Trimble and JCB take another step in machine automation in Bulgaria

NICKandOpticomshowed in a field test the next step in tillage automation. See what results they have achieved.

Farming is becoming increasingly challenging and requires farmers to use new technologies with a high degree of automationin agricultural machinery. In the coming years, sustainability will be experienced by those farmers who apply strategic business management with forecasts and analyzes, but above all with integration of innovative methods into work processes. The companiesNICKand Opticom, proven over the years as innovators in agricultural technology, have joined forces to offer grain producers High-tech machines with the highest wall automation and precisionof work processes.At the end of last year, the two companies organized field tests in the Yambol region, which showed the benefits of investing in new technologies.The JCB tractor - Fastrac 8330 - what made it a favorite for the tests?The flagship of the new JCB tractor series - Fastrac 8330was aggregated with disc harrow Ovlac, with independent disks. The working process of the field during the tests was controlled by navigation display Trimble TMX-2050which is related to tractor automatic control system Trimble Autopilot™and NextSwath™ technology for automatic cornering at the end of the rowand move on to the next. The tractor used in the field tests JCB Fastrac 8330has a maximum power of 350 hp. It is a brilliant, multifunctional and high-performance machine, easy to control with possibility of complete equipping with equipment for precision farming and implementation of Trimble automation technologies. This tractor is completely different from all other machines on the market with its full frame, 50:50 weight distribution and full active suspension on both axles.Eng. Dimitar Petrov, director of machinery trading at Opticom, shared what makes this tractor unique in the market:“There are several major advantages of the concept Fastraccompared to a conventional tractor. One of these advantages is the ability of this tractor to moves up to 70 km/hin transport. At this speed, the tractor must be able to brake quickly and safely, therefore it is equipped with external disc brakes with ABS braking system. These brakes are external so as not to contaminate the bridge itself and the oil. High speed with the JCB Fastrac can also be achieved in the field, in processes that need to be done quickly. Such discus, spring cultivation, also fertilization and spraying, shared Eng. Petrov.One of the great advantages of the tractor JCBe cCommand PLUS Entrally Positioned Cab. Since the smallest shaking amplitude is in the middle of the machine, and not on the rear tire, the cabin has a central location. This provides exceptional operator comfort, which is complemented by a large heated leather seat that rotates 90 degrees, a refrigerator, LED work lights and a number of other conveniences.The most revolutionary improvement in the new series Fastracè il suo sistema di gestione. The new hydrostatic steering control significantly reduces operator effort, especially with the Rapid Steer option for easy turns at the end of the furrow. On the road network, the new steering is precise and well balanced, which makes driving the new Fastrac 8000More than pleasure. In reality, these are two independent hydrostatic control systems that combine into one, but can also work independently to ensure safety in all conditions. One is driven by the engine and the other by the transmission. The new hydrostatic turning system gives us a greater flow rate, the steering itself becomes much lighter, more precise and more agile.”According to Eng. Petrov from Opticom, JCB Fastrac together with Trimble has the possibility of very precise steering control via autopilot.He was emphatic:“That's why we did this test and we show farmers how they can operate the tractor only with the presence of the driver in the cabin, and the equipment at the end of the levels only manage the inventory, make the turn and direct the machine to the new furrow.”Trimble Autopilot™ tractor automatic control system and NextSwath™ technology - what do they give us in the field? This clarifies us Georgi Georgiev, Regional Sales Manager Western Bulgaria at NIK:“What I want to present to you is display TMX — 2050, placed in the cabin of JCB Fastracin combination with automatic tractor control system Trimble Autopilot™and NextSwath technology. They allow the movement of the machine along the navigation line and its turn at the end of the row, without the active participation of the mechanizer. This combination of equipment controls the trajectory of the tractor by instructing the machine to automatically pick up the inventory at the end of the row.This is exactly what we saw during the tests. The bend at the end of each row is carried out along the optimal radius, and the inventory is controlled by the Trimble navigation display. This allows automatic lifting of the harrow at the end of the row and helps more efficient processing and less field trampling—with minimal effort on the part of the operator.The Trimble TMX-2050 displayalso has a number of other options for application in one farm, namely: alignment of the terrain, laying of drainage, application of a variable rate during sowing, application of fertilizers and preparations with a variable rate, and others.”This technology is the only one that can allow different brands of tractors to turn on their own at the end of the row and controls different types of attachments, depending on the operation that is carried out in the field. NextSwath technologyhas been actively used in our country since last year, and over time we implement its various functionalities to our customers depending on their specific needs. Here we see one of the first machines in Bulgaria, in which the navigation display actively controls the attachment, and the only action required of the operator is to accept the maneuver proposed by the navigation”, he added. The automated management system, which the farmers present at the field tests had the opportunity to observe, was combination of the world's fastest tractor JCB Fastrac, equipped with a Trimble TMX-2050 display with the automatic cornering technology at the end of the row from Trimble -Next Swath and the reinforced disc harrow with independent discs of the Spanish manufacturer Ovlac. The Ovlac harrow is designed for stubble processing, as well as for pre-sowing soil preparation. The unique automatic spring protection protects the machine and helps to get rid of sticky soil when working in more humid conditions, which has been proven in the operating conditions of the test field itself.Automation is the next step in the evolution of agriculture. An area in which Trimble and JCB jointly lay the foundations in Bulgaria and set a benchmark for work, for all professionals in the grain production.It is time to apply new technologies, for more precise and competitive farming!