On the market fl oor

Lemken’s newly launched OptiStone automatic overload protection system is carefully designed to give ploughs maximum protection from damage. Strong and stable, it is also easily maintained.

Lemken, an agricultural machinery manufacturer specialising in soil cultivation equipment, recently launched its OptiStone automatic overload protection for its Juwel, Diamant and Titan ploughs.

WIDE DEFLECTION

The company explains in a statement that the OptiStone is a closed system of highly stable leg plates, which is reliably protected against dirt and foreign objects.

A newly designed swivel bracket ensures high lateral tripping forces and optimal plough control in stony soil.

When an obstacle is encountered, the new Lemken overload element simultaneously deflects up to 37cm upwards and 20cm to the side.

According to the company, this is a sufficiently large range of deflection to ensure consistently disruptionfree work, even with deep ploughing. Moreover, the tripping forces can be continually adjusted from the driver’s seat to adapt to changing soil conditions.

If the system gets caught below a slab of stone or roots, it is additionally protected by a double-cut shear bolt to prevent damage to the plough.

The OptiStone overload protection features high-strength radial spherical plain bearings to keep the plough bodies stable as the system deflects.

NO UNHITCHING

The plough bodies are firmly connected to the bearing points and therefore cannot unhitch, a distinct advantage over the overload protection systems with four-point suspension commonly found on the market, the company says.

The radial spherical plain bearing is durable, reliable and easily accessible for convenient maintenance.

For more information on the equipment in this report, email Denene Erasmus at denene@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Equipment.

THE OVERLOAD ELEMENT DEFLECTS UP TO 37CM UPWARDS AND 20CM TO THE SIDE