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Electro-hydraulic hitch control for lightweight tractors from Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth in India has developed a system solution to meet the specific requirements of emerging countries

The market for small tractors in the power range up to 80 HP is starting to move. The segment represents about two thirds of all tractors produced worldwide. Bosch Rexroth has developed the first electro-hydraulic hitch control EHC for this power range. It meets the special demands in emerging economies for cost-effectiveness, functionality, and ruggedness. Tractor manufacturers can now reduce fuel consumption and significantly raise productivity, safety, and operator convenience. The EHC-8 was developed by Bosch Rexroth in close cooperation with a leading Indian tractor producer and will start series production in first quarter 2014.

Electro-hydraulic hitch control now for lightweight tractors: The EHC-8 from Rexroth significantly reduces slippage and prevents drive wheels from losing traction. This lowers fuel consumption and tire wear. At the same time it protects the soil.

Electro-hydraulic hitch control now for lightweight tractors: The EHC-8 from Rexroth significantly reduces slippage and prevents drive wheels from losing traction. This lowers fuel consumption and tire wear. At the same time it protects the soil.
Photo by Bosch Rexroth AG

In the past, modern electro-hydraulic systems were unavailable in the market segment for small tractors up to 80 HP, especially an electro-hydraulic hitch control. Instead, mechanical hitch controls were the only type fitted in this segment. The tractor driver has to turn his torso round to the rear to adjust the depth of the plow in the soil by hand, using the levers behind the seat. The plow gets hooked time and again and the drive wheels lose traction. This compresses the sensitive soil and fuel consumption skyrockets unnecessarily. This state of the art has remained unchanged for decades. But things are now different since Bosch Rexroth in India developed and produced the electro-hydraulic hitch control EHC-8 for tractors up to 80 HP.

All electronic and hydraulic components in the EHC-8 system solution, the control valve, the control unit, angular and draft sensors, and the control panel, were completely revised or developed from new by Bosch Rexroth in India in close cooperation with a leading tractor manufacturer using tried and tested parts. The system solution is designed to meet local requirements and automatically controls the preset working depth without any driver intervention. The greater precision also permits tilling the soil at depths which would not be possible using wear-prone mechanical controls.

The electro-hydraulic hitch control EHC-8 also reduces slippage and significantly prevents the drive wheels from losing traction. This lowers fuel consumption and tire wear. At the same time it protects the soil.

The system also raises driving safety during trips between work sites. Heavy attachments shift the center of gravity to the rear on lightweight tractors to such an extent that the front wheels can lift up on poor roads and the driver is unable to steer the tractor in such moments. The active vibration damping system integrated in the EHC-8 prevents pitch on tractors fitted with attachments and improves handling in critical situations.

Most tractors up to 80 HP produced for emerging economies have no cab. Controls are exposed to rain and dust without protection. To adapt to local requirements, the first series application of the Rexroth system comprises a control panel which is integrated in the armrest of the driver’s seat. The driver operates the few rugged rotary knobs on the system one-handed. He can then concentrate on driving and no longer needs to twist himself to the rear to control the attached implements. The draft sensor of the top link sensing system is fitted high up to protect it from water when the tractor works in paddy fields.

A leading Indian tractor producer has completed the pilot phase with extensive practical tests in 2013. The system solution will be fitted to series production models from first quarter 2014. The modular system is a space-saving unit and can be integrated in various concepts without the need for major redesign.

For further information visit: www.boschrexroth.com