Designed for collecting, stacking and transporting straw bales, the Big Bale Transtacker operates continuously. This is towed by a tractor, with the operator controlling the entire machine from the cab.
Its efficiency is largely due to both the ‘auto pick up’ and the ‘auto tie’ functions that allow the machine to work seamlessly with minimal operator input. These functions work through a series of rotary sensors logging the position of the machines components and then relaying the data back to the ECU, whereby the next sequence of events is actuated.
Facing reliability issues with the Hall effect sensors being used, the company discovered the compact Novotechnik RFC4800 series angle sensors which are supplied by Variohm. The RFC4800 solution utilises a two part design with non-contact technology – comprising an encapsulated magnet position marker that is attached to the rotating shaft and a separate sensor which is encased in a robust IP69 rated, sealed housing. The sensor offers an effectively unlimited life for the mechanical parts and the 50,000 hour MTBF quoted figure for the electronics. It also provides a 12-bit resolution (0.09°) analogue output which is absolute.
With its wide choice of supply voltages, output formats and electrical angle selection, the application flexibility available for the RFC4800 also allowed Big Bale Transtacker to exactly match requirements.
Variohm EuroSensor
