Agriculture: Silage Bagger

This unique machine drives in two different directions, either straight ahead to position the machine in the field, or at 90 degrees (traverse steer) for operating mode. One challenge with the initial configuration was that the operator was unable to position the front wheels to ensure a safe driving condition. In addition, the multiple manual machine functions offered limited controllability to the operator and could not be operated simultaneously.

GS Hydraulics solved these problems by integrating a complete hydraulic and electronic control solution. The operator can easily select from 4 different steering methods (front, rear, coordinated, and traverse). Now the operator has full control over the machine with the use of the steer joystick and position feedback from rotary encoders on each wheel. Fully adjustable, proportional controls working in conjunction with proportional valves provide a smooth operator experience while working in very rugged field conditions. The CAN control system also includes a remote pendant to allow operation of select machine functions while the operator is positioned external to the cab. Finally, the use of a J1939 controller interface allows fuel efficient engine horsepower management during non-peak operating conditions.