108 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG Bosch Rexroth AG Tractors Mobile 2006 109

Energy Efficient Solutions for Tractors

An increased awareness of environmental factors, rising fuel prices and a
greater power requirement call for far-reaching measures to save energy
and cut down on emissions. Hydraulic systems are an essential part of
modern tractors and can help to achieve this aim. New methods such as
upper guide pressure regulation and matched system components from
Rexroth can help to improve the energy balance.
Function
New functions increase efficiency and make it possible to automate work
processes. Double-acting hitch control, the new EHS2 directional-control
valve with integrated sensors and efficient electronic controllers from the
SRC type range with customer-specific software from Rexroth make it
possible further to improve tractor economy and convenience.
in all Power Classes and
Innovations for Tomorrow
Todays tractors are universal machines of high technological quality de-
signed to cope with the most diverse demands in agricultural engineering. In
response to rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, the
development of hydraulic components and systems focuses on on-demand
and energy-efficient solutions for all power classes and fields of application.
Also the ergonomics of the tractor as a place of work are gaining in impor-
tance. As technical trends, definite increases in functionality, the augmented
use of electronics and sensors and the widening introduction of variable
pumps and load-sensing systems are making a difference. Ongoing projects
are examining the possibility of implementing a total energy management
solution on the tractor and economizing on fuel by means of a new form of
ballast.

Uwe Maier
Schwieberdingen (D)

Co-author:

Dr. Peter Stachnik

Schwieberdingen (D)
110 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG

1 Environmental aware- Fuel price trends

ness and energy-saving
field work
Increased functionality, extended gas (91 octane)
gas (95 octane)
automation, reduced costs, growing diesel

environmental awareness and ergo-

nomics are shaping current develop-
ments in agricultural engineering. Average increase
Durchschnittliche
ofSteigerung der by
the incomes
Tractor operators are feeling the pinch Einkommen
2.5% p.a. um
2,5 Prozent jhrlich
of rising fuel prices as these make up a
high proportion of the tractors total
operating costs (Fig. 1). Optimally
matched components, however, en-
able modern hydraulic systems to
make more efficient use of energy so
Fig. 1: Fuel price trends (source: MWV).
that these costs can be reduced. An-
other trend is towards the augmented
use of electronics and sensors. This 1.1 CAN bus, electrohydrauli- used. It is an important step along
is the only way to ensure traceability cally operated directional valves the path towards the Attachment
of the food chain and fulfillment of and variable pumps are gaining controlling the tractor general con-
even more stringent food legislation. ground cept (Fig. 2).
Moreover, they are the prerequisite for Many of the trends and product In the meantime, the new genera-
everything involved in realizing preci- developments described during the tion of SB23-EHS2 electrohydrauli-
sion farming. Mobile 2003 have since become cally operated directional valves has
Automatic steering systems, yield reality: been introduced into series produc-
mapping, enhanced diagnostics capa- The CAN bus technology, which tion (Fig. 3). The valves developed
bilities and the use of acquired data has been harmonized with the ISO specifically for the tractor are of
even on different machines make a bus standard, is already more widely
decisive contribution to the com-
Tractor Attachment
pleteness of documentation and high
standards of operational efficiency.
Operator input Electronic
The list of requirements for modern
and display control
tractors also includes a reduction
in exhaust and noise emissions and
improved ergonomics and increased CAN
levels of safety, i.e. a reduction in de-
mands placed on the tractor driver in Directional control valve
Electronic
his work space. swith pressure sensors
control

Drives,
Sensors

Fig. 2: Attachment controlling the tractor.

Bosch Rexroth AG
high importance to the increas-
ing amount of communication
within the tractors hydraulics and
electronics systems. Furthermore,
enhanced capabilities, such as in-
tegratable pressure sensors, help
to support the driver in mastering
even the more complex of processes.
Fig. 3: Directional valve SB23-EHS2.
The A10VO and A10VNO axial
piston pumps with electrical ad-
justment (EP) fitted in series pro-
duction are the foundation of the
Electrohydraulic Flow Matching
system (EFM), which is based on an
electronic rather than a hydraulic
load-sensing signal circuit (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4: Axial piston pump A10 with EP control.
Tractors Mobile 2006 111
Directional valve Central Controller Steering unit Hydrostatic
SB23-EHS2 SRC36-20 LAGL fan drive
Hitch valves
EHR23-C
Draft sensor Axial piston pump
KMB A10VNO 85
Fig. 5: Selection of components for large tractors.
Rexroth offers customized solutions ers a flow rate of 220 l/minute at a
to suit the wide power spectrum of self-priming speed of a maximum of
modern tractors and also the varying 2,700 rpm (Fig. 6).
requirements arising from their differ-
ent areas of application.
2 Specific solutions for
large tractors
With increasing farm size, tractors
are required to pack more punch. In
practice, this means greater tractor
performance and also higher levels of
installed hydraulic output (Fig. 5).
Fig. 6: Axial piston pump A10VNO85.
2.1 Variable pump with high flow
rates The housing construction and the
On modern large tractors with high- rotary group of the compact pump
performance working hydraulics, have been optimized in respect of
pump oil flow rates of over 200 l/ noise emissions. The high self-prim-
minute are already a reality. The new ing speed is achievable thanks to the
A10VNO85 axial piston pump deliv- modified rotary group, thus enabling
112 Mobile 2006 Tractors
high power densities coupled with a
compact design. The pump also fea-
tures electrically proportional flow
adjustment, electrically proportional
pressure regulation, and the power
regulation.
2.2 Steering unit integrates all
valves
Developed specifically with the very
large and heavy machine in mind, the
new LAGL steering unit is suitable
for use on articulated frame steering
tractors (Fig. 7). Other possible appli-
cations include large or heavy harvest-
ers, such as beet or potato harvesters.
Fig. 7: Steering unit of series LAGL.
The LAGL series is available in open-
center and closed-center load-sens-
ing versions. Capacities range from
500 to 1,000 cm pump volume per
steering wheel revolution. Here, the
new, somewhat larger housing design
makes for lower pressure losses at
high flow rates. Another important
benefit is the possibility to integrate
together all valves commonly found in
the steering circuit, such as the pres-
sure-relief valve, shock valve and anti-
cavitation valve. It is therefore pos-
sible to dispense with separate valves
in the steering circuit and implement
cost-effective solutions.
2.3 New directional valves offer
greater functionality
Development of the new SB23-EHS2
directional valves was focused on
increasing the efficiency of tractors
by expanding functional scope and
making it possible to automate work
processes (Fig. 8). The integratable
pressure sensors permit the imple-
mentation of brand new functions,
helping to relieve the burden on the
driver. The main principles behind
this valve are a maximum oil flow of
140 l/minute at low flow resistances
and high dynamics. The EHS2 CAN-
bus-controllable directional valve is
therefore equipped to meet increasing
demands in functionality and perfor-
mance.
Fig. 8: Directional valve SB23-EHS2.
The onboard electronics enable the
valve to be ideally customized to
different tasks. The range of perfor-
mance is, for example, demonstrated
in the control of the front loader
or with attachments such as turn-
over plows, manure spreaders and
seed drills. The load-sensing valve is
Bosch Rexroth AG
equipped with a position-controlled
main spool and an individual pressure
compensator. The new check valves
of the EHS2 support lowering speeds
independent of the load pressure. A
similarly new switching concept con-
trols the LS pump and pressure regu-
lator so as to prevent negative pres-
sure under tractive loads. Operators
are therefore able to control coupled
hydraulic drives with a higher degree
of sensitivity and change the direction
of movement without delay.
Furthermore, pressure sensors can
also be optionally integrated into the
directional valve inside the electron-
ics unit. The pressure signals regard-
ing pump pressure, LS pressure and
load pressure in both consumer
connections can be used inside and
outside the valve. This means, for ex-
ample, that the additional valves on
the reversing cylinder are no longer
required in the turning of two-way
plows or that variable kickout pres-
sure adjustments can take place. In
addition, it is possible to detect system
statuses from the pressure signals sent
on the CAN bus integrated in the
tractor hydraulics and to monitor and
automate processes (Fig. 9).
Bosch Rexroth AG
Folding/unfolding Monitoring drill machine
using electrical functions
kickout
Ground pressure control Control of load distribution
system for front axle relief
Fig. 9: Possible uses of pressure sensors.
2.4 Easy to control and soil con-
serving
Conservative soil tilling, easy-to-con-
trol additional functions and high
flow rates were at the forefront of the
development of the EHR23C Rexroth
control valve. Two versions of the new
control valve are available: the double-
acting EHR23C-da (Fig. 10) and the
single-acting EHR23C-sa. With the
double-acting valve, operators are
able to easily control the working
depth of plows, for example, or the
contact pressure of packer rollers by
using the 3-point-hitch. The arising
Abb. 10: Hitch control valve EHR23C-da,
double-acting.
Tractors Mobile 2006 113
The new double-acting hitch func-
Drive gear torque tion is practical to control: with only
control
an additional adjustment to the con-
Inserting and tact pressure, the driver determines
lifting whether the EHR23C-da should now
operate as a double-acting valve, or
as a conventional single-acting valve.
In double-acting EHR operation, the
pressing force can be adjusted from
very low to a level equivalent to half
the front or rear axle load. If the user
Folding/unfolding
inputs maximum pressure, the front
using electrical or rear axle can be completely raised
kickout off the ground for a tire change, for
instance. Other benefits are derived,
for example, from the active and thus
onto packer roller
the more rapid lowering of the unlad-
en lifting drive, the decoupling of at-
tached equipment and the numerous
tasks involved in soil tilling (Fig. 11).
benefits are ideal ground pressure
Proven EHR functions such as vibra-
distribution and optimum depth con-
tion damping during on-road driving
trol. The high-performance control
are retained.
valve is based on the SB23LS-EHS2
directional valve, which stands out for
high dynamics, high flow rates and
onboard electronics. The hitch control
valve version also has additional hy-
draulic functions and a special regula-
tion routine.
Lift power Application examples:
Spread fertilizer
Cultivation:
plowing, tormenting
Load-free lastfreie
Zwischenstellung
intermediate position Sowing with
Lift height grain drills
Limitation
Begrenzung
Packer (front/rear)
active pull in
Tire change
Abb. 11: Application possibilities of the double-acting hitch system.
114 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG

2.5 High-performance, reliable
central control unit
Also supporting all of the functions
in modern tractors is the new SRC36-
20 central control unit (Fig. 12). The
control unit is capable of control-
ling basic switch functions to highly
dynamic, complex control circuits,
such as hitch control or transmission
control. The central control unit is
built on a proven TriCore proces-
sor platform as used in Bosch engine
control units. Three independent pro-
cessors, all on one chip to save space,
process their tasks simultaneously. In
addition, a separate Bosch watchdog
processor monitors correct operation
of the TriCore processor. The SRC36-
20 is therefore equipped to meet high
standards for reliability, which would
only otherwise be possible with two
redundant control units.
able, with a power output of up to
four amps per output. Four CAN bus
interfaces and one LIN bus interface
additionally offer optimum commu-
nications potential inside the vehicle
electronics.
2.6 Draft pin with greater tractive
power
Due to the increasing tractive power
of modern tractors, it has been nec-
essary to expand the draft pin fam-
ily. With a larger, 50mm diameter, a
force measuring pin with a nominal
load of 200 kN will soon be available
(Fig. 13). This will make it possible
for even ultra-high-performance trac-
tors to benefit from full range of EHR
functions.
2.7 Regulated fan drives
The product range for large tractors
rounds off with hydrostatic fan drives,
the speed of which can be ideally
adjusted to suit changing demands,
which would not be possible with
the widely used viscous fan (Fig. 14).
Despite the need for increased cooling
performance as a consequence of ever
more stringent exhaust regulations,
it is in this way possible to optimize
power consumption and reduce noise
levels.

Fig. 14: Hydrostatic fan drive.

Fig. 13: Draft sensor 200kN.

Abb. 12: Central Controller SRC36-20.

Using a C application interface, users

are easily able to transfer their own
existing software to the central control
unit. The high performance capability
of the central control unit is achieved
thanks not only to the TriCore archi-
tecture but also to 32-bit technology
and a clock frequency of 150 MHz.
For a customized set-up of different
control functions, the user has more
than 60 inputs and 56 outputs avail-
Bosch Rexroth AG Tractors Mobile 2006 115

3 Specific solutions for Directional valve Joystick Steering unit Front axle sus-
medium power class SB23 EJ LAGU pension
As they have in the upper class, vari-
able pumps and load-sensing tech-
nologies are now also making more
of an appearance in the medium and
lower power classes. One reason for
this is the potential for energy savings
(Fig. 15).

3.1 Variable pump with integrated

charge pump
To also be able to deliver oil flow
rates of 80 to 100 liters per minute
efficiently, Rexroth has made further
developments to the A10CNO45 axial
piston pump series widely used in
the market. The integration of the
Throttle External Axial piston pump
auxiliary pump (charge pump) and
brake valve gear pump A10VCNO 45
the direct attachment of filters, filter
sensors and bypass valves have long Fig. 15: Selection of components for medium power class tractors.
since been a proven solution (Fig. 16).
The optimized, highly compact pump
connection plates can be customized G B LS

to suit individual customer require- F2

ments. The installation of a priority

F1
valve and a primary pressure relief
M2
valve spares the need for further ex-
ternal piping. This ultimately results
in energy benefits and cost savings for
the both the vehicle manufacturer and S L,L1 M1

the end customer.

Fig. 16: Axial piston pump A10CNO45 (Circuit Fig. 17: Directional valve SB23-LS mechanical.
3.2 Mechanically and electrohy- diagram).
draulically operated directional
valves with proven technology such as four positions, mechanical
check valves in the service line ports,
The comprehensive equipment pack-
detent, kickout and an individual
age of the SB23-LS directional valve
pressure compensator for load-in-
family is available for tractors in
dependent flow control. A compre-
which mechanically operated direc-
hensive range of inlet plates and end
tional valves offer the best cost/benefit
plates and the option to integrate
ratio (Fig. 17). This proven and robust
EHR valves make this series the uni-
valve in load-sensing engineering sup-
versal tractor valve.
ports all tractor-relevant functions
116 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG

Fig. 18: Directional valve SB23-EHS1.

EC4000 EC2000+ EC2000

Based on the mechanical SB23-LS, the

SB23-EHS1 electrohydraulically oper-
ated version is now available (Fig. 18).
As this valve is compatible with the
mechanical version and thus also with
the EHR23, it is very simple to create Fig. 19: Handle design (Joystick).
an electrohydraulically operated di-
rectional valve block. Comprehensive
diagnostic capabilities, CAN bus con- tion (Fig. 19). In the PWM and CAN electronics component. With this
trol and the integrated position sensor version, the joystick can be used for capability, the operator has a cost-ef-
are a must for ease of control, possible direct control of the electrohydrauli- fective system at his fingertips, e.g. for
automation of various processes, and cally operated directional valves in the the set-up of a front loader controller
integration into the communications SB23-EHS series, rendering obsolete (Fig. 20).
network of the tractor and attach- the need for an additional control
ment.

3.3 Direct joystick connection Floating position

Developed to be compatible with elec-
Continuous consumption

trohydraulically operated directional

Lower

Floating position

valves and tractor applications, the

new EJ joystick can be used to pro-
portionally control two directional Lift Lower
valves (individually or in parallel).
The joystick features one float posi-
Lift

tion per axle and a continuous flow

position. The maximum volume of oil
in the continuous flow can be limited Continuous consumption
with infinite variability thanks to an
external potentiometer. This therefore Level 1 = Valve 1
also permits sensitive handling in Level 2 = Valve 2
the proportional range. A variety of
handles with or without additional
switch elements can be fitted as an op- Fig. 20: SB23-EHS directional valve block with directly connected joystick.
Bosch Rexroth AG
3.4 Brake valve for improved
safety
High demands are placed on brake
valves in agricultural engineering.
Rexroths new hydraulic throttle brake
valve ensures reliable, proportional
braking of one- or two-axle trailers
and of two trailers connected to the
rear of a tractor vehicle (Fig. 21). The
valve is available for the Italian 10-bar
system and for the French system. The
pump oil flow is limited to a maxi-
mum of 140 l/minute and the priori-
tized brake oil flow to 60 l/minute.
Users are easily able to integrate the
compact throttle brake valve into their
existing tractor hydraulics and thus to
adapt the trailers brake to the tractor
vehicles brake. It is possible to use the
throttle brake valve in open-center
systems and in load-sensing systems
as required for hydraulic systems de-
signed specifically for the customer.
Fig. 21: Throttle brake valve.
Tractors Mobile 2006 117
3.5 Steering unit for separate
open-center circuit
With the increase in tractor speed up
to 60 km/h, various regulations may
require a redesigning of the steering
system. To comply with legally-speci-
fied limit values and achieve improve-
ments in safety on existing open-
center steering systems, the LAGU
steering unit has now been made Fig. 22: Steering unit LAGU with open-center
design.
available in an open-center design
(Fig. 22). As before, it is still possible
to create a separate steering circuit
with its own gear pump and steer-
ing unit but failsafe steering effort
is reduced by around 40 percent by
comparison with standard open-cen-
ter steering. If you were to consider
the enforced limit value to date for
tractors with a maximum permis-
sible speed of 50 km/h (60 km/h in
Germany), the standard open-center
steering would appear practically
impossible to turn in failsafe steering
mode due to the great effort required.
With LAGU open-center steering
units, the automatic reduction in the
delivery rate helps to achieve a sig-
nificant reduction in operating effort.
The driver consequently benefits from
an improvement in safety because
he can steer better or more easily in
an emergency situation. At the same
time, the tractor manufacturer is in a
position to meet legal requirements.
Like all other Rexroth steering units,
the LAGU open-center steering unit
is equipped with specified valve tech-
nology. The installation and port di-
mensions are identical to those of the
standard open-center steering without
delivery rate reduction.
118 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG

3.6 Modular system Silence ex- up to 75% less pressure pulsation

panded up to 5% lower sound level dB(A)
The pulsation-damped and low-noise
Silence gear pump series has been
expanded for a flow of up to 63 ccm
(Fig. 23). Thanks to the considerable
reduction in pulsations by compari-
son with standard pumps, the Silence
pump is particularly suitable for the
steering circuit.

3.7 Front axle suspension for

more comfort Displacement 4 - 28 cm/U 20 - 36 cm/U 22.5 - 63 cm/U
A hydraulic front axle suspension Pressure max. 280 - 200 bar 280 - 210 bar 280 - 200 bar
Speed max. 4000 - 3000 U/rpm 3000 - 2600 U/rpm 3000 - 2300 U/rpm
(Fig. 24) is also available in addition
to pumps, valves and steering units. Fig. 23: Gear pumps model silence.

It can be built as a block to customer-

specific requirements and makes a
significant contribution to reducing
vibrations in the drivers area, includ-
ing their aftereffects.
4 Specific solutions for increase efficiency and ease of opera-
tion by comparison with mechanical
compact tractors
systems (Fig. 25).
Although compact tractors are still
largely equipped with open-center
systems, rising energy costs mean that,
here too, a trend is emerging towards
the use of load-sensing systems. Elec-
trical systems such as the EHR can

Controller Electric hitch control

Software
SRC 6/10 EHR

Fig. 24: Hydraulic block for front axle

suspension.

Axial piston pump

CVT-Drive
A10VNO 28

Fig. 25: Selsction of components for compact tractors.

Bosch Rexroth AG Tractors Mobile 2006 119

Bedienteil

STOP

Elektronik

Lagesensor

Ventil

Fig. 26: Axial piston pump A10VNO 28. Kraftsensor

4.1 Variable pump with low flow

rates
Fig. 27: EHR5 System.
An A10VNO 28 series 53 axial piston
pump has been developed specifically
for the power class. The highly com-
pact pump delivers a flow rate of up
to 86 l/minute at a maximum speed
of 3,200 rpm (self-priming operation)
(Fig. 26).

4.2 Benefits of electrohydraulic

hitch control
Modern agricultural engineering is
also making new demands on hitch
control, which cannot be fulfilled by
the mechanical version (MHR) still
widely used in this power class. Lack-
ing here, for example, are active vibra-
tion damping, diagnostics and facility
for rear actuation. Additionally, the Fig. 28: EHR Components.
matching and tuning of mechanical
components is time and cost-inten-
Active vibration damping, rear actua- bleshooting, while upper link control
sive. With the EHR5 system, therefore,
tion, force and position control in- (one instead of two force measuring
Rexroth offers a robust, electrohy-
cluding mixed control feature as stan- pins) makes for a cost-effective overall
draulic hitch system (EHR) (Fig. 27)
dard, while slip control and external system with only a small compromise
comprising valve, controller, sensors
regulation are available as an option. on control performance. The EHR5
and control panel (Fig. 28). The
The EHR system is therefore equipped system is available as an open-center
software is configured to match the
to make the best possible, energy-ef- variant and a load-sensing variant.
tractor model concerned by means of
ficient use of tractor performance and
parameter setting. Once configured,
contribute to improvements in safety.
the system then requires no further
Integrated diagnostics simplify trou-
modification in series production.
120 Mobile 2006 Tractors Bosch Rexroth AG

4.3 Directional valves of Open-

Center design
Suitable for use with systems with a
fixed pump, the SM12 series offers
valves to support the additional func-
tions of tractors. A comprehensive
range of variants makes it possible to
customize application to individual
needs (Fig. 29).

Fig. 30: Diagram of a power-split transmission.

In Rexroths hydrostatic units, the their own operating software on the

pump and motor are accommodated existing SRC hardware. Alternatively,
in a single housing. This made it pos- Rexroth also offers full development
sible to improve efficiency and achieve of the control software for the most
a particularly compact design. The ap- varied of tractor functions, e.g. EHR
propriate rotary group combination is and control of electrohydraulically
selected to meet specific requirements operated directional valves, PTO
in discussion with the customer. Here, shaft, all-wheel drive, differential lock,
Fig. 29: Directional valve block SM12.
standard high-pressure units of tested, transmission shift valves or the above
high reliability are used. Additional mentioned power-split transmission.
information on this is available in the Together with the comprehensive SRC
4.4 Continuously variable trans-
specialist article regarding Gearbox controller equipment package, all
mission for more comfort
Solutions features combine to create a complete
Hydrostatic power-split gearboxes
system with software developed spe-
have become widely used in the high-
4.5 High-performance controller cifically for the individual customer.
performance tractor sector (Fig. 30).
and customer-specific software
These kinds of gear solutions are,
The SRC6-10 controller can be used
however, suitable for each and any
for controlling the superimposed
power class and application field due
drive (Fig. 31). Developed for the
to the fact that they are facilitating an
mid-range tractor, it is also suit-
optimal adaptation of the drive speed
able for all other power classes and
to the operation to be carried out. Ad-
their different tractor functions.
ditional functional benefits include
The SRC6-10 has 34 inputs and 16
comfortable reversing, independent
outputs. Controllers with more in-
PTO shaft speed, holding the vehicle
puts and outputs are also available.
stationary with no need for the brakes
Equipped with a one megabyte flash Fig. 31: Controller SRC6-10.
to be applied, but also the possibil-
memory, two CAN interfaces and
ity to reduce the consumption of the
a 16-bit processor, the SRC6-10 is
combustion engine thanks to opera-
a modern and powerful electronic
tion in the most economical speed
controller with a compact construc-
range.
tion. As it is based on a C-API (Ap-
plication Programming Interface),
customers are able to develop and test
Bosch Rexroth AG Tractors Mobile 2006 121

5 Application and
Application Center
As well as supplying components and
subsystems and providing servicing
worldwide, Rexroth also supports its
customers in the selection, applica-
tion and commissioning of the right
products. The test center for tractors
at the Rexroth site in Schwieberdin-
gen offers the perfect conditions for
testing and tuning the hydraulics and
electronics (Fig. 32). Furthermore, a
testing ground makes it possible to
test machines on the field. Know-how
from all Rexroth product units flows
together in the Application Center
Tractors and is coordinated. More-
over, future product developments are
initiated as a result of constant market
observation. Abb. 32: Application and Comissioning.

hydromechanically regulated pumps.

6 Forward-looking
concepts for working
hydraulics
The working hydraulics as an inte-
grated system in the tractor and other
mobile equipment are, alongside new
and ongoing development of com-
ponents, the focus of development
activities. The Electrohydraulic Flow
Matching concept (EFM) and upper
link pressure regulation are the latest
examples.
6.1 Demand-oriented EFM Elec-
trohydraulic Flow Matching con-
cept
Modern tractors in the medium and
upper power class are now equipped
with LS systems. These systems for the
working hydraulics consist of elec-
trohydraulically adjustable valves and
These pumps are controlled and
regulated with hydraulic signal pro-
cessing. In contrast, electrohydraulic
systems are now being examined in
which the hydraulic signal processing
is replaced with an electronic signal
loop. With the introduction of flexible
control algorithms and parameteriza-
tion capabilities, the electronic signal
processing simplifies and improves
the application by comparison with
the hydromechanical signal loop. It
also makes it easier to implement a
total energy management solution on
the tractor, which can result in an in-
crease in the efficiency of the general
machine.
122 Mobile 2006 Tractors
The aim as regards working hydrau-
lics is to improve static and dynamic
transfer properties and to thereby
increase the functionality of the ma-
chines. Rexroths EFM promises much
in this respect. The main feature of
this system is the precision flow me-
tering offered by the variable pump
and thus an on-demand and energy-
efficient supply to multiple consumer
systems. In other words, the variable
pump can be set so that a residual
flow in excess of the actual current re-
quirement of the system is practically
reduced to zero (Fig. 33). In addition,
the EFM concept permits a prioritized
supply to the Power Beyond consum-
ers. Since these often require a much
higher flow rate in relation to the
installed ports, an increase in the con-
trol pressure differential is also pos-
sible in order to overcome the greater
throttling point losses during Power
Beyond operation. Certain measure-
ments carried out on trial machines
have confirmed expectations with
regards to system stability and system
dynamics. It has also been demon-
LS - EFM
pL1 pL2
EFM -
Regler
EDW
Q
U
Abb. 33: Electrohydraulic flow matching
(EFM).
strated that, in specific cases, notice-
able improvements in the efficiency of
the working hydraulics system are to
be expected. Additional information
on this is available in the specialist ar-
ticle regarding Electrohydraulic Flow
Matching.
6.2 Fuel saving with upper link
pressure regulation
The falling power-weight of modern
tractors makes it possible to perform
light-duty work (e.g. sprinkling) in a
soil conserving and fuel efficient man-
ner. By contrast, the more heavy-duty
task of soil tilling, such as plowing,
demands high tractive forces that
need to be coped with at ground
level by the driven tractor tires. There
arises a slipping of the driven wheels.
In terms of systems engineering, this
slipping of the driven wheels is, how-
ever, a loss that can be reduced under
constant equipment tractive effort by
an increase in wheel load at the driven
axles. This ballasting phenomenon
is, in practice, realized statically by
means of front or wheel balancing
weights and also by tractive effort
(mixed) control (EHR), which trans-
fers some of the equipments load
onto the rear axle.
A new form of tractor ballast is the
flexible load distribution with which
the attachments weight is transferred
to the tractor unit by the upper link.
A hydraulic upper control arm then
carries through a pressure-regulated
transfer of the weight of the plow to
the tractors rear axle. The amount of
slippage is reduced as is the need for
additional ballast. On top of a notice-
able reduction in the amount of fuel
required per area worked, this has
Bosch Rexroth AG
the positive side effect of decreasing
the shear load of the ground. The ef-
fectiveness of this method was proven
in the field by Rexroth as part of a
research project investigating differ-
ent ground conditions. The quality of
work produced equally good results
by comparison with conventional
plow work. Initial results demonstrate
that a fuel saving percentage in double
figures can be expected.
7 Conclusion
Efficient and sustainable agriculture
demands ever more specialized solu-
tions in hydraulics and electronics.
Components and systems tailored to
the customer, and preferably based on
standard components, make it pos-
sible to offer the most cost-efficient
and optimally functional solutions
available. Electronics, sensors and
software are gaining in importance
and only the optimum interaction of
all components permits the develop-
ment of systems that can become
established in the market. Energy cost
savings, high functionality combined
with simple ease of use, robustness
and environmental conservation re-
main at the forefront. Rexroth offers
the complete spectrum of hydraulic
and electronic components for tractor
hydraulics. Continuous market obser-
vation, over 50 years of experience in
tractor hydraulics and collaboration
with research institutes, make it pos-
sible to provide the right products for
the power classes and requirements of
today and tomorrow.
Bosch Rexroth AG Tractors Mobile 2006 123