, as, with the soil being clogged, it is not possible to assemble the beds. At the end, a base fertilizer is applied and this fertilizer is incorporated with a pass of a scarifier.

The first harrowing test on millet with the Plus 90 was with a medium V harrow, Santa Izabel brand, model GNL 28 with 28 discs, weighing 720kg, recommended for a power of 70hp to 75hp. The chosen gear was 4th gear, at 1.800rpm. Although this tractor is used in heavy operations with double wheels, in several conditions the external wheels are removed, as is the case with planting. After this harrowing, it was planned to broadcast cover crop sowing and another incorporation harrowing, with the same tractor. This area, which will be used in the first half of 2020, will be maintained with green manure.
As explained, each semester production takes place on a plot that can only receive new cultivation after five years of fallow and recovery. Black oats and millet are used as cover crops and green manure.
After preparing the land, it is time to form the beds, which is done using a rotary hoe with a tiller and fertilizer, and finally, the plastic mulching can be placed. We tested the Plus90 with the 1,20m wide tiller. The machine is a rotary hoe with a tiller and fertilizer brand MEC-RUL, model ERP 150 B C/FC, with a bed width of 1,25m. This operation is carried out with prepared and very loose soil. We used the Plus 90 in the first gear of group L, without creeper (super-reducer) at 1.800rpm, which achieved a travel speed of 1,9km/h to 2km/h. 

U60
The U60 is this customer's versatile tractor. It is used to drive the rotary hoe with a 1,10m wide bed and fertilizer spreader, the back planer, the bed plasticizer and the brush cutter, among other activities with lower power requirements.
The engine that powers this model is from the LS brand, model L4AL-Tier3, with four cylinders, a volume of 2.505cm3 and 16 valves and aspiration with a turbo compressor. Reaches maximum power of 65 hp at 2.500 rpm (ISO/TR 14396 standard) meeting the emission limits corresponding to the Tier III standard. This tractor has a fuel system bleed pump, with an electronic device for detecting the presence of water mixed in the fuel. When this occurs, the operator is warned by a light on the tractor's dashboard.

The clutch used is of the cerametallic type, with a 275mm diameter disc and mechanical pedal activation. The gearbox, like the Plus90, has a standard and an optional version. The standard version is synchronized (Synchro Shuttle) and with hydrostatic assistance in the optional version (Power Shuttle). The standard synchronized version has 32 forward and 16 reverse speeds, with mechanical inverter and super-reducer (creeper), being one of the only models offered on the market with super-reducer in the standard version. The optional version has 16 forward and 16 reverse gears, with hydraulic inverter.
The Power Take-Off (TDP) is independent, activated by an electro-hydraulic switch also presenting three rotations, 540/750/1.000rpm, offering, like the Plus 90, the possibility of using the intermediate speed, 750rpm, as Economic TDP. The PTO is activated electromechanically, in manual or independent mode, depending on the position of the selector switch. In manual configuration, the PTO disconnects when the clutch is activated. When the choice is for independent mode, the tractor automatically turns off the PTO when the arms of the three-point system are raised. Transmission lubricant is the same as that used in the hydraulic system, VCRs and steering system. The hydraulic system uses two independent hydraulic pumps. The first serves exclusively for the tractor's steering system and the other is used for the three-point lifting system and for VCRs. The system is automated, as, by using a small lever, positioned on the right side of the operating station, the operator can lift the equipment, and with one touch he can lower it to a pre-programmed vertical position. Two independent Remote Control Valves (VCRs) are offered in the standard version, with three VCRs available as an option. The maximum flow of the system is 36,4L/min.
The category II three-point hydraulic system has a total flow of 55 L/min and maximum pressure of 208kgf/cm3. The weight lifting capacity at the kneecap reaches 2.200kgf in the optional version. And the lifting control uses the traditional position and depth lever system.
The front axle is mechanically driven. The rear axle has epicyclic final reduction, with mechanical differential lock. The steering system is hydrostatic, with an exclusive pump, and the braking system is made up of three discs that work immersed in oil, with mechanical pedal activation. 
There are five tire versions offered by the manufacturer. The tractor we tested was using 9.5-24 R1 tires on the front axle and 12.3-36 R1 tires on the rear axle. The fuel tank is 80L, and the curb weight is 2.930 in the standard version and 3.575 with options. The wheelbase is 2.047mm and the ground clearance is 420mm. The gauge adjustment allows you to vary from 1.295mm to 1.840mm on the front axle and 1.215mm to 1.740mm on the rear axle.

The cab is fixed on four cushions, two front and two rear, to reduce vibration. There are two doors, with keys, and a tilting rear window. The tractor has a rollover protective structure (Rops) built into the cab. On the left side, built into the columns, there is a 12V power point and the switches for the cabin's internal and external lights and windshield wipers. On the side console, positioned to the operator's right, are installed an object compartment, the gear activation levers, the PTO rotation activation (choice) lever and the VCR activation levers, the three-point system activation, and determining the working depth of the implement coupled at the three points. In orange, the lever for memorizing the adjusted position of the three-point system stands out. On the floor and on the left side of the seat, the parking brake lever and the gear group selector lever (four groups) are located. On the platform floor, for operator control, there are the clutch, brake, foot accelerator, differential lock and TDA activation pedals. The steering wheel has position adjustment, and the accelerator is placed on its column, on the right, and the reverse lever on the left. The operator's seat has armrests and a seat belt, and can be adjusted in three ways: distance, backrest position and vertical oscillation.
The hood is tiltable and greatly facilitates maintenance and cleaning operations on radiators and other engine components.

TEST
With the U60 tractor we also tested the planting operation. When we carried out this test with the Plus 90, the ground condition was loose, with great mobilization, and could be done at a higher speed. In this case, we did it on firm ground, without prior preparation and with cover vegetation, using the creeper standard in this model. We use a rotary hoe with a MEC-RUL planter and fertilizer maker, model ERP 140BC/FC, with a bed width of 1,10m, in 1st gear, with the creeper developing a speed of 500m/h. 

We found that there was an adaptation to the flowerbed machine, through a small accessory to the rear deflector, placed to cause the bed to bulge, to improve the drainage of surface water, resulting from rain or irrigation. 
We did not test it, however, we saw that the process of covering the beds is done with the U60, with plastic material (mulching), using a bed plasticizing machine brand MEC-RUL, model PCMR 120 for mulching up to 1,20m, weighing 280kg, for a required power of 30hp. 
The person responsible for the research area explained to us that for these tasks and for spraying, the tractor's reduced turning radius is essential. This was one of the criteria for choosing the LS brand, as with the reduced space of 2,90m between tomato rows, leaving only 1,70m of useful width, it is essential that the tractor has a maximum gauge of 1,40m and capacity to maneuver between alternate streets. In his opinion, the presence of a front axle with a pivot, without crossarms, is essential.

We thank the team from the company Rijk Zwaan Brasil, for presenting all their activities in the research areas, including mobilizing themselves so that we could carry out field tests, especially engineer Marcelo Bonaroti, station manager, Cleuzo Bazarello, Leader of Field of Unit 1, and to Valdir Costa Ramos, Field Leader of Unit 2. 
We would also like to thank Astor Kilpp, from LS Tractor Brasil, Paulino Jeckel, from Agência Escala, and the J.A. Máquinas dealer representative, Ademir Chiquetti, for their strategic support and monitoring during all tests. 

LS Tractor in Brazil and around the world
The South Korean tractor manufacturer has been producing agricultural equipment in the country of origin since 1976, first under the LG brand, later changing to LS. The LS Mtron brand was born in 2008, when the manufacture of LS brand tractors began, later acquiring the name LS Tractor. In South Korea, it is one of the market leaders in agricultural machinery and electronic components. In China, since 2009, the brand has produced, in a new factory, more than 50 thousand tractors per year in total. In Brazil, after the beginning and consolidation of the brand, it is now among the five leading brands on the market. 
In our country, operations began in 2013, initially with a few imported models and then starting to manufacture in the new unit built in the city of Garuva, in Santa Catarina, close to Joinville. The brand's dealer network is already well developed, aiming to serve customers in all Brazilian regions. From a beginning in which only tractors were produced for small and medium-sized farmers in all these regions, the company launched tractors with power exceeding 100 hp, expanding its market to medium and large producers, with the H series models. Recently, several Technology items have been added to existing ones, presenting solutions for fleet monitoring and engine health diagnosis.

Test drive in a reference seed quality place
The testing and knowledge area for the Plus 90 and U60 tractors was Unit 2 of the research and development area of ​​the Dutch company Rijk Zwaan, in the city of Holambra. The company is a customer of LS Tractor, with three tractors recently purchased. It is an area exclusively of research for the improvement and adaptation of products to the Brazilian market. The areas cultivated with various horticultural products only serve as research and development of seeds brought from the headquarters in the Netherlands, and whose phenotype is verified when developed in our country's environment. The company's motto, written on the entrance portal of Unit 1 of the experimental station, in Holambra, is “Sharing healthy future”, that is, “Sharing a healthy future”, which is linked to all practices developed in the experimental fields. The company, upon arriving in Brazil, developed a detailed system for selecting agricultural machinery manufacturers, with which LS Tractor became a supplier. For the Korean company to sell machines to Rijk Zwaan, several objective criteria were applied, such as the technical aspect (travel speeds, maneuverability, etc.) and the dealer's situation (economic stability, technical knowledge, parts stock, etc.). ) and the manufacturer (no commercial conflict, market position, etc.), with the price of the product being one of the least relevant factors.

Tests with the crops and varieties developed at the station lead to the choice of the best materials that are best adapted to the Brazilian market. Once approved by the breeding and production process, the seeds are supplied to selected producers by technical sales representatives, who monitor the entire process.
The company, worldwide, employs 3.000 employees and has subsidiaries in more than 30 around the world and is present in more than 100 countries. In Brazil, there are two experimental projects, one in Holambra and the other in Mossoró (with only research on melon and watermelon). 
In terms of mechanization, the company has, at stations 1 and 2, in Holambra, three tractors - Plus 90, U60 and R60 -, reversible disc plows, atomizer, agricultural trailer, gravity fertilizer distributor, rotary hoes with tiller and fertilizer, rotary hoe, scarifiers, medium harrows and V-shaped levelers, back planer, bed plasticizer and brush cutter.