Operators have long known that Maxxum and Puma series tractors offer unmatched in-field versatility. Now, upgrades to Model Year 2022 Maxxum tractors equipped with MultiControl armrests and Puma 150/165 tractors will put operator comfort and convenience front and center for even greater flexibility. Updates include a low-mount wiper, new steps, new monitor bars and rearview mirrors, enhanced safety lighting, and more.

“When it comes to getting the most out of every moment in the field, operator comfort is second to none. Maxxum and Puma series tractors are already known for their convenient designs and features that make in-cab comfort a priority. These new upgrades will further ensure that operators are able to work comfortably and productively regardless of field conditions,”

said J.E. Cadle, Case IH mid-range tractor marketing manager.

A suite of comfort- and productivity-boosting upgrades

Nothing slows productivity down like an uncomfortable operator experience. The new Maxxum and Puma series tractor comfort updates were designed with operators in mind. The updates include a host of convenient features that — taken together — lead to increased productivity out in the field. Features such as a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and in-cab cool box keep operators comfortable during long days, while enhancements such as LED safety lighting, new sleek rearview mirror, and low-mounted front wiper make for greater visibility for out in the field.

The full list of updates to the Model Year 2022 Maxxum and Puma series tractors includes:

• Low-mount front wiper for maximum visibility
• In-cab cool box for increased operator comfort
• New aluminum steps
• New monitor bar with USB outlets for convenience
• New rearview mirror for better field of view
• New battery cutoff switch located outside the door
• LED beacon lights for greater visibility in all field conditions
• Elastic hood closing rope
• New advanced loader joystick with reverser

Enhancements build on 2021 improvements

In 2021, select Maxxum and Puma series tractor models were equipped with additional safety, convenience, and comfort updates to improve efficiency out in the field. These updates — which include a redesigned hood for Puma series tractor models 150 and 165, improved lighting to create a uniformly lit work area, and Hi-eSCR2 emissions technology for longer service intervals and enhanced fuel economy — were driven by customer input that has helped operators achieve greater in-field precision while remaining comfortable in the cab.

“Every enhancement we’ve made has been driven by what producers want and need from their equipment. We’re excited to build on these design upgrades in the years to come,”

Cadle said.

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Operational safety enhanced through self-learning control systems

Looking ahead, digital valve control tops such as the T.VIS M-20 will be indispensable key components in processing plants.

“We are already bringing elements of the valve of the future to fruition. This reflects the growing demand among manufacturers for connectivity, handling, and process diagnostics across their entire product lines. That means plants today are increasingly exposed to even higher stress. Our GEA T.VIS M-20 counteracts this thanks to its shock-resistant design and built-in sensor technology. This helps operators ensure plant availability and quality through automatic, self-learning, reproducible process controls,”

says Bernd Porath, Product Manager for Valve Automation at GEA.

Customers are required to commission plants ever earlier, lines often run at full capacity, and product changes are made so rapidly that valves are subjected to pressure surges and vibration.

Automatic initialization for commissioning and under process conditions

To lighten plant operators’ workload during commissioning, the valve experts have integrated digital intelligence into the GEA T.VIS M-20 control top in the shape of a proprietary program code.

The Quick-Setup takes care of the entire commissioning process – including self-learning position recognition by the feedback systems – without the need for specially trained personnel. All that operators are required to do is assign the electrical and pneumatic connections. The built-in contact-free path measuring system detects its position with a precision of 50 µ – a much higher degree of accuracy than would be possible manually, says Porath. Under process conditions – following maintenance or replacement of the control top – the electronics automatically initialize the feedback systems.

The ease of installation has been confirmed in field tests at Arla Foods and Uckermärker Milch.

“Our customers were astounded and very pleased. The M-20 can be installed completely intuitively, without needing to rely on judgment or experience by the operating staff. We have considerably reduced the burden on operators by eliminating errors caused by different users entering different settings,”

reports Porath.

The modules were instantly up and running at the customers’ sites and have now been operating smoothly for months.

Improved protection against mechanical stress

In designing the M-20 control top, GEA placed emphasis on protecting each individual component and ensuring operational safety even under heavy use. The vibration and shock resistance of all components was increased to 10 g in accordance with IEC/EN 60068-2-6 and 27, double the level of the previous model.

“The path measuring system and control electronics are located on a combination printed circuit board, which is no longer encapsulated but openly integrated into the housing, as with our most sophisticated A-15 control top,”

explains Porath.

All components are also protected by the proven T-VIS housing technology at the highest level against dust and moisture applying the IP69k standard.

Lean portfolio and simple spare parts handling

GEA now covers the full spectrum of digital control top requirements for hygienic and aseptic valves with just two types: The new GEA T.VIS M-20 control top is optimized for most applications without additional monitoring requirements.

GEA’s butterfly valves, single- and double-seat valves, as well as valves with special functions and product recovery systems, can be fitted with the control top, including virtually the entire GEA VARIVENT and GEA Aseptomag valve series for hygienic and aseptic valves, respectively. All of the control top’s mechanical and electronic components are compatible with the associated GEA valve technology.

If more than two feedbacks and further monitoring functions via an IO-Link connection are required for double-seat valves with seat lifting, GEA’s portfolio offers the GEA T.VIS A-15 premium solution. Conveniently, GEA has designed standard pilot valves, switching rods, path measuring systems, and connections for both the M-20 and A-15 control tops. This standardization simplifies planning, servicing, and ensuring spare parts availability, particularly in the event of subsequent plant modifications.

Sustainability in tomorrow’s component design

With regard to further valve technology developments at GEA, Product Manager Bernd Porath reports:

“Plant uptime, robustness, and repeatability of processes and their components are all part of the overarching theme of sustainability, which is a huge concern for the industry. Optimally configured, durable process technology naturally plays a part in the smooth operation of our customers’ plants. We aim to show how digital control tops with sophisticated automated functions and feedback options can contribute to an improved climate footprint. We intend to capture additional functions within our valve range – from control to process diagnostics and predictive maintenance.”

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The faster your construction crew reaches a state of maximum productivity, the better it is for your bottom line. Have you ever watched crews, surrounded by modern equipment, begin a job by pounding a wooden stake into the ground and think, “Isn’t there a better way?” There is.

With innovative intelligent Machine Control (iMC 2.0), Komatsu’s smallest intelligent dozer, the D39i-24 lets you program 3D design data directly into the 105 HP machine. Operators — even those with less experience — can work with utmost efficiency, guided by sophisticated automation. Through automatic dozing, rough cut to finish grade, Komatsu’s iMC 2.0-equipped D39i-24 helps make every pass count for superior production, compared to traditional aftermarket systems.

With a factory-installed, integrated system, the D39i-24 has been upgraded with a number of new intelligent features.

Learns as it works

With proactive dozing control, the dozer measures the terrain it tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass so even less experienced operators can automatically cut/strip from existing terrain. Productivity can improve by up to 60% versus the previous generation.

Reduces operator fatigue in rough dozing

The tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing, reducing operator steering input by up to 80%.

Spreads fill material automatically

With the press of a button, lift layer control puts in repeated consistent lifts. Time savings are realized because each layer is precise, reducing or eliminating the need to rework for over compaction or under compaction.

Quick surface creation

Operators can create a temporary design surface with the press of a button with quick surface creation. Combined with other iMC 2.0 functions, crews can begin stripping or spreading using automated input while waiting for the finish grade model.

The post Komatsu’s D39i-24 Dozer Offers Enhanced Automation appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.