Harvesting tomorrow's harvest with sensor-based agricultural machinery

From massive field equipment to sophisticated livestock weighing systems, precise measurement solutions are the backbone of agricultural innovation.

The growth of the agricultural market depends on advanced machinery and technologies that increase efficiency, productivity, and safety. In five years, the global agricultural machinery market will reach approximately $254 billion.

Interface sensor technologies are at the forefront of this development, providing the accuracy and reliability essential for optimizing agricultural machinery and systems.

The requirement of precision: measurements in agricultural technology

Agriculture, which encompasses a wide range of equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters, balers, and planters, operate under exceptionally demanding conditions. These machines are exposed to immense forces, changing terrain, and harsh weather.

Accurate force, torque, and weight measurements are beneficial and critical to ensuring machines operate at maximum efficiency, maximizing output, and minimizing waste. Sensor technologies help prevent equipment failures, protect operators, and maintain the integrity of complex systems.

Since all forms of Agriculture As we find ourselves at a crossroads of innovation, data is critical to making better decisions and gaining insights for tasks such as precise seed placement, optimized tillage, and efficient harvesting. This leads to better resource management and higher yields.

Tasks such as tillage, harvesting, and material handling involve significant forces that must be closely monitored to prevent equipment damage and maximize operational efficiency. Even heavy construction equipment converted for agriculture, such as excavators and bulldozers, rely on precise force measurements when digging and pushing.

Interface's high-performance force, torque, and weight measurement and instrumentation solutions deliver the precision needed to ensure the integrity and efficiency of agricultural equipment, from the initial design phase through continuous performance optimization in the field.

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9 types of agricultural machinery and equipment improved by sensor technologies

Interface's commitment to the agricultural industry is reflected in its comprehensive range of sensor technologies specifically designed to meet the needs of this dynamic sector. Our solutions are an essential component in the testing, development, and operational efficiency of various agricultural machines and equipment:

#1 – Tractors use critical sensors to determine tractive effort, PTO torque, lift capacity, and to monitor wheel load.

#2 – Combine harvesters use load cells to determine cutting force, monitor threshing force, and correlate yield with force and weight data.

#3 – Forage harvesters require sensors to measure cutting force and accurately monitor roller pressure.

#No. 4 – Balers use force gauges to facilitate monitoring of bale density and tension of baling mechanisms.

#No. 5 – Ploughs and tillers use force gauges to measure traction and provide detailed analysis of soil resistance, provided by load cells.

#No. 6 – Seed drills and planters must monitor the measurement of seed placement pressure and conveying force.

#7 – Sprayers require sensors to measure boom load and monitor performance to prevent damage and ensure consistent application.

#8 – Loaders and skid steers use data from load cells to measure lifting force and accurately analyze bucket force.

#9 – Agricultural trucks, trailers, and railcars are equipped with interface load cells that enable accurate load and weight measurement and capacity monitoring. Our torque transducers provide engine test data, while our load cells and multi-axis sensors provide performance data during testing and field use.

Interface sensor technologies for testing and agricultural machinery OEMs

Interface offers a robust portfolio of sensors and instruments tailored to agricultural applications, including:

Load cells, from standard low profiles to miniature load cells, are ideal for many force measurement applications.
Torque and reaction torque transducers are essential for measuring rotational forces in drive systems and auxiliary drives.
Multi-axis sensors provide comprehensive force and torque data in complex applications.
Load measuring pins, shackles and tensile force links are robust solutions for measuring tensile and shear forces in components and lifting equipment.
DAQ (data acquisition) systems are essential for collecting and analyzing sensor data in real time.
Indicators and weighing instruments display and manage measurement data.
Wireless load cells and telemetry systems provide flexible remote monitoring in challenging environments.
Custom sensors are tailor-made solutions for the specific requirements of agricultural machinery manufacturers, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

Built for harsh agricultural conditions

Agricultural equipment must operate reliably in unpredictable and often extreme weather conditions—from heavy rain and humidity to scorching heat and freezing temperatures. Interface sensors are engineered to withstand these harsh environments while delivering exceptional accuracy and performance. Our proven track record in force measurement solutions makes Interface a trusted partner for the agricultural machinery and equipment industry. Read: Solutions for progress in agriculture Smart Farming and equipment

Integrating Interface load cells, torque transducers, and OEM solutions into existing machines enables real-time monitoring of critical parameters, enabling optimized performance, preventative maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. Interface's ability to offer customized solutions addresses the specific needs of agricultural equipment manufacturers, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across diverse applications.

Driving agricultural innovation with Interface

Testing and measurement play an indispensable role in the manufacturing of tractors, self-propelled combine harvesters, robots, silo structures, monitoring technologies, and other equipment for crop production and livestock farming. T&M is essential for validating performance, functionality, and safety.

Interface load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, measuring instruments, and data acquisition systems are critical for these diverse agricultural applications. These products can be combined to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and effective production planning. As demonstrated in the case study "Interface Solutions Used in Growing Agriculture InnovationAs described in the "Engineering" section, our sensors and data acquisition devices are designed to provide engineers with high-quality force and torque data to monitor and verify the design and operating processes of a wide range of equipment.

Interface products are ideal for manufacturers developing agricultural machinery. They provide the precise data needed to further develop these inventions and ensure safety in all tasks, from pushing and pulling to lifting, holding, and moving seeds and livestock.

Explore specific use cases in agriculture where interface solutions make a difference: