Today, planters typically drive tractor pressure to high-pressure standby, generating excess heat and reducing fuel efficiency when tractor remotes are used to power fans, compressors and fertilizer pumps. Hydraulic downforce systems can also require high pressure at low flow driving the tractor to maximum pressure.
Multiple planter systems are typically controlled using the main tractor directional valve. The tractor pump usually operates at max pressure during planting creating:
- Excess heat
- Reducing fuel efficiency
By using a dedicated pressure-compensated pump driven by the tractor’s PTO to power the planter hydraulic downforce system, the tendency for the tractor pump to operate at high-pressure standby is reduced, thereby reducing a major contributor to excess heating and poor fuel consumption. Pump should be low displacement, sized to handle downforce flow needs. Pump also provides supply pressure to operate the Power Beyond pump.
The pump has a secondary function by providing a pressure source for a proportional pressure control valve which can be intelligently controlled via the tractor power beyond load dense port.
Intelligently controlled tractor pump through power beyond
By intelligently controlling a tractor pump by using the tractors power beyond option, the planter has complete control of the pump providing freedom to design and control the planter as desired. Pressure sensors at the fan and fertilizers functions allow for intelligent electric load sense, removing the need for additional hoses.
By separating the hydraulic downforce from the other planter functions, the tractor and planter power usage is optimized, reducing heat and therefore improving overall efficiency and component life. By controlling the tractor pump directly the planter is free to control the fan, fertilizer, and other accessory functions more intelligently.
Parker's extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry and understanding of the challenges farmers face help to shape integrated products and services that simplify installation and equipment service, reduce noise and drive performance. Doing so enables farmers to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and comply with industry regulations, so they can focus on their critical role in our society.
The P1M-28 is a low displacement pump that is ideal for providing only the flow needed for downforce systems at the pressure required. The P1M Series delivers higher speeds and efficiency that increases machine productivity, reduces costs, and extends pump life in a robust, compact envelope.
Parker’s EPR series of valves is an ideal valve choice when Intelligently controlling load sense systems for hydraulic devices up to 285 bar (4,000 psi).
The EPR valve’s market-leading performance features the capability to handle flow rates up to 60 lpm (15 gpm) and can control pressures as high as 285 bar (4,000 psi). For systems with pressures less than 70 bar (1,000 psi), a slip-in style is available, otherwise a threaded screw-in style connection is available for systems with pressure in excess of 70 bar (1,000 psi), making the EPR a versatile addition for numerous applications.
The Parker Global Mobile Systems engineering team and Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division's application engineering experts are available to assist our customers in designing and implementing new systems to meet your application needs.
This article was contributed by David Schulte, P.E., senior systems engineer, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
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