Lower tyre pressures help spread the footprint over a wider area, but soil compaction can result in yield losses as high as 15%. Keen to do something about this, Swedish researchers have developed a jack with an integral weighing system to check axle weights.
Called Newton, and suitable for tractors, self-propelled and trailed machines, the compressed air-powered jack can handle axle weights of up to 30t. Described as a new concept to stimulate more farmers and contractors to check axle weights, it comprises a strain gauge, a mechanical interface between this and the jack, and a digital display.
Said to be easy to use, with the tractor or machine parked on a flat surface, Newton is rolled under one of the axles. With the wheels raised clear of the ground, the weight is shown on the display.
The two prototypes are the result of discussions with Rotenberg Manor and Tolefors farm, partners within the Agtech 2030 innovation platform at Linköping University.
“Tractor and machine weight continues to increase, with some self-propelled harvesters now topping 40t,” comments Per Frankelius, associate professor at Linköping university. “Farmers and contractors need to be aware of the axle weights of their tractors and machines to help with planning and strategic decisions.”
The testing continues.
