Test Drive Uniport 5030 NPK Jet

With a capacity for 5.000kg of fertilizers, Jacto's Uniport 5030 NPK is a self-propelled distributor that offers a complete technological package, as well as features that provide fast, effective and precise deposition.

Tests of tractors and harvesters are common on the pages of Revista Cultivar Máquinas, which is why tests with other types of machines and implements are highly anticipated and appreciated. For this edition we carried out a field test with a Jacto Distributor, model Uniport 5030 NPK. This in itself would have sparked the interest of the testing team, but when we saw it, learned about the history of its development and the current stage of the applied technology, we were excited.

The Uniport 5030 NPK is a vehicle equipped with a tank with a capacity of 5.000kg, with a highly developed distribution system, several items of recent technology and of which we will tell the history, explain how it works and analyze its performance in this edition. 
The name of the 5030 model derives from its capacity, where 50 refers to 5.000kg, and the 30 seeks identification and standardization with the family of self-propelled sprayers Uniport 2530, Uniport 3030 and Uniport 4530. This Jacto product was launched at Agrishow, in May 2017, in Ribeirão Preto (SP), it was also part of the brand's launches at the last Expointer, in Esteio (RS), at the end of August, and will also be exhibited as a launch at the next Rural Show in Cascavel (PR) and at Expodireto, in Não-Me-Toque (RS) at the beginning of 2018. In this way, Jacto concludes its presentation, with the brand's new equipment, on the circuit of major fairs.
The Uniport 5030 NPK is a distributor of differentiated products, aimed at farmers involved in annual grain crops, with national and South American markets as its main markets. The equipment is already sold outside the country. Although there is no indication that As the family of self-propelled distributors grows with the launch of new models, there is a strong tendency to expand the line with the launch of a towed distributor (trailer), with the same features as this self-propelled distributor.
The project is unique and was the result of two and a half years of development, starting in 2015, with field tests and validation by the manufacturer's own team. This equipment is entirely manufactured in Pompeia, in the state of São Paulo, at its manufacturing unit. Jacto is one of the largest manufacturers of coffee pulverizers and harvesters in the world, with approximately 1.500 employees, and turns 70 in 2018.

VEHICLE
The vehicle is very similar to the self-propelled sprayer manufactured by Jacto, even sharing several common components. The chassis, made up of stringers and cross members, does not use welding between its components, but rather rivets, which provides flexibility to the structure and at the same time prevents breakages when the structure/assembly undergoes greater stress in the field.
The engine used is from the Cummins brand, model QSB, with a total volume of 6,7 liters, with a power declared by the manufacturer as 243 hp. The injection is electronic and in terms of emissions it meets the MAR-1 standard, and diesel up to level B20 can be used as fuel.
Power transmission is hydrostatic, with independent hydraulic motors on all four wheels, with planetary reducers. There is integration between engine and transmission, so the engine constantly varies its speed to deliver only the torque and speed that the wheels need at the moment, optimizing fuel consumption and maintaining travel speed. This factor is important, especially when working with a variable rate, where maintaining speed is vital for practice efficiency. This integration is done through two control modules that act on the hydraulic pump by controlling signals received from different sensors. The hydraulic motors of the wheels are also influenced, to aid grip and balance. These modules also act on the vehicle's engine, adapting the rotation to the required torque.
The vehicle is equipped with independent pneumatic suspension on all four wheels, with air pockets connected to automatic height control valves.

CABINS
The cabin is very comfortable, with digital air conditioning, the same as that used in the Uniport 2530 sprayer. Access to the cabin is via a front ladder, which is folded down when the equipment is set in motion. As expected in a distribution equipment, and even because it is the same as the sprayer, the cabin is pressurized. The seat has pneumatic cushioning, with several adjustments to adapt it to the operator. To the left of the operator there is a passenger seat. The steering column is adjustable in height and distance from the operator.
The multifunction control is placed within reach of the operator's right hand, on a console. With it you can control the speed and direction of travel. And through switches operated by the thumb and index finger, you can turn the application on and off, activate the border control system, control the autopilot, when available, and other configurable functions.

WHEELS
Tires are the same on all wheels. In the standard version, they have a diagonal profile and as an option the customer can purchase the vehicle with radial profile tires, as was the case with the equipment tested, with tires of the IF340/85R38 specification. The braking system is integrated into the transmission, through hydraulic motors.
The wheel gauge is adjustable, from 2,60 to 3,15 meters, with manual adjustment being standard equipment, while hydraulic drive is offered as an option. This gauge variation is interesting for adapting the equipment to different crop spacings and also to transport devices, such as trucks and trailers. The height is constant, with a free span of 1,50 meters. With this, controlled traffic can be carried out. The total mass with the tank empty is 8.430kg.

DOSING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
The distribution system begins with the storage of the product, in a 5.000kg warehouse, made entirely of stainless steel. The reference mass is 5.000kg, but it depends on the density of the product that will be applied, the reference being potassium chloride; in urea, whose density is lower, the weight will also be less than 5.000kg. There are two options to check the product level in the warehouse, the first through a small level display and the second through a video camera, installed inside the warehouse, which provides viewing of the image directly on the monitor positioned on the right side console. .

A rubber mat was placed in the product deposit, which fills the entire width of the bottom of the deposit. The project included a tensioner at the front and drums that drive the belt in a barrel format, to prevent lateral movement of the belt.
A deflector was placed above the conveyor belt to relieve the pressure of the product on it, and on top of it, a mesh screen was placed to prevent the entry of large impurities, hardened product and also to protect the operators. They are also useful as a type of sieve that, with the movement of the vehicle, causes the segregation of hardened products. When applying powder products, such as limestone or plaster, it is recommended to remove both the grid and the deflectors.
Over the tank there is a covering canvas that opens and closes using a crank, which activates an articulated system of arms that opens and collects, replaces and stretches the canvas. If necessary, there is also an elastic component with stretchers, to give the canvas more firmness.
The flow rate of the product that will be distributed is determined by the flow that will be deposited on the distributing discs, which in turn depends on the linear speed of the belt and the opening of a gate. There is a reduction box, placed just below the gates and conveyor, with two speed ranges. When placed in position 1, the treadmill will rotate faster than in position 2.

Product flow limits basically depend on its shape and physical state. The equipment can vary the dose of granules between 50kg and 600kg per hectare. Product in powder form can be applied up to 6.000kg per hectare. This dispenser can apply powder and grain products.
It is interesting to say that the variable rate application system is standard on this equipment. To use it, the producer must previously assemble and insert a prescription map directly into the system and it will control the flow depending on the needs of the land.
To regulate the output of the product that will fall onto the discs, there are two gates placed at the end of the tank in a slightly inclined position, which open to a maximum of 120mm for most products. To optimize the process, the machine is programmed to open the gate fully automatically, when the belt speed is maximum. The actuation of the gates is electro-hydraulic, automated with a small hydraulic cylinder that opens and closes the gate after receiving a signal from a potentiometer. The machine automatically closes the gate when the precision agriculture system indicates that it is moving over an area where application has already occurred in a previous pass, such as on the border.
In the equipment adjustment programming process, simply choose the product and there is already a pre-configuration of the gate opening, limiting large openings. For limestone and other powdered products, the gates open from 120mm to 200mm.
To calibrate the equipment, the manufacturer recommends removing the discs and collecting the product that comes out of the gates, reporting this flow rate obtained directly on the monitor. This procedure can be done with a small amount of product.
The distribution range is based on the change in the product's deposition point, with the type of disc, the type of fin and its positioning on the disc being invariable. The fins, therefore, are fixed, but have different sizes, one short and the other long. The manufacturer, who also calls the fins blades, offers three options, one standard and others that can be used to adapt to different products and application ranges. SmartSet (see box on page 25) helps you choose the fins. For powdered products, such as limestone and agricultural gypsum, the distribution disc will be specific.
In tests carried out by the manufacturer's validation team, an application range of up to 50 meters was detected, obtained with NPK in the grain. In these tests, urea had a range of approximately 35 meters and for other powder products this range was smaller. In tests prior to launch, it was already demonstrated that the typical distribution profile is a triangular section.
As previously stated, the variation in the distribution profile occurs in this equipment only by changing the position of the product falling. A spout is used that receives the product that comes out of the gate and deposits it on the disc. This spout can move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with an initial position of 100, a median of 137 and a final position of 153. When the user pre-adjusts the equipment using SmartSet, it will indicate the deposition point, which will be informed in the Otmis OM4200 monitor and will automatically position the spout location on the disc. However, due to the volume applied, this form of adjustment and the spout are not used for limestone or similar products.
After adjusting the equipment, with the help of SmartSet, it is important to check the results. This can be done by the user with the help of trays, which are provided by the manufacturer when purchasing from the distributor. To do this, the trays are arranged transversally to the distributor passage in regular positions, according to the designed deposition range. Afterwards, the contents of the trays are placed in graduated cylinders, so that it is possible to see how the distribution was along the application range.
A question that always arises is in relation to the segregation of mixed products, as the weight of each component, being distinct, causes different distribution profiles between them. The validation team that accompanied us mentioned that in the tests carried out during the development phase this problem was reduced by the difference in size and profile of the blades. The fact of having two interspersed blades, one large and the other smaller, with a projection in the center, separating it into two halves, generates a double flow, which improves distribution.
So that the producer can properly adjust and measure the equipment, the manufacturer provides a granulometer, a cup for measuring density, four trays and a scale.

TECHNOLOGY
As a technological item to highlight, we mention edge control, used for granulated products. With this device it is possible to vary the application range on just one side. In this way, there is a concentration of application to one side, limiting the application to the edge, without spilling over, preventing the product from being applied outside the crop area. This is achieved with the help of the spout, which is directed over the disc in order to deposit the product on the edge flap, on that side. This technological item provides an advantage both in terms of the quality of application and environmental issues, as it prevents unwanted application on roads, forests, rivers, etc.

Another ability of this equipment that is being developed is the possibility of using automatic section control, which provides the closure of sections, preventing the application of products on areas where they have already been placed in another pass. It is possible to control from two to 12 sections, starting from the center of the machine, by changing the point where the product drops onto the disc, reducing the application range on that side where the need has been indicated. The equipment will have to interact with a georeferencing system (GPS) in order to use this technological advantage.
The Otmis management and telemetry system, which is optional, integrates the machine with a network server, so operational information can be accessed via a computer or smartphone. This allows a manager or even the producer to monitor the operation online at the time of the operation. The distributor can be equipped with a light bar or autopilot, at the user's choice. In addition to the automatic correction-free steering equipment on the machine, it is possible to insert RTX and RTK correction methods. 
The Otmis OM4200 monitor features operating and diagnostic functions. Operationally, it is possible to monitor the application width, the instantaneous dose applied, the displacement speed, among others. At the simple touch of a button, the camera placed in the tank or the rear camera, which shows the distribution, can be activated.

TEST
The tests we carried out with the Uniport 5030 NPK took place in the afternoon, applying potassium chloride as a top dressing on soybeans at V3 phenological stage, applying a variable dose on average 180kg per hectare. We used travel speeds between 18km/h and 20km/h, although due to the terrain conditions it was possible to travel at operational speeds of around 25km/h, which is a standard for the equipment, due to its transmission configuration. For transport, the speed limit is 40km/h. We use a slower speed due to the existence of transverse grooves made by the sprinkler irrigation system and the natural lack of practice with the equipment.
After a brief period of basic explanations of operation and operational controls, we took control of the equipment, which was difficult to leave behind. We were very pleased with the cabin, seat and position of the multifunction control, as well as the video camera features, which provide a view of the rear of the equipment and the product tank.
Operation is easy, you just need to get used to the sensitivity of the multifunction control. You can define the direction and speed of movement and start the application. On the monitor next to the console, the displacement speed, the instantaneous product flow and the tank level are controlled. So that the operator does not have to be dependent on the monitor, especially when not using autopilot, it makes it possible to display errors or failures with messages directly on the screen, which is sensitive to touch.
A little ahead we had the Otmis LB1200 monitor, which is used for precision agriculture operations, which makes it possible to see the area where the product has already been applied and configure parameters that allow working with the system. The performance of the engine control modules is remarkable, clearly hearing the rotation variation to adapt to dynamic conditions. Therefore, the engine speed is not fixed, to keep the travel speed unchanged and optimize fuel consumption.
Furthermore, a safe play, without difficulties. Before the headland maneuver, the application stops automatically when it enters the border strip. The maneuver is easy, with a good turning radius, without the presence of sprayer bars. In the tests and application that were being carried out, the tracks of the Uniport sprayer were followed, in a controlled, clearly visible traffic system.
During our participation in the test, we were able to charge the product twice. The system used by the producer is the truck's hydraulic arm (munck) and big bag. It is also possible to load the product with a loader.
We were assisted in this test by the mechanical engineer, Product Manager for Automotive Sprayers and Fertilizers in General, Paulo Guirao, and by the Mechanization and Precision Agriculture technologist and validation analyst at Jacto, Giovani Lopes Zuliani. We also had the support of Bruno Alves Loureiro, an agricultural technician, an employee of the farm who works in various processes, such as operations and administration. Without a doubt, it was a good time to evaluate this machine in excellent operational conditions and with the good will of all participants.

TESTING LOCATION
The tests of the Jacto Uniport 5030 NPK distributor were carried out at Fazenda Triunfo, located in the city of Itaí (SP), close to Paranapanema. The Farm is well organized, with 791 hectares of its own area and 1.035 hectares leased. The owner is producer Paulo Swart, who is a loyal Jacto customer and has a Uniport 5030 NPK fertilizer machine and a Uniport 3030 sprayer, in addition to two of the brand's turbo atomizers. On the farm, soybeans, corn, beans, cotton and oranges are planted and in the soybean crop, where we were applying potassium chloride, average productivity exceeds 70 bags per hectare. In addition to the agricultural technician who assisted us, providing information and providing us with contact with the machine, there are another 14 employees in the agricultural area, in addition to those who work in the commercial area.

 SMARTSET
SmartSet is an application range configuration system, made available to the farmer by Jacto, through an open web page, which can be used in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
It can be seen on http://jactosmartset.com.br/jacto/. It asks the user to declare that they are aware of the conditions of use of the SmartSet and clarifies that there may be variations in the physical characteristics of the fertilizers, which indicate different values ​​from what the fertilizer used by the user actually has. It also recommends that a check be made of the actual working width obtained by field work and excludes the company from liability for the use of values ​​that may differ from the actual ones.

Check out the full test in the file below.