Agricultural sector: Electric drives are trending

20.05.2021

Many experts agree that growing automation and the integration of intelligent machine controls in agricultural technology will increase the importance of electric drives in the future. This is because they have numerous advantages over other types of drives.

Global Market Manager

Edoardo Bozza
edoardo.bozza@phoenix-mecano.it

Electric drives, for example, are environmentally friendly. They have low power consumption, cause less CO2 emissions than other types of drives and do not require fluids. They are also particularly durable. Electric drives can be easily and precisely controlled thanks to an integrated control unit. Installation is easy as electric drives can be integrated into previously existing systems. A further advantage is that users save costs because no maintenance is required.

Electric drive manufacturers have continuously optimised their technologies in recent years so that the field of "linear motion" can no longer be considered the domain of just hydraulics. 

All of these benefits play a key role in the progress of agricultural machines and vehicles. After all, agricultural and off-highway machines frequently work under extreme conditions. Harvesting machines (such as combine harvesters, round balers or transport vehicles) must withstand strong vibrations, dust and heat. A reliable and powerful drive technology is essential for this. 

Linear actuators from Phoenix Mecano for the agricultural machinery and off-highway fields meet these demanding requirements. The flexibility and robustness of the linear actuator LD75 and LD1000 make them ideal for use in extreme conditions. The drives feature robust die-cast aluminium housing, high temperature resistance, stainless steel pushing rods and IP69k protection. This type of protection is perfect for agricultural applications since the linear drives can withstand a high-pressure water jet and prevent any water ingress. Moreover, their compact design makes installation possible even in tight spaces.