Sustainable development in agriculture is one of the key factors for the future of our planet. Therefore, the continuous technological evolution of agricultural machinery towards more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions is essential.

Hydraulic systems for the operation of agricultural machinery are playing a very important role in this development process. In fact, digitization enables solutions that provide great opportunities for energy efficiency facilitating compliance with the stringent regulations regarding internal combustion engines and providing greater autonomy for the new hybrid and electric-drive technologies.

A typical cause of the loss of efficiency of a hydraulic system is the stand-by pressure differential. The hydraulic pump, in order to ensure the control of movements, generates a pressure constantly higher than the actual required one. It is defined as stand by Margin and constitutes an energy dissipation.

This is the context in which the solution designed by the synergy between Walvoil, one of the main manufacturers of integrated products, electronics, and complete mechatronic systems, and Dieci, an important player in the field of telehandlers, was born and developed.

The ALS Adaptive Load Sensing system minimizes the dispersion of energy in the hydraulic system of telehandlers, considerably improving the efficiency of the vehicle and consequently obtaining a reduction in wear and consumption.

ALS is made of a directional control valve, an electronic joystick, and an electronic control unit, with customizable modular software developed by Walvoil. The control unit collects information from the operations on the controls and from the machine sensors, and acts on the Load Sensing device, adapting the hydraulic pressure differential to the maximum efficiency value required by the vehicle.

The heart of Adaptive Load Sensing is represented by an electro-hydraulic device fitted to the directional control valve, which allows to dynamically modulate the Stand-by Margin, in order to minimize energy consumption according to the real working needs of the machine, automatically varying it only when and how required.

The differential pressure value can be selected also by means of two push buttons on the joystick, the “Precision Function”, which increases the movement controllability and precision, and the “Boost Function”, which increases the pressure value for a higher movement speed without the need to install pumps with higher flow rates.

In partnership with Dieci, the ALS system has been successfully tested on an AGRIPLUS telehandler, one of the top machines in the Dieci range for agriculture.

During the tests, the Walvoil-Dieci Technical Team found on the Agri Plus a drop in energy dispersion values equal to 28% during boom operations, and up to 45% during traveling phases, with a significant improvement in the overall machine performance at various speeds.

We could say that the use of the ALS system on each machine is equivalent to a reduction of 2,899 lb (1315 kg) of CO2/year, equal to the planting of 50-60 trees/year.

The tests highlighted also further important advantages, first of all in terms of safety: by acting directly on the hydraulic signal, the ALS avoids the functional complexity associated with the digital signal.

Furthermore, in case of failures, the original operation is automatically restored, avoiding machine downtime. Then in terms of stability: the control of the pressure value allows improving the machine stability, with a consequent more comfortable use.

And finally, in terms of modernization (Retrofit): the few elements of the ALS kit can be easily installed even on older telehandlers, extending their operational life and improving their performance.

The development of the ALS system takes advantage of the collaboration of TASC, “Smart and Clean Agricultural Tractors Project”, a project including the participation of the main university research laboratories of the Emilia Romagna Region – Italy, created with the aim of minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural mechanization.

The ALS system has won both the prestigious Eima International “Technical Innovation 2020-21” Award, dedicated to machines and devices with features of “absolute innovation”, and also the “Blu Award 2020-21”, attributed to the solutions that are outstanding for environmental aspects.

Discover more about the Walvoil ALS system:

About Walvoil

Member of the Interpump Group, Walvoil is a leading global manufacturer of hydraulic valves, pumps, motors, and complete mechatronic systems designed for mobile equipment: agricultural machines, construction and earthmoving, industrial vehicles, and material handling sectors. An integrated offer of hydraulic and electronic products and systems, all custom-tailored and specifically tested for each different application is what it shares with its customers worldwide.

Headquartered in Italy, in North America, it can count on its subsidiaries Walvoil Corp., located in Tulsa (OK), Red Wing (MN), and Galtech Canada, and on a capillary sales network throughout the whole United States.

The post ALS – Adaptive Load Sensing: Minimizing the Dispersion of Energy in the Hydraulic System of Telehandlers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Powered by a dependable, durable Tier 4 diesel engine and efficient hydraulic system, the new mini track loader delivers fast cycle times, strong breakout force and excellent pushing ability. The MT100 has a rated operating capacity of 1,000 pounds and comes standard with removable counterweights, which can be mounted in the undercarriage or at the rear of the machine on the uprights, to increase lifting performance. Plus, the MT100 is equipped with a completely new, more durable undercarriage that requires no daily maintenance.

At just 36 inches wide with standard narrow tracks, the new MT100 mini track loader offers an ideal combination of an easy-to-use machine in a less-intimidating size. The new mini track loader is ideal for digging, trenching, backfilling and moving material in tight-fitting jobsites. This machine is a powerful, reliable replacement for manual labor and wheelbarrows in tight areas where larger equipment won’t fit.

Two attachment interfaces

Make quick work of grading, backfilling, digging holes, hauling and loading materials with two attachment interfaces available on the new MT100. The new mini track loader features the exclusive Bob-Tach® attachment mounting system which makes it simple to put a wide assortment of Bobcat attachments on the machine. The Bob-Tach system uses an over-center latch mechanism and wear-compensating pins to make proper attachment-to-carrier fitment a given from the first exchange to the last.

The MT100 also features Bobcat Common Industry Interface design which offers operators the ability to exchange attachments as jobs change. Combining over-center latches with pin-on design provides simple and confident attachment-to-carrier connection.

Easy serviceability

Time is valuable, especially when servicing compact equipment. The MT100 has a completely new, more durable undercarriage that requires no daily maintenance. The rollers are permanently sealed and constantly bathed in oil for permanent lubrication. The surfaces of rollers and idlers are heat treated to minimize the wear and tear of typical use and further extend the life of the track system.

Plus, the Bobcat MT100 allows operators to gain easy, tool-free access to routine maintenance areas by simply lifting the hood. They can quickly check coolant, fuel, oil and hydraulic fluid levels so they can be back on the job faster.

Maximized ride comfort

Make hard work easier with more standard comfort features. Operators will experience enhanced comfort and confidence operating the MT100 mini track loader thanks to ergonomic ISO joystick controls and enhanced performance features, including optimized roller spacing on the track system which improves overall ride quality. Plus, an integrated ride-on platform gives operators a wider view to the sides, as well as to the bucket cutting edge or attachment.

Two track options

Travel over established surfaces with less worry about repair time and costs associated with surface damage. The MT100 offers two different track sizes to provide operators with their preferred combination of performance and comfort when traveling over established surfaces or adverse ground conditions. The standard narrow tracks keep the machine’s width to just 36 inches. Depending on the size of the attachment, operators can easily slip through doorways and fence gates. A ground pressure of 5.25 psi provides good protection for most turf and finished surfaces.

Optional wide tracks further reduce ground pressure and increase machine stability. At just 3.97 psi, operators can achieve the lightest possible footprint for sensitive surfaces – and the mini track loader is still only 41 inches wide when equipped with the wide track option.

Quick Look: MT100 mini track loader

Horsepower: 24.8 hp
Operating weight: 3,390 lb.
Rated operating capacity: 1,000 lb.
Hydraulic pressure: 2,900 psi
Length (with bucket): 106.2 in.
Width: 36 in. (narrow tracks); 41 in. (wide tracks)
Height: 54.6 in.

Source: Bobcat Company

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