Robust and easy to install: This is how a sensor for digital farming must be

Data is the crop of the future in digital agriculture. With sensor technology, agricultural companies not only reduce raw material costs, they also meet the needs of an increasingly green industry. This requires torque sensors that not only robustly withstand the adverse conditions in the field, but are also easy to integrate into everyday work.

For the ecological use of an agricultural machine, operation at the optimum load point is essential. The torque signal is used as a control variable to optimize the discharge rate on the fertilizer spreader or to adjust the baler for maximum throughput of the baled material (hay or straw). The sensor technology also monitors the operating status or wear in real time for predictive maintenance. For agricultural machinery manufacturers, the measurement technology provides important data for development work in field tests.

Dirt, stone chips or crop juices – no problem

The biggest challenge for sensor technology in agriculture is the working environment in the field: dirt, falling rocks or harvest juices. The experts at NCTE have the right answer for this: Using magnetostriction, the sensors measure loads and load changes on the drive shaft without contact. The measurement is completely contactless and therefore works under the most difficult conditions, such as high vibrations or temperatures. Even oils and liquids do not affect the magnetic field measurement.

Another task for the sensor technology: It should be easy to install and use in daily work. For this purpose, the NCTE portfolio now includes the PTO Sensor 7300. The compact sensor is equipped for immediate use on the power take-off of tractors (PTO) with the gearing standard 1 3/8″ 6-piece. It can be easily mounted between tractor and attached agricultural machine without tools.

Ready for immediate use via Plug & Play

The PTO 7300 features high accuracy up to ± 0.5% and a torque range up to 3000 Nm. In addition, the new sensor has integrated speed detection and IP65 protection for the robust environmental conditions in agriculture.

Using magnetostriction, the sensor measures loads and load changes on the drive shaft of water pumps, mowers, loader wagons and many other agricultural attachments without contact. Using a laptop via plug & play (only one USB cable) or via analog output signals, users set up a control loop and adjust their cultivation machines in a demand-optimized and efficient way.

The magnetic field not only ensures precise measurement under the most difficult conditions, but is also stable over the long term and maintenance and wear-free. This patented technology is used in all sensors from NCTE. From standard sensors to highly integrated sensors for further smart farming applications. In development, in long-term tests or for comparing the performance of machines over years.

With the PTO Sensor 7300, there is a compact solution for the agricultural industry that not only robustly defies all working environments, but can also be easily integrated into daily workflows.

You can find out more about NCTE sensors for the agricultural industry here: https://ncte.com/off-highway/agrar/