With a Perkins engine and Power Shuttle system, the LS Tractor H145 tractor is designed for heavy operations on medium and large properties, with agility in maneuvering, as well as comfort and lots of onboard technology.
This month's Test Drive, for Revista Cultivar Máquinas, was in the city of Piratini, in Rio Grande do Sul. The consensus story goes that, between the years 1835 and 1935, the Farroupilha Revolution or Farrapos War took place. In this conflict, in which the Province of São Pedro do Rio Grande do Sul rebelled against the Brazilian Imperial Government, declaring itself independent and forming the Rio Grande do Sul Republic, Piratini was the first capital. The term farrapo or farroupilha corresponds to the gauchos who promoted the revolt.
In this interesting environment and in a very important city in historical terms, recognized by the corresponding institutes, we went to test the LS model H145 tractor. This model, which is the second to be launched in the H series, has 145 hp of maximum engine power and is the largest tractor in the LS line in Brazil.
The LS Tractor do Brasil H series was presented at Agrishow 2018, in Ribeirão Preto, with the first model, H125, being launched at Expodireto 2019, in Não-Me-Toque (RS), and the model we are presenting, at Agrishow this year. The two models required many field tests for validation, mainly due to the new engine, which now uses the Perkins brand.
According to factory engineering, the greater torque availability of the new engines forced two phases of field tests to be carried out, and in May of this year tests with the Power Shuttle transmission were completed. These precautions are taken to provide technicians with information that will be passed on to users.
This tractor model is a development by the company in Brazil and aims to increase the supply of products in a very important range of Brazilian agribusiness, providing a portfolio that reaches medium and large farmers and the export market to African and South American countries. , mainly. The engine is supplied by Perkins do Brasil and the power train comes in the form of a module imported from South Korea, where the clutch, gearbox, differential and final reduction and hydraulic system form the set.
By the way, the LS facility in Garuva (SC) constitutes an assembly plant, as components are not manufactured there. An entire network of suppliers was built to supply the different parts that make up the tractor, according to LS's projects and demands.
As we had already seen in the Test Drive we did with the H125 model, a new look was adopted, with chrome details, which highlight the headlights and the air inlets and outlets on the hood, as well as on the rear fenders. Also noteworthy are the auxiliary lights at the top of the windshield and the four working lights at the rear, placed in the cabin. As we felt when testing the H125, the look is that of a tractor with greater power, with an imposing appearance that should, without a doubt, attract customers.
The tractor has a tilting hood, which facilitates maintenance and features front air intakes between and below the headlights and two side outlets for hot air.
The H series, consisting of the H125 and H145 tractors, is equipped with four-cylinder Perkins engines, with a displacement volume of 4.400cm³, direct electronic injection and 16 valves. The engine is supercharged by a turbocharger, associated with an intercooler to cool the incoming air, offering maximum power of 145hp at 2.200rpm, torque reserve of 37% and maximum torque of 558Nm at 1.400rpm, according to the ISO TR 14396 standard.
Fuel injection is direct electronic, common rail type, a system in which injection time, quantity and fuel atomization are electronically controlled, allowing multiple injections at any pressure and at any time, obtaining greater power, emissions control and reduction in fuel consumption. The pressure in this system can be made more flexible, providing the ideal pressure for different working conditions, optimizing the overall performance of the diesel engine. To filter the fuel, there is a double fuel filter on the left side of the engine.
The model 1104D-E44TA engine is manufactured nationally and meets the Proconve MAR-1 emissions and pollutant regulations, featuring an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, exhaust gas recirculation technology that reduces pollutant emissions without the need of urea-based additives. This technology is called Green Power and is equivalent to MAR-1 emissions standards for Brazil, EU Stage II / IIIA for the European Union and US EPA Tier 2 / Tier 3 for the United States of America.
On the front of the tractor there are four radiators responsible for cooling the engine, transmission oil, intercooler and air conditioning, positioned in a way that facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the components, being easily accessible. The fan is mechanical, driven by a poly V belt.
The air used in combustion enters through a vertical tube, with an elevated air intake from a centrifugal system that removes the coarsest impurities and passes through a double filter, primary and secondary, placed in the upper part of the engine, which forces the operator to use a lifting element (ladder, for example) for cleaning. This system, which causes a small loss of pressure, is compensated by collecting much cleaner air than if air was taken at engine height.
The design of the LS H145 tractor included two plastic protections, one on each side, to prevent the operator from coming into contact with the hot part of the engine on the left side and on the right side, with the alternator belt. The cooling system is open circuit and has an expansion tank placed above the radiators.
The company's technicians informed us that with the adoption of the Perkins engine, which has greater torque, field tests were longer, mainly regarding the transmission and checking for possible oil heating. This is one of the engines most used in tractors by several manufacturers in the world.
We were very impressed with the quality of the casting of the front axle support and its union with the engine block, almost a semi-chassis, which allows the use of front tools, such as loaders.
The power and torque transmission system starts with a dry disc clutch, with a 348mm diameter clutch disc and covered with cerometallic pads. Interestingly, the clutch pedal in this model only needs to be used to choose the group and start the engine, acting as a safety device. To start the tractor in motion, simply move the Power Shuttle reverser lever, located on the steering column, forward or backward. To change gears on the synchronized mode lever there is a switch that can be operated with the middle finger, which serves as a clutch.
Although the other model in the H series, the H125, is offered with two types of transmission, the synchronized 12-speed forward and reverse Synchro Shuttle, as standard equipment, and the Power Shuttle, as an option, the H145 model will only be offered with the Power Shuttle transmission, which uses a hydraulic drive inverter, with 24 forward and 24 reverse gears. As with the synchronized transmission, the Power Shuttle may come with the super-reducer (Creeper), which only works in the L and M groups, reaching 40 forward and 40 reverse gears. With the Creeper option, present on the test tractor, it would be possible to travel between 190m/h and 36km/h.
The transmission is activated in this model using a group lever, positioned to the left of the operator's seat, with three positions, L (low), M (medium) and H (high), with a fourth neutral position. Once the group is selected, in the most advanced position on the console, on the right, we have the H-shaped gear selection lever, with a neutral in the central position and four synchronized gears. This transmission provides us with 12 travel speeds.
The on-load gearshift option (Power Shift or Hi-Lo) is effective with two switches placed within reach of the thumb of the right hand, when two more speeds are selected, which are interposed between the speeds, selected by the position of the levers. Therefore, with the simple touch of these switches, on the top one we go up a gear and on the bottom one we go down a gear. Additionally, this transmission offers an inverter (Power Shuttle), placed on the steering column. A small butterfly-shaped lever, when placed forward, moves the tractor in forward motion, in the middle to the neutral position and, backwards, reverses the movement, moving the tractor in reverse gear.
As we reported before, the entire transmission set is imported from the headquarters in South Korea. It uses a set of final reducers, placed on the rear half-shafts, with epicyclic gears. The differential lock is activated using an electro-hydraulic switch, eliminating lever systems that require effort from the operator.
The power take-off (TDP) is activated by a switch placed on the back of the right side console and is independently operated, with a multi-plate clutch. New to this model is the presence of only two standardized angular speeds of 540rpm and 1.000rpm, eliminating the third option of 750rpm, which is offered in the rest of the LS line. In the safety project, the manufacturer placed a shield-type protection to prevent involuntary contact between the operator's feet and the PTO shaft.
The tractor we tested was equipped with PD22 rear tires in specification 18.4-38 R2 and PD 22 14.9-28 R2 front tires, with double wheels at the rear. The double wheel is made using a spool provided by an LS partner. In the case of the tractor under test, the external and internal wheels were the same size, but there is also the option of mounting the pair with the larger internal tire, using the 23.1x30R2 and 18.4x34R2 wheelsets.
The front axle is from the Carraro brand, manufactured in Brazil, and has a drive and a cylinder in the central position. The TDA is activated with an electro-hydraulic switch. The front differential has automatic locking. The rear braking system uses two discs immersed in oil and is very smooth to operate, as it is done hydraulically. To immobilize the tractor, a parking brake must be activated using a lever placed on the floor, to the left of the operator's seat.
If the tractor is turned off without activating this device, an audible warning signal will be activated and the same signal is used to warn the operator that the parking brake is activated and, therefore, must be deactivated.
The test tractor carried 22 plates weighing 40kg each and a 110kg support at the front. It did not have rear ballast, neither metallic nor hydraulic, due to the double wheelset assembly, however, the manufacturer offers metallic ballast with 55kg discs each, depending on the user's needs.
Below the cabin, at the bottom of the platform floor, covering both sides of the tractor and with a fuel filler on the left side, there is the plastic fuel tank. With a capacity of 300 liters, it has a range consistent with the power and volumetric capacity of the 145 hp Perkins engine. The manufacturer placed two plastic fenders on the front wheels to protect users.
The wheelbase is 2.250mm and the overall length is 5.300mm. The shipping weight is 6.350kg and the rear gauges vary from 1.772mm to 2.142mm and the front gauges from 1.778mm to 2.062mm.
The category II three-point hydraulic system has a central pump with a total flow of 112 liters per minute and a maximum pressure of 170kgf/cm², with a hydraulic pump with a flow of 80 liters per minute for the remote control valves and another hydraulic pump for hydrostatic steering. The lower arms do not have a quick attachment system for implements.
The H145 model activates the lifting system through a pair of levers, one for position control and the other for depth, both located on the right side of the cabin. The maximum lifting capacity at the ball joint of the lower arms is 4.800kgf to 5.500kgf in the optional version, using two lateral pistons, with a control system, for the lateral movement of the implement through telescopic stabilizers.
In addition to the three-point hydraulic system, the H145 model offers three remote control valves as standard or four as an option with free return. One of the standard VCRs is continuous flow and free return for use in seed drills with oil flow for vacuum and pressure devices. The maximum flow rate of the systems in the standard version is 80 liters per minute, and 110 liters per minute as an option. The other two VCRs are standard types.
Although there is a wait for external activation, on the fender, of the three-point lifting system, we did not find the switches installed, which could facilitate the hitching of implements from outside the cabin.
One of the most highlighted points by the test team was the cabin of the LS H145 tractor. It is manufactured by the LS brand and in this example it is imported directly from South Korea, but it can be nationalized in the manufacturer's natural process. It is supported and fixed on six cushions, four at the rear and two at the front. We highlight the impression of good visibility, the large glass area and the enormous space available behind the seats and in the storage compartments, placed on the fenders inside the cabin.
Access to the cabin is via two three-step ladders, placed one on each side of the tractor. However, there is an incentive for the operator to climb on the left side, with the right door serving as an emergency exit. Entry is through a very wide door, with handholds placed on both sides, which assists the operator in entering and leaving the workstation.
The operator's seat is pneumatic in the standard version, and on the left side there is a small passenger seat, both equipped with a seat belt.
In the upper part of the cabin there is a sunroof with a horizontal curtain for sun protection. The air conditioning system proved to be quite effective during the journey, as although the test was carried out in winter, the temperature had risen due to the intense sun. Furthermore, there is a sunshade installed on the windshield that can be adjusted vertically.
There is something interesting about adjusting the steering column position, which is the fact that, when adjusting the position, the central panel moves together, always remaining in the best position for the operator to view. The dashboard is digital and has a tachometer, thermometer, fuel gauge, hour meter, voltmeter and speedometer, as well as light signals for function controls. The configuration and activation switches related to the Cruise Control function are available at the bottom of the tractor's front panel, below the steering column.
There are no obstacles to the operator's view from the cab. The exhaust pipe is located on the right side and has significant heat protection, which prevents burns. Positioning on the right and on the opposite side to that encouraged to enter the cabin is an excellent safety measure.
On the other hand, the terminal of the air intake tube for the engine is placed in an elevated position, above the cabin, on the left side, behind the front column. Placing an air intake with a cyclonizer in this position, although it increases pressure loss, is a relevant factor for clean air intake. Cleaner air saturates the filtration system less, prolonging cleaning intervals. The concentration of suspended dust is proportionally lower the higher the collection height increases.
On the floor, on the right side of the platform, the gear lever and control of the three-point hydraulic system, leveling and position are located.
In a higher position there is a console where the VCR hydraulic system control levers, the accelerator control lever and the traditional LS brand lever for programming the lifting and lowering of the equipment engaged in the three-point hydraulic system, called Litf, are arranged. -o-Matic. All lighting switches are positioned on the back of this console.
On the left side of the platform floor are the controls for changing the speed, parking brake and activating the power take-off. In the left panel there is ample space for objects.
The LS Tractor, in the entire H series and, in particular, in this model, presents a series of options that bring cutting-edge technologies to everyday life in the field. Firstly, we highlight the LS Tech Unit Control, which encompasses the telemetry systems and the engine monitoring system.
The Gestya Telemetry system is an information and communication system via GPS and GPRS, manufactured and used in partnership with the company Colven. It offers real-time information on the location of the vehicle in operation, records information such as hours of operation, instantaneous speed, TDP rotation in rpm, hours with the tractor running, hours at work, in addition to displaying maintenance alerts and inform about possible engine problems. For customers who opt for this option, the company offers access to the Gestya InfoWeb platform, which can be used on a smartphone or desktop, with the possibility of programming communication alerts with the machine operator.
The Vigia electronic engine protection system, called LS Tech Engine Protection, monitors battery voltage and engine and oil temperatures. This system detects any operating anomalies that could cause damage to the engine and issues an audible and light alert to indicate the problem, and can also shut down operation in the event of a critical level, such as overheating or a sudden drop in oil pressure.
These systems, acting together, facilitate the management and conservation of the machine and the entire fleet, whether by optimizing processes with telemetry systems or reducing damage and maintenance costs, as is the case with the electronic protection system. of the engine.
Another technological highlight of this H series is the Cruise Control system. In this system, the operator can select two travel speeds that they wish to use in operation and maneuvers, for example. A key containing the numbers 1 and 2 will be used whenever you want to change the engine speed.
When starting the operation, the operator will press this button, which will maintain the first configured rotation throughout the journey; When the time for the maneuver approaches, it will press the button again, moving to the second rotation configured for that task. The advantages of this system are related to fuel economy, operational safety and the ease of accumulating different tractor commands during maneuvers, where several functions will have to be changed, such as lifting the implement, turning the steering wheel and slowing down the tractor. The example given for maneuvers can be extended to other situations, such as going up and down steep terrain, the need to change engine speed to adapt torque ratios, among others.
Another system that can accompany the LS H145, as optional equipment, is the hydraulic autopilot, a tool that guarantees greater precision and efficiency for the operator during work in the field.
Also, one can mention as an interesting piece of technology the possibility of configuring the reaction speed of the Power Shuttle reverser coupling, located on the steering column. The operator, depending on the type of implement he is using, can vary the reverser reaction time. By activating a switch located on the side panel, it can make forward or backward movement faster or slower, influencing the response of the hydraulic drive package.
Although it is starting to be common in medium and large range tractors, this series provides a seven-pin electrical socket, for general use, with equipment that requires energy for lighting and signaling at night, or even for traveling on public roads.
For the field test, we used an area where, in the summer, soy is produced as the main crop and, in the winter, wheat and pastures. The producer uses soil-recovering plants, such as forage turnip, to improve its physical conditions, compacted by the trampling of animals that are introduced into the areas, shortly after harvesting the main crop.
Also, at the end of winter, in certain areas and infrequently, the producer uses the scarifier as soil decompaction equipment. As this operation would be carried out soon, we chose a Khor scarifier, Skarific model, 11 rods, direct planting, in an arrangement of six rods at the back and five at the front, to test the LS H145 tractor.
In an area of land with medium undulation, we worked in the direction of the greatest length, alternating work in drier and wetter areas, due to the rains of the previous week. On this occasion, we saw the usefulness of the double wheelset, which provides a larger contact area, providing greater traction and support.
For the test, we used the LS H145 tractor throughout the day, alternating operation between members of the evaluation team and the farmers who own the tractor. We were supported by the LS team, Astor Kilpp, commercial director, and Paulino Jeckel, from the EscalaCity+ Agency, which serves LS, as well as the manager of the local dealership GlobalMac, Lázaro Lopes Corrêa.
We operate the mechanized set in second gear (2) of the intermediate group (M), alternating Power Shift in the Hi and Lo positions, resulting in a travel speed between 6km/h and 7km/h, and adequate slippage for maximum traction efficiency. Furthermore, we sometimes test the first gear of the same group at a speed of approximately 5km/h.
As with the smaller H series model, which we recently tested in the City of Mafra (SC), we confirmed the ease of maneuvering, demonstrated by the Power Shuttle reversal system and Cruise Control. Furthermore, we tested the Power Shift alternative, using the lowest gear to go uphill and the highest to go downhill.
Although the terrain conditions were not the best in terms of humidity, we left the test convinced that the Power Shuttle reverser, combined with the Power Shift transmission, will be the main attribute that customers will like. Also, we believe that the engine option will be highly valued, as it has demonstrated at all times that it has excellent torque, capable of supporting a more demanding implement than its technical recommendation.
In ergonomic terms, we highlight the spaciousness of the cabin, which easily supports two people, in the main and passenger seats, excellent visibility and reasonable adaptation of the position of the main seat and steering wheel. We also approved the lateral movement system for the main seat, which allows variations of up to 30 degrees in relation to the centralized position.
The GlobalMac dealership represents the LS brand for a huge sales and service coverage area in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The main store is in the state capital, Porto Alegre, and there are stores in Pelotas, Barra do Ribeiro, Caxias do Sul and Passo Fundo. It is currently the largest dealership in the state and one of the largest in the country. One of the latest pieces of information indicates that, in terms of tractor removal, GlobalMac is the dealership that stands out the most in the country.
Commercial manager Lázaro Lopes Corrêa, who accompanied us throughout the journey, explained that the LS brand is still known as a supplier of tractors for the family farming segment, which is why, in the concession region, the best-selling models are the LS Plus 80 and the LS U60, but an expansion towards the medium and large producer market is already noticeable. The offer of the H series with the introduction of more complete models in the standard version, a transmission considered top on the market, and the reverser in the entire series, is a demonstration of this.
To carry out the field test, the Revista Cultivar Máquinas team, together with the support of staff from the LS Tractor GlobalMac dealership in Pelotas (RS), traveled to the interior of the municipality of Piratini (RS), on the Figueira and Tamanduá farms. . There, we found a total area of 1.200ha, where there is soybean planting in the summer, alternating with pastures and wheat in the winter, in addition to a lot of green area. During the test, the tractor was equipped with a Khor scarifier, model Skarific 11 rods, with six rods at the back and five at the front, 2.800kg gross weight, working depth of 150mm to 350mm and required power of 12hp to 15hp per rod.
The Stark family, formed by the brothers Silvino, Vanderlei, Claudenir and José, works together on a rental basis. They are recent customers of the brand and have, in addition to the LS H145, another LS tractor, model Plus 100. The family lives in Piratini, but is originally from Arroio do Padre, a municipality that previously belonged to Pelotas and is now emancipated as a city.
During the tests, we tried to understand the criteria for purchasing machines by the Stark family and concluded that they were customers of another brand and, due to displeasure with the service, they switched to the LS brand and the GlobalMac dealer. The main motivation was the machine demonstration system, through which they had the opportunity to work with the brand's tractors before purchasing them.
After using both tractors, the Stark brothers came to the conclusion that the most positive aspects of the LS are the ease of operation, the significant reduction in fuel consumption and the excellent after-sales offered by the brand and the dealership.
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By Robinson Cannaval Junior, Founding Partner and Director of the Innovatech Group, Executive Director of Innovatech Consultoria, Graduated in Forestry Engineering from ESAlQ/USP
