Test Drive tractor LS Tractor H125

The H Series, formed by the H 125 and H 145 models from LS Tractor, brings the brand's largest tractors which, in addition to greater power, feature bold design and advanced technology.

LS Tractor do Brasil recently launched at Agrishow, in Ribeirão Preto, the new H series with the brand's largest tractors. Between the launch and entry into the production line, scheduled for September, the company completed several field and validation tests, making available to farmers selected by the company, among its dealers' customers, a batch of six units for field tests and product demonstration.

This line, which is not sold in South Korea, was developed specifically for the Brazilian market and other countries where Brazilian LS supplies equipment, in accordance with its agreement with the headquarters, such as countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Philippines and Africa. In fact, technicians from African countries such as Nigeria and Angola are already visiting Brazil to see these models in operation.

The H Series will initially consist of two models, the H 125, with 128 hp, and the H 145, with 145 hp, using the same engine, with different injection system configurations.
This tractor is entirely assembled at the LS do Brasil unit using a module from Korea, comprising the power transmission, including the gearbox, rear axle and hydraulic system components, with the exception of the control arms. lift, which are added here. The national engine is received by the factory in Garuva (SC) and assembled in this Korean set, as well as all other components.
It is immediately noticeable that the manufacturer, in this new series, presented a new look, very modern and bold, both at the front and at the rear, with large headlights and work lighting and side mirrors. Indeed, from a distance, the model appears much larger than other tractors on the market. This impression is also facilitated by the presence of a high air intake for the engine, above the cabin, on the left side and a high exhaust outlet on the right side. This positioning, on the one hand, greatly facilitates the entry of clean air into the intake, with less concentration of suspended dust, and on the other, the exit of gases in a higher position than all cabin inlets, respectively, protecting air quality. inside the cabin. 
As the brand's standard color is blue, the manufacturer chose black for the other components such as weights and supports, mirrors, exhaust pipe, air intake and rear part, keeping the wheelsets white.

The hood is retractable, as is normal in this power range, facilitating access to engine components that require access for periodic and corrective maintenance.

TEST
After learning about the particularities of the new model, which was new to us until then, we began to recognize the characteristics that differentiated it from the LS models already tested by the Cultivar Máquinas team in previous editions. When working with the implements, we had the help of the agricultural technician, Francisco Antônio Alves de Lima, who helps with the mechanized work on the property where we carried out the test.
We also tried to recognize how this tractor was used by the rural producer where the tests were being carried out. Firstly, we found that one of the operations at the time was the distribution of liquid manure, carried out with equipment manufactured by Ipacol, with a capacity of six thousand liters.
After testing with the distributor, we used the heaviest equipment existing on the property and in use at the time, which was an intermediate harrow, used to incorporate oat and ryegrass seeds throughout the year and to incorporate liquid manure after application with the distributor. . The grill we used was from the Tatu Marchesan brand with 42 26-inch discs.
With both pieces of equipment we made some plots, on slightly undulating terrain and on a surface of summer crop residue, which had been trampled by cattle. In both equipment, the tractor proved to be very efficient. We recognize as the greatest qualities of this tractor the ease of maneuvering, the quality of the cabin and its sealing, as well as the ease of accessing the controls, especially the reversing device. In this reverser, the speed of reaction and smooth control were the highlights.
The Power Shuttle transmission should really be one of the great attractions of this tractor, in addition, of course, to the positive appeal of using a renowned engine such as the one that is the manufacturer's option. The expectation of easy and simple maintenance, even in this version with electronic injection, will be an additional benefit for the consumer. 

MOTOR
There is something new in the engines of these two models. The engine will be from Perkins, model 1104D-E44TA, four-cylinder, 4.400cm3, 16 valves, with turbo intercooler. The manufacturer informs that the maximum power of the H 125 model is 128 hp at 2.200 rpm and the torque reserve is 37%, which can be calculated that the maximum torque at 1.400 rpm is 560 Nm. The novelty is due to the brand and model of the engine, which is manufactured nationally and meets the Proconve MAR-1 pollutant emissions regulations. The Perkins brand is worldwide and the engines are and have been used by many tractor brands for years in a row. It belongs to the Catterpillar group and has a production unit in Brazil.
The diesel fuel tank is located in the lower part of the cabin, with the fuel filler on the left side and a capacity of 300 liters, which favors autonomy for an engine with this volumetric capacity and fuel consumption.

STREAMING

The clutch of this model is dry type, with a 348mm diameter disc, covered with cerometallic pads, with mechanical pedal activation.
The H 125 model is available to customers with two types of transmission, a synchronized, standard one, called Synchro Shuttle with 12 forward and reverse speeds, with the possibility of increasing it, with the addition of a super-reduction, Creeper, becoming 20 forward and reverse gears. The transmission alternative, offered as an option, is the Power Shuttle, with a hydraulic drive inverter with 24 forward and 24 reverse gears, which can also be added to the super-reducer, for 40 forward and 40 reverse speeds. The manufacturer estimates that due to the quality of the Power Shuttle version, it will be demanded by the majority of customers.
In this tractor model, LS offers - and should be widely used - the Cruise Control system, which allows the tractor operator to select a target speed through a switch and the engine speed will be maintained, without the need for adjustment. during work. When maneuvering, the speed can be reduced and when returning to work, a simple touch of the switch will make the tractor recover the previously established speed. It is an interesting system for jobs where it is important to maintain constant movement.
The transmission of movement to the Power Take-Off (TDP) is independently activated by means of an electro-hydraulic device, using a switch on the console. The angular speeds of 540rpm, 750rpm and 1.000rpm are available to the user, and to the two considered standard (540rpm and 1.000rpm) 750rpm is added, which is normally recommended to be used as an economical PTO, because if the 540rpm one works with the engine at 2.052rpm and the one at 1.000rpm at 2.130rpm, this one at 750rpm works with the engine slightly decelerated in relation to the maximum power speed, 2.092rpm. The PTO shaft is protected by a shield that makes contact with the user difficult, to avoid accidents.
At the top, next to the VCR valves, there is a six-pin electrical socket for use with trailers and other equipment that requires lighting and signaling.
The rear axle is heavily reinforced and uses a final reduction, placed on the rear semi-axles, with epicyclic gears, with an electro-hydraulic differential lock drive mechanism. These mechanisms that use these devices enable the operation to no longer be done by lever but by switches, bringing comfort to the operator.
As with other LS models, this one uses a movement reversal system to reverse the direction of movement, forward or backward. As a technological highlight, in this system it is possible to configure the tractor's reaction when engaging the reverse. The operator has a small switch on the instrument panel so that the operator can vary the reversing reaction time. This is useful because in different operations, which require effort or speed of reaction, it is useful to make this adjustment. In the fastest and slowest maneuvers, the operator will make this adjustment, in order to optimize his work and increase efficiency.

COMPLEMENTARY SYSTEMS
The auxiliary front-wheel drive (TDA) steering system is hydrostatic with the aid of a Carraro drive axle, with central drive, which can be activated using a switch, as it has an electro-hydraulic system. The rear braking system uses discs moistened with oil and the drive uses a hydraulic piston, which greatly reduces braking effort and increases efficiency. The parking brake is activated using a lever positioned on the floor to the left of the operator's seat.
The tires fitted to the test tractor were specification 18.4-26 on the front and 24.5-32 on the rear axle. However, there are more options that maintain the good performance of the tractor, with possible pairs to install, between the R1 and R2 tire versions, as well as when using dual tires. 
The wheelbase is 2.650mm and the overall length is 5.271mm. Heights depend on the tire version the customer chooses and widths depend on the chosen gauges.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The category II three-point hydraulic system uses a central gear pump with a flow rate of 112 liters per minute and a maximum pressure of 170bar. The operating system is the traditional one, with two levers - one for position and the other for adjusting the depth - which, after being adjusted, according to the work, can be used to lower and raise the command placed on the central console, with the appropriate configuration chosen by the operator. The maximum lifting capacity of the lower arms of the three-point hydraulic system is 4.700kgf at the ball joint in the standard version and 5.500kgf as an option. We note that the system for lifting the lower arms is carried out by means of two huge lateral pistons, with a stabilization system. In this version, the hydraulic system can be activated directly from the rear fenders, avoiding the operator's proximity to the hydraulic arms, as a way of preventing accidents.
In addition to the three-point hydraulic system, as is common in current tractors, this model has an independent remote control valve system, with three valves in the standard version and four as an option and with provision for valves for use in seeders with water flow. oil 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.
Ballasting by adding weight to the front part was configured with 16 40kg plates, making it possible to reach up to 22 4kg plates, plus a fixed support of 110kg. At the rear, the ballast was metallic, with three 55kg discs on each side. This test tractor weighed 7.180kg, which represented 56kg/hp and, according to the LS team that accompanied us, it is possible to maintain optimal weight distribution, with the combination that is offered, with discs for the rear wheels and for the plates on the front support. The reference is 60% of the weight on the rear axle and 40% on the front axle in static conditions.

CABINS 
One of the highlights of our test was the excellent impression we had of the spaciousness of the cabin, with a large glass area and large, well-opening doors on both sides, with external and internal locks and handholds for raising and lowering the vehicle. operator. The cabin is built as a single piece, being installed on the tractor on four fixed points equipped with damping.

At the operating station, a digital panel is available, on the steering column, with tachometer, thermometer, fuel gauge, hour meter, voltmeter and speedometer. On the bottom of the panel there are several operation control switches. Directly on the steering column is the highlight of this model, which is the hydraulic reverser, in the form of a simple lever, operable just by a finger on the left hand, without the need to remove contact with the steering wheel.
In the upper part of the cabin, the manufacturer designed a hatch, with a sunroof and a closing curtain for protection against the sun. As expected, there is an air conditioner, with great power, which during the test, with the average temperature, we set it to half capacity, as if we overdid it, it would cool the room too much. Sound equipment was placed next to the air conditioner outlets, which we found to be frequently used by the machine operator.
A sunshade was installed on the front windshield, which can be lowered or raised according to the position of the sun. A window was placed at the rear of the cabin.
The operator's seat in the standard version is mechanically cushioned and, as an option, according to the customer's choice, it can be pneumatic. The passenger's seat is retractable and can be folded down when not in use and has a seat belt, as required by safety regulations.
On the operator's left side there is a set of controls made up of the levers for changing the speed, low, medium and high, handbrake and PTO activation. On a higher level, the project included a set of niches to store the operator's belongings. On the right side of the seat, in a lower position, there is the gear change lever and the three-point hydraulic system control, leveling and position. 
The console positioned to the right of the operator contains the control levers for the VCR hydraulic system, the throttle control lever and the traditional LS brand lever for programming the lifting and lowering of equipment coupled to the three-point hydraulic system. All lighting switches and other switches are also located on the console. 
Access to the cabin platform is via two three-step ladders, one on each side of the tractor. The size of the steps is quite adequate and they all have side protection and a non-slip surface.

TECHNOLOGY
According to the customer's wishes, these two models of the H series can be equipped with the latest generation technologies, which are hydraulic autopilot, the telemetry system and the engine monitoring system. It is worth explaining to readers who are not yet familiar with these two systems adopted by LS in its models. 
The telemetry adopted by LS is a system called LS Tech Unit Control, of Argentine origin, manufactured by the company Colven with whom LS has partnered to supply its customers. The system, which is in continuous development, provides instant access to a lot of information about the positioning of the vehicle in operation, in addition to recording and reporting on instantaneous speed, tractor running hours, productive hours and possible problems with the engine and rotation in TDP rpm. During and after work, the customer will be able to access the Gestya InfoWeb platform from a personal computer or cell phone and program alerts for the machine operator. 
The engine monitoring system, called LS Tech Engine Protection, serves electronic protection, as it records and informs the operator of the engine temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage. When there is any operating problem that could cause damage to the engine, the system issues an audible and light alert that shows the fault and, if it is serious, in cases of a sudden drop in oil pressure or engine overheating, it automatically shuts down. of the engine. 
These two systems are being widely used in several vehicles and particularly in LS tractors and are showing excellent functional performance, to the point that currently the majority of customers of larger tractors in the range have purchased these equipment at the time of purchase.

LS TRACTORS
LS has had a factory in Brazil, in the city of Garuva, Santa Catarina, since 2013. Six series are currently sold: MT Series, G Series, R Series, U Series, Plus Series and H Series.
The MT1 Series currently consists only of the MT1 25 model, which is a small tractor, aimed at gardening and small agricultural operations. Although it is considered a garden tractor, it has on a smaller scale all the devices used in agriculture, such as a safety arch, Power Take-Off (TDP), remote control with two valves and a three-point hydraulic lifting system. This model is expected to have a lot of penetration as one of the smallest tractors on the market and reach the expectations it has generated at agricultural fairs where it has been shown.
The G Series only has the G40 model, with 40 hp, a three-cylinder engine and direct injection. It features a transmission with 12 forward and 12 reverse gears, with reverse direction. 
The R Series has two models, the R50, with 50 hp, the R60, with 60 hp, and the R65 with 65 hp. The engines are four-cylinder, Tier III emission control technology. It is possible to purchase it with a super-reduction gear, which can reach 32 forward gears and 16 reverse gears, with a mechanical reverser in the platform and cab versions.
The U60 model is the representative of the U series. It has an engine with 65 hp of maximum power and a transmission with 16 forward and reverse speeds, with movement reverser, and can also be equipped with a super-reducer. More recently, the U series also includes the U80 platform and cab model.
The Plus series, which before the launch of the H Series was the manufacturer's highest power range, has three models available with 80hp, 90hp and 100hp, respectively. The two largest with a turbocharger system and the smallest naturally aspirated. The transmission is traditional, with the reverser being sold in platform or cabin versions. 
The new H series, which we tested for this issue of Cultivar Máquinas magazine, has two models with power from 128hp to 145hp, with 16Fx16R transmission. These models were presented at Expointer 2017 and officially launched at Agrishow 2018 and will be available for delivery in the 2018 summer harvest.

CHECK OUT BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE TEST DRIVE

TEST LOCATION AND PARTNER DEALERSHIP
During the test, we had the support of the staff at the LS Tractor Dealership, in Mafra (SC), Yamagril, who accompanied us, together with the LS Tractor team. Being at the test site, for the Cultivar Máquinas team, was truly a pleasure. The Dalmolin Agricultural Farm, in the town of Avencal do Meio, in the city of Mafra, is a very beautiful and pleasant environment. One of the owners, Mr. Fernando Dalmolin, welcomed us and gave us his day of work to monitor the test and explain all the agricultural operations used on the family property. In the area of ​​approximately 190 hectares or 80 bushels in São Paulo, as the size of the agricultural area in the region is usually expressed, the family produces soy, corn, milk and beef cattle. Even with the intensity of work, especially during planting seasons, two brothers do all the work, with the help of just one employee.

The story of the Dalmolin family is very interesting, and hearing from those who grew up in the area and worked the land as a family from a young age was a pleasure for the team that participated in the test. Fernando's father, now deceased, migrated from the region of the Fourth Colony of Italian Immigration of Rio Grande do Sul to Mafra and Rio Negro, in 1980, finding some very difficult conditions there, which were overcome as a family. Mr. Fernando was always involved in the day-to-day running of the property, and with the death of his parents, he took over leadership of the business, leaving aside the Veterinary Medicine course he was studying, now in its final phase. Today he lives in the area with his family and already has his children for company at various times during the activity.
For summer crops, the direct planting system is used. In areas where cattle spend much of the year grazing on winter crops, the producer uses scarification every two or three years, followed by harrowing to regularize the surface. In areas with livestock trampling, where scarification is not carried out, the producer incorporates the seeds of winter crops with surface harrowing.