Valtra, a renowned machine manufacturer, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking tool for fertilizer spreading: the Smart Top Link. This innovative system boasts automatic correction capabilities, ensuring precise adjustments to the angle of the spreader. Future Farming’s investigation into the impact of automatic correction has shed light on the significance of accurate spreader adjustments.
Traditionally, the manual adjustment of a fertilizer spreader, including the leveling of the spreader and determining the appropriate length of the top link, has been crucial. However, the challenge arises when deciding whether to adjust the spreader when it is full, empty, or half-filled. Failure to make the correct adjustments based on the fill level can lead to inconsistent spreading patterns, resulting in under-fertilization in some areas and over-fertilization in others.
Moreover, factors such as tire pressure can further complicate the spreading process, as the angle of a full fertilizer spreader differs from that of an empty one. Incorrect adjustments, such as using a top link that is too long, can inadvertently reduce the working width and disrupt distribution. It is essential to strike a balance, as spreading slightly upward is preferred over downward spreading to ensure optimal coverage.
The introduction of Valtra’s Smart Top Link marks a significant advancement in the realm of fertilizer spreading. This automatic system, equipped with radar sensors and a hydraulic top link, offers a practical solution to the challenges associated with manual adjustments. By constantly monitoring the distance to the ground and communicating with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the Smart Top Link ensures precise corrections, minimizing the risk of under- or over-fertilization.
Valtra’s Smart Top Link system, designed to fit any brand of spreader, holds the promise of enhancing crop growth uniformity and reducing nutrient leaching. While currently exclusive to new Valtra tractors, plans are underway to make the system available for separate purchase and installation on other brands by the end of 2024. This universal design underscores Valtra’s commitment to advancing precision agriculture practices across the industry.
In the realm of alternative solutions, manufacturers like Kverneland and Amazone offer options with inclinometers, allowing for manual adjustment of the spreader angle. While these alternatives provide valuable insights into deviation levels, they lack the automatic correction capabilities of Valtra’s Smart Top Link. The pursuit of automatic adjustment mechanisms, such as the integration of TIM for tractor implement management, reflects the industry’s ongoing quest for precision and efficiency.
With Valtra’s Smart Top Link priced at €5,000 through the Unlimited program, farmers can now access cutting-edge technology to streamline their fertilizer spreading operations. While the system’s current availability is limited to new Valtra tractors, the broader industry trend towards automation and precision agriculture bodes well for future advancements in fertilizer spreading technologies.