In the agricultural sector, the durability and resistance of equipment is essential to guarantee its functionality and efficiency over time, which is why Herculano has invested in the innovation and quality of its products. In this context, galvanizing has emerged as a strategic option, offering clear advantages over painting, especially on organic fertilizing equipment. In this article, we explain the different processes and cover the main differences between galvanizing and painting.

 

Galvanizing vs Painting

To better understand the advantages of galvanizing, it is important to understand the differences between the two processes:

Painting is the application of a layer of paint to the metal surface, with the aim of protecting against corrosion and improving the aesthetics of the equipment. It is a more economical process, however, in the long term it can be damaged by factors such as abrasion or exposure to chemical substances.

Galvanizing is the process of coating metal with a layer of zinc, which creates a strong protection against corrosion. At Herculano we use hot-dip galvanizing, which guarantees a thick, uniform layer of zinc that protects the metal effectively and durably.

 

This year, 2024, we have launched 2 new models of galvanized manure spreaders (HME 18 and H4R6 - images and features below) which, compared to the painted models, have a number of advantages:

1. greater durability and longevity

Galvanizing offers continuous and long-lasting protection against corrosion, with a service life of up to 20 to 30 years, resisting the most demanding agricultural conditions.

2. Less need for maintenance

Galvanizing is a low-cost maintenance solution. Even if the coating suffers scratches or damage, the zinc continues to protect the underlying metal thanks to its cathodic protection effect.

3. Resistance to adverse weather conditions

Manure spreaders are often exposed to corrosive fertilizers and other aggressive chemicals. Galvanization offers unparalleled resistance to these factors, providing effective protection against corrosion even in highly aggressive environments.

4. Greater protection against corrosion

Galvanizing creates a thick layer of zinc that protects the metal from corrosion, even in hard-to-reach areas. This means that even after long periods of use, the equipment will retain its strength and functionality.

5. Long-term cost-effectiveness

Although the initial cost of galvanizing is higher than painting, at Herculano we ensure that the added value of galvanizing is reflected in greater longevity and lower maintenance costs over time. Galvanized trailers require fewer repairs and re-applications, resulting in better long-term value for money for farmers.

6. Impact and abrasion resistance

The galvanized zinc layer is extremely resistant to impacts and abrasion, factors that are common in the use of agricultural equipment. Herculano ensures that its galvanized manure spreaders are exceptionally durable, even in conditions of intensive use.

 

Galvanized spreaders Herculano:

HME 18

Features:

• Capacity up to guillotine door 14.1m3
• Inside the box: Length 6.60m / Width 2.00m / Height 1.05
• Total length 9.65m
• Total width 2.55m
• Total height 3.20m
• Platform height 1.60m
• Fixed Bogie
• Cubes 406×120
• Hydraulic braking
• Manual 3-position brake valve
• Double 1-speed gearbox
• Ferpinta structural tube chassis
• All-metal monocoque housing
• 2 worm rollers
• Detachable spreader unit
• Manual centralized lubrication
• Door opening indicators and access ladder to the inside of the box
• Spring-loaded lance with Scharmuller swivel flanged lug, height-adjustable
• Hydraulic door
• Hydraulic folding stand
• CV joints
• LED lighting
• Safety devices, lighting and signaling in accordance with current legislation

Options applied to the image equipment

• Additional 0.3m plate roofs (+4m3)
• Self-directional
• 560/60 R22.5 wheels
• Galvanized trailer
• Galvanized lance
• Spreader conditioning gate
• DPA
• LED firefly

 

H4R6

Features:

• Capacity 6m3
• Inside the box: Length 3.68m / Width 1.90m / Height 0.70m
• Total length 5.78m
• Total width 2.30m
• Total height 2.37m
• Platform height 1.10m
• 300×60 cubes
• 400/60-15.5 wheels
• Hydraulic braking
• Manual 3-position brake valve
• All-metal structure
• Spindle rest on the boom
• Height-adjustable boom
• 4 vertical rollers
• Safety devices, lighting and signaling in accordance with current legislation

Lubricants play a crucial role in the efficient and long-lasting operation of agricultural equipment. They ensure that moving parts operate smoothly, reducing friction and wear and preventing mechanical failures. In this article, we'll explore the various functions of lubricants and why they are essential for agricultural operations.

 

Functions of lubricants:

• Friction reduction: Lubricants reduce the resistance between moving parts, allowing them to run more smoothly and with less energy consumption. This is particularly important in agricultural machinery, where energy efficiency can translate into fuel savings and reduced operating costs.
• Wear Prevention: One of the main functions of lubricants is to form a protective film that prevents direct contact between metal surfaces, reducing wear and extending the life of components.
• Heat dissipation: During operation, machines generate heat. Lubricants help dissipate this heat, keeping operating temperatures within safe limits and preventing overheating.
• Corrosion protection: Lubricants create a barrier against oxidation and other corrosive agents, protecting metal surfaces and extending the life of machinery.
• Impurity removal: Quality lubricants can contain additives that help capture and remove contaminating particles, keeping the system clean and efficient.

 

Using the right lubricants is essential for maximizing the life of agricultural machinery and maintaining productivity at high levels. Choosing the right lubricant can mean the difference between efficient operation and costly failures. Investing in high-quality lubricants is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of agricultural operations.

The beneficial effects of slurry as a fertilizer are now widely recognized by farmers in general, who therefore value practices and equipment that allow slurry to be distributed efficiently in the soil.

To meet this need, Herculano has developed its own spreaders, and also sells spreaders from the Vogelsang range, a pioneering German brand in agricultural technology with very diverse and proven solutions. In the graph below we can see that, compared to other spreading methods, these solutions have practically no _NH3 emissions into the atmosphere (no odors) and, because the slurry is distributed very close to the ground, it is easier to absorb without disturbing crop growth.

 

 

We have therefore decided to compile the main features of the Vogelsang Swingup and Unispread trackers in this article.

 

SWINGUP LOCATOR

- Suitable for larger areas and greater precision in slurry application, with a variable working width of between 7.5 and 18 meters;
- Maximum precision in uniform distribution thanks to the distributors/crushers, the optimized layout of the hoses and their rigidity;
- Allows the slurry to be spread regardless of weather conditions, as it is deposited directly on the ground (minimizing the odour released);
- Due to its light weight, it requires less power to move;
- Can be adapted to existing vehicles;
- The arms fold to the side of the tank;
- It is necessary to apply hydraulic arms to the tank to support the boom and adjust the spreading height.

 

UNISPREAD LOCATOR

- Suitable for smaller areas, with widths ranging from 6 to 10.5 meters;
- More compact and economical option;
- Possibility of choosing the option with trailing shoes, a system that opens a narrow gully in the ground so that the slurry can then be deposited precisely and efficiently;
- Transport width up to 2.55 meters and height up to 3 meters;
- The arms fold up so that the whole system is stowed/folded behind the tank;
- Can be adapted to existing vehicles;
- Ideal for small working widths;
- It is necessary to apply fixed arms to the tank to support the bar;
- Can be adapted to umbilical systems.

 

Often, great results come from implementing simple improvements not only to processes but also to existing equipment.

In order to improve the performance of day-to-day work activities, we have decided to share in this article the latest options we have implemented in our product portfolio.

 

 

• XXL hydraulic arm

This is a new option that joins the various models already available from Herculano. In this case, the 8″ XXL hydraulic arm has two joints (1945 + 2200 mm) and is available for the CH 8000 to CH 24000 models.

 

 

• New grain chute

In order to increase the longevity of the cereal pecker and make it easier to open and close, Herculano has changed the construction of the peckers, using a type of technical plastic (TIVAR 1000), making 2 new sizes available (350×350 and 450×450 mm).

 

 

• Side staircase to the HDPA's

The side ladder is now available as an option for HDPA's to make it easier to access/see inside the box.

 

 

• Cleaning kit for DL pumps

The DL pump cleaning kit is an essential tool for maintaining JUROP pumps. Regular use of this system helps to reduce pump repair costs and extend pump life.

 

 

• HDPA 16 bottom reinforcement

Considering the hardness of the work carried out by the HDPA, we chose to give the customer the option of reinforcing the bottom of this equipment, increasing the thickness of the HARDOX 450 plate to 10mm and the consequent resistance to wear, compared to the 6mm that the trailer comes with as standard.

 

Any standard equipment Herculano can be optimized with options that substantially improve its performance.

In this article, I'll explain what I consider to be the 5 main options we have available for our Monocoque range.

 

1. Axle stabilization system

 

We don't always manage to achieve the best safety conditions when unloading, especially when it comes to leveling the ground.

To ensure safe tipping, we offer the rear axle stabilization system which, as the name suggests, keeps the box stable during the process, preventing lateral oscillations that could result in a possible fall. In this system, the trailer is equipped with two cylinders on the stringers, which act independently of the tipping control, allowing the trailer to be stabilized when tipping on slightly inclined terrain. Once tipping has begun, the operator can carefully operate the tractor lever to balance the trailer and compensate for the slope. This option is available for Monocoques with 2 or 3 axles (in the case of 2 axles, only with tandem suspension).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For 2-axle monocoques with bogie suspension, we have another system: axle locking, where the locking is carried out with the hydraulic tipping line, i.e. as soon as tipping starts, immediately before, the axle is locked, and only stops when the box is down again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Motor Pump Group (for Independent Hydraulic System)

In cases where there is an independent hydraulic system, it is advisable to use a motor-pump unit: a system consisting of a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump, mechanically connected to each other, which is positioned on the trailer. The motor is powered by the tractor's hydraulic system, the oil passes through the motor and returns to the tractor's tank, while the pump draws oil from a tank on the trailer and directs the oil to the tipping cylinder. Naturally, the higher the tractor's flow rate (maximum permitted 162Lt/min.), the shorter the tipping time.

With this system, and compared to the direct pump to the tractor's PTO, coupling/decoupling the trailer/tractor is much quicker, and we eliminate possible damage to the pump and the tractor's PTO.

 

 

3. Automatic lubrication system

The equipment has more and more functions and with them more points to lubricate with access that is not always easy.

With the automatic lubrication system, it is possible to pre-set the lubrication intervals and the amount of grease to be sent to each point to be lubricated differently.

As a result, using this system increases the useful life of the equipment, reduces the cost of spare parts and guarantees that the equipment is always working in perfect condition.

 

 

4. Weighing system

This system has load sensors fitted to the axles and the boom that allow the weight to be read in real time. Through a monitor, the user always has information on the weight they are carrying, avoiding fines for overloading or damaging the equipment due to overloading.

 

 

5. Choosing different axles and wheels

Depending on the conditions of the terrain or the purpose of the equipment, we offer various types of axles and wheels to better adapt to the customer's needs.

In terms of axles, we have fixed axles, self-steering axles, forced steering axles and electronic forced steering axles. You can see the main differences in this article: https://herculano.pt/noticias/como-escolher-o-tipo-de-eixo-para-o-seu-reboque

As for the wheels, depending on whether it's for use on the road or in the field, with a higher or lower level of soil compaction, we have a variety of options that aim to guarantee good performance from the equipment regardless of the conditions.

 

 

 

Choosing the best type of axle for a trailer is not always an easy choice and issues such as safety, maneuverability and comfort are all points you should take into account when making your decision.

For this reason, we have prepared an article that presents the most important characteristics of the four main types of axle: fixed, self-steering, hydraulic forced steering and electronic forced steering.

 

FIXED AXLE This is the simplest type of axle and, naturally, the most economical of the four. However, since the trailer is dragged in the direction imposed by the tractor, it is subject to greater tire wear.

 

SELF-STEERING AXLE It is an axle that makes the wheels follow the direction taken by the tractor and can swing freely. It improves the maneuverability of the trailer compared to the fixed axle, reducing tire drag and consequently wear. It allows the axle to be locked in both directions, guaranteeing wheel alignment. The self-steering axle can be used unlocked in traffic up to a maximum speed of 15 km/h, after which it must be locked by the tractor driver.

 

HYDRAULIC FORCED DIRECTIONAL  Axles that, when connected to the tractor, accompany and facilitate the tractor's bending to the right or left, reducing tire wear due to drag. In other words, when the tractor curves, the cylinder installed under the coupling device parallel to the boom is activated, following the radius of curvature and facilitating the maneuver.

 

ELECTRONIC FORCED DIRECTIONAL This allows the steering axles of a trailer to be controlled via a sensor placed next to the lug. This technology allows the axles to lock automatically at a certain speed (programmed by the user). Just as it does this automatically, it also allows manual control, simply by accessing the controller installed in the tractor cab. Compared to the hydraulic forced steering option, the electronic steering improves the steering angle and entails less wear material and therefore less maintenance work.

 

Economic and population growth are determining factors in our growing production needs. This is why we have seen a new way of working in agriculture, focusing on innovation and technology.

It is in this context that we find agricultural robots, which are expected to play an even greater role in the agriculture of the future, driving innovation and promoting sustainability throughout the food chain.

Aware of this global trend, Herculano teamed up with INESC-TEC to develop Modular-E, a robot presented at World FIRA 2024, a promising trade fair for agricultural robotics, with several companies presenting innovative solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of food production.

This fair featured discussions and workshops dedicated to the challenges and opportunities of robotics in agriculture. Various experts in the field shared their vision of how automation and robotics can help farmers increase productivity, reduce costs and minimize the environmental impact of their operations.

There were also several demonstrations that gave FIRA participants a practical view of how these technologies are being implemented in the field. This equipment showed its ability to work together with farmers, responding to the challenges faced by modern agriculture.

 

 

 

The Modular-E Concept

It is an autonomous modular robot for woody crops with advanced navigation capabilities. Monitoring allows the collection of visual and 3D point cloud data to feed decision support systems.

Equipped with advanced movement systems, Modular-E can move efficiently over a variety of terrains and obstacles. The robot has a variety of sensors, including cameras, a LIDAR sensor and GPS antennas, which provide a detailed perception of its surroundings.

It also works as a fertilizer applicator using variable rate technology and NPK sensors, for soil and leaves. It also has an ultra-efficient electric tool for controlling vegetation growth in row and inter-row crops. Automatic harvesting in terraced vineyards will be available in 2025. And in the future, in addition to harvesting, pruning will also be possible.

Press release Herculano

 

In solidarity with farmers across the country, Herculano wants to express its unconditional support for the demonstrations that began this Thursday.

We recognize and value the vital role played by farmers in feeding the country and its economic sustainability. We believe that the delay in the payment of production support and the cutting of subsidies show a profound disrespect for the hard work, tireless dedication and resilience shown by farmers. We therefore believe that protests are a legitimate means of demonstrating their discontent and calling for their urgent needs to be heard.

Herculano believes that it is essential to chart a course that promotes open and constructive dialog between the parties involved. An example of this was the meeting between agricultural representatives and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Nevertheless, we call on the government to proactively continue to support agricultural production and mobilize the necessary EU support for national farmers. It is crucial to consider policies that encourage innovation, offer financial and technical support and promote environmentally conscious farming practices.

We extend our support and solidarity to the farmers across Europe who are currently expressing their concerns and demands through protests.

We are committed to working together with the farming community, the government and stakeholders to ensure a brighter future for agriculture in our country.

With you in the field.

 

Fernando Jorge Teixeira,

Administrator

The year began with the launch of a new product Herculano: the H-BOX.

Knowing the difficulties of manpower in agriculture, the use of these containers in harvesting is becoming increasingly popular, as it reduces the number of tractors and drivers needed for each operation. In this case, the work can be managed by two people: one at the combine harvester; and a second who drives the tractor with the box carrier and manages a number of boxes distributed over the cultivated area.

The versatility of this product means that it can be used not only in agriculture, namely in arable crops, cereals, oilseeds and protein crops, but also in construction or municipal services. It all depends on the owner's needs and the use to which they want to put their equipment. In this case, purchasing a product of this type is more economical due to the profitability of its use.

Like the monocoques Herculano, these containers are also designed with a conical box to make unloading easier, and they are also prepared to integrate additional boards to increase their capacity. These containers are also prepared for use on tractors or container trucks.

 

Download the product brochure here.

 

Agricultural trailers are essential equipment in modern agriculture, providing efficient transportation of all kinds of agricultural products and their derivatives, and they can also be used in industry and public works.
One of the key elements that has a significant impact on their performance and stability is the suspension system. In agriculture, four types of suspension are often used: mechanical bogie suspension, mechanical tandem suspension, mechanical tridem suspension and hydraulic suspension (axle or semi-axle).

 

1. Mechanical bogie suspension

This is the best-known type of suspension and is most commonly used on agricultural trailers, with two axles connected to each other by a suspension (sets of springs). They are mostly used because of their adaptability to various types of terrain. It is the ideal and most economical type of suspension for use on agricultural land and uneven surfaces.

Advantages:

• Cost: It's the most economical suspension and the easiest to maintain.
• Handling: Efficient handling on uneven terrain.

Disadvantage:

• Amplitude: The height of the equipment in relation to the ground cannot be adjusted.

 

2. Tandem and tridem mechanical suspensions

Tandem suspension involves the use of two axles, while tridem suspension uses three. In both cases, the axles are supported by spring beams. It is a common choice for many agricultural trailers, which travel over flatter, longer terrain and roads.

Advantages:

• Driving: Suitable for long journeys.

Disadvantages:

• Stability: Although more stable on the road, they are not as efficient in the field.
• Amplitude: The height of the equipment in relation to the ground cannot be adjusted.

 

3. Hydraulic suspension (axle or semi-axle)

In the world of modern agriculture, efficiency and safety are paramount considerations. Hydraulic suspension systems offer several advantages over traditional mechanical suspension configurations.

Advantages:

• Stability: One of the main advantages of hydraulic suspension on agricultural semi-trailers is greater stability and controllability, which means that the equipment is always level.
  It also allows the height and rigidity of the suspension to be adjusted.
• Vibration and impact reduction: Reducing vibr ations and impacts guarantees the integrity of the load and extends the life of the semi-trailer, reducing maintenance costs.

Disadvantage:

• Cost: This is the type of suspension with the highest cost.

 

Conclusion

The choice of suspension system depends on the specific needs and considerations of the user. Although mechanical suspensions are the most requested, for more intensive and professional use, hydraulic suspension is recommended.

A careful assessment of factors such as load requirements, terrain and budget will help farmers and professionals choose the best solution.