Heavy springs are used widely in agricultural machinery, making them the backbone of modern farming. These robust and sturdy springs are designed to withstand the heavy loads and constant vibrations experienced by agricultural equipment. Below, you will learn about the role of springs and the types of springs used in heavy agricultural machinery.
Heavy springs play many roles in farm machinery. They absorb shock and vibration, provide stability and balance, enhance machinery performance, and improve traction. Let’s examine how they are used and their advantages in real-life farming situations.
Heavy springs are chosen for agricultural machinery due to their strong and resilient nature. This allows them to withstand the heavy loads and constant use that farming equipment endures. The average tractor weighs around seven tonnes, whilst the average combined harvest is around fifteen tonnes. Therefore, heavy springs are needed to withstand these weights and provide support in challenging agricultural conditions.
Types of springs used in heavy agricultural machinery include compression, tension, torsion, leaf, and air springs. Let’s look at some real-life applications below.
Compression springs are designed to compress and store energy when a force is applied and release that energy when the force is removed. This makes compression springs useful in applications where a consistent and controlled force is needed, such as in tractors' hydraulic systems. They are also used in the adjustment mechanisms of various components attached to tractors, such as ploughs and harrows.
Tension springs are designed to stretch and store energy when a force is applied and then release that energy when the force is removed. These springs are often found in the lifting mechanisms of tractors and farming equipment, providing the necessary tension to lift and hold heavy loads. They are also used in control linkages to return levers/pedals to a neutral position, braking systems, and pull seeder arms back into position.
Torsion springs are designed to twist or rotate when a force is applied, storing energy in the process. Torsion springs are often found in the steering systems of tractors, providing the necessary torque to turn the wheels. They are also used on lids and doors of fertiliser hoppers, in seeding row markers, and to control the movement of flaps and covers in balers and combines.
In recent years, several innovations in spring technology have improved the performance of agricultural machinery. One example is the development of adjustable suspension systems that incorporate heavy springs. These systems allow farmers to customise the suspension settings of their machinery, providing a smoother ride and reducing the impact of uneven terrain. This can be seen in the Fendt 1100 MT Vario tractor, which has a ‘Smart Ride Plus’ load levelling feature, integrating the front suspension springs with a hydraulic system to adjust the tractor height and keep the chassis level.
Regular inspections and lubrication are essential for the maintenance of heavy springs in agricultural machinery. Farmers should regularly check for signs of wear or damage, such as rust or deformation, and replace worn-out springs. Applying a suitable lubricant to the springs can also help reduce friction and extend their lifespan.
Farming operations such as ploughing, tilling, seeding, and harvesting require agricultural machinery that can withstand impacts and vibrations, maintain stability and balance, prevent crop damage, and maintain traction.
At Lesjöfors, we design, engineer, and manufacture springs for world-class agricultural machinery, delivering precision-engineered heavy springs with outstanding durability, longevity and quality. Contact our expert team to find out more.
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