Renold Chain has helped the leading US agricultural machinery and construction equipment manufacturer, Vermeer, to test the chain drive system on its latest cornstalk baler, using an innovative chain sensor known as Smartlink. The designers at Vermeer wanted to measure the loads applied to the three main transmission chains on one of the new 605 Super M balers working on a real farm, to ensure that they had specified the correct size and type of chain for this tough application. Cornstalk baling involves the collecting and compressing of cut and raked crop into round, cylindrically shaped bales that can weigh more than a ton each. The tests were carried out on a baler making a variety of bales with different set-ups, speeds and pressures.
Three Renold Chain Smartlink devices were fitted to the side plates of the three chains to be tested. During the various test procedures these units continuously collected electronic data on all the loading applied to the chain during working conditions. At the end of the test run, the data were downloaded to a hand-held remote control device by means of Smartlink’s infrared link. This information was then analysed on a PC using software developed by Renold for the purpose.
The test results were extremely positive. They showed that the chain drive system was operating as expected and demonstrated that the optimum size and type of chain was being used, and that the drive would operate reliably and with minimal maintenance. Vermeer has decided to use the data for future developments.
Smartlink can be used on a wide range of applications including theme park rides, food processing, conveying and materials handling. Vermeer numbers among a clutch of other well known manufacturers of agricultural machinery and earth moving vehicles who have made good use of the Smartlink system in their equipment developments.