The importance of agricultural insurance in farming
By Felipe Michels Caballero, Product Manager at Corretora de Seguros Sicredi
With the possibility of applying in a strip of up to 36 meters wide, the Hércules 6.0 fertilizer spreader comes with a six thousand kilo reservoir and can yield up to 80ha/h
The Hércules 6.0 is the largest self-propelled distributor currently produced in Brazil and is known for its high operational performance and distribution quality. With a capacity of up to six thousand kilos and a distribution width of up to 36 meters, daily yield can reach up to 80ha/h, generating great working autonomy with low fuel consumption.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The Hércules 6.0 is equipped with a 220hp MWM Turbo electronic engine, complying with MAR-I legislation, aimed at the agricultural segment. In addition to greater durability, the engine has low pollutant emissions and lower vibration and noise.
Through the Topper 5500, communication occurs with the engine and, through control software, it performs the ideal rotation adjustment, called “ECO mode”, reducing its rotation and causing a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 12%, providing better performance and performance of the engine and transmission set.
The hydraulic pump has a different system that, even in situations of high acceleration, the traction pump controls the oil flow, avoiding pressure peaks in the hoses and throughout the transmission system.
The Hércules 6.0 is equipped with a high-performance LS (Load Sensing) pump, responsible for the distribution discs and variable rate system. LS technology automatically adjusts the oil flow and pressure, using only the flow necessary to perform the machine's functions, providing fuel savings.
The Hércules 6.0 has an electrical system made up of modular harnesses, integrated into the machine and properly positioned inside protective conduits, avoiding exposure and direct contact with corrosive products and the elements, increasing the protection of the electronic electrical system. It also has shunts applied at critical points of the harnesses, facilitating maintenance when necessary, in addition to the use of the best connectors on the market with seals resistant to field application.
DISTRIBUTION
The Hércules 6.0 distribution set was developed to guarantee excellent application quality. The conveyor belt that transports the granulated fertilizers is made of rubber and equipped with an exclusive self-centering device for the conveyor belt, providing greater precision in distribution. The rollers that support the belt have a reduced distance between them, improving weight distribution and resulting in a more precise and uniform application. This roller system prevents the formation of “belly” on the belt, eliminating undue variation in dosage and ensuring uniformity of application. As a result, Hércules 6.0 presents a distribution profile with CV (Coefficient of Variation) below 12% (which may vary depending on the product and climatic conditions).
The self-propelled distributor has a product divider, essential for applying fertilizers, being responsible for directing the product over the center of the discs in order to maintain the distribution profile. The discs have a vane adjustment system, which provides an application range of up to 36 meters, maintaining application quality.
The double gate system was developed to save fertilizers when carrying out trimming, applications on borders and distribution in areas already applied. This prevents overlap, making it possible to apply the ideal recommended dosage.
It comes equipped with an electronic scale, a device that integrates a weighing system developed by Stara, which monitors the amount of product in the reservoir and sends the information to the Topper, which, in turn, emits audible alerts when the level is low. This contributes to time management, as it optimizes product replenishment. Furthermore, the scale can be used to weigh other products used on the farm, eliminating the need for other devices.
Hércules 6.0 enables precise calibration for the application of varying fertilizer rates. Its application range switching system ensures that the dose applied is equal to the programmed dose, with accurate dosages. With correct calibration, it is possible to achieve 98,7% application accuracy, comparing the recommended dosage with the applied dosage and, also, allows for a wide variation in dosage, which can vary between 15kg/ha and 1.500kg/ha, depending on with data from the Ciclus Program, from Cotrijal. Values may be different depending on the product and work speed.
ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY
Hércules 6.0 enhances productivity by enabling the fractionation and application of fertilizers at more advanced stages of the crop. This is possible, since the free span of the machine is 1,35m. Furthermore, the distributor makes it possible to run on the same track as the property's machines, reducing losses due to crushing in the field, being possible with the hydraulic adjustment of the gauge from 2,90m to 3,50m. The tires on the Hércules 6.0 are 380/80 R38 radials. Productivity gains from less kneading can reach one bag/ha in soybeans and two bags/ha in corn, according to data from the Aquarius Project.
The Hércules 6.0 has the N-Sensor ® biomass reader as an option. The sensor reads in real time the plants' vigor index (biomass, chlorophyll content and absorbed nitrogen) and, at the same time, informs the distributor of the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied. The reading is carried out instantly through beams of light that are emitted at a width of three meters. This technology allows the best use of nitrogen fertilizer, with the plant receiving exactly the amount of nitrogen it needs at the exact moment of application, enhancing development and productivity. The reader is recommended for barley, wheat, corn, potato, canola and oat crops. For greater efficiency of this technology, the use of YaraBela fertilizers is recommended.
TECHNOLOGY
The Hércules 6.0 is equipped with its own cutting-edge Precision Agriculture technology, which is easy to use for the operator. The Topper 5500 controller, designed and produced by Stara, has a multi-touch screen that provides easier operation and interactivity between the machine and the user. All Hércules 6.0 calibrations are done through the configuration wizard, “Follow me” function, which allows the operator to easily and objectively calibrate the machine.
The Topper 5500 controller can be used in fixed rate, variable rate or N-Sensor ® applications. The information is sent to an electrical center which, through sensors and a proportional valve, allows the application rate to be varied, causing the belt rotation to change the application speed according to the work mode. During variable rate distribution, the dosage is automatically changed in a few seconds, according to map recommendations. The Topper 5500 also allows the use of cameras to view work and reversing maneuvers.
Another technology available in this model is Stara Telemetry. This technology allows producers to have access to real-time information about application rates in the field. On any mobile device with internet access, it is possible to monitor operations, such as application map, area covered, area applied, percentage of crossing, plots, average speed, location, information about the electronic engine and climate information. All of this means that the producer has more agility in decision-making and safety for the operator and the machine.
CABINS
The cabin is spacious, comfortable and soundproofed. The air conditioning is digital and has an activated carbon filter to ensure the best quality of air circulating in the cabin. Allows broad visibility of the crop during application. Its seat has pneumatic suspension, a radio with USB and Bluetooth input and the interior finish of the cabin allows for easy cleaning and hygiene.
For more information about purchasing the product or questions, you can ask here.
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