Soil Sampling Vehicle based on Ford Ranger Turbodiesel
This special duty Vehicle supports farmers in correct distribution of fertilizer.
On this behalf the vehicle passes over the field and takes multiple soil samples. Several depths are being
sampled (like 30, 60 and 90cm). Each sample is being analyzed individually and provides exact information on
the required fertilizer for each quadrant of the field. Over-fertilization is vbeing avoided to protect the
ground and potable water.
We did the complete vehicle.
Project details and scope of services
Our Services:
Selection and
calculation
of the hydraulic components
Design of a modular mechanical concept - soil samplers of different suppliers need to be mounted on this
vehicle
The series cargo bed should be retained for optical and ergonomical reasons
modification of the cargo bed and vehicle chassis
Mounting and installation of all components
Type approval from the authorities / street legal!
Handover to the customer
Base vehicle was a Ford Ranger, 3.2l Turbodiesel with automatic gearbox
As first step we dismantled and analyzed the vehicle. Especially the AdBlue tank and its carrier posed some
problems.
Next, we did the modification on tires, wheels, rims and suspension to get more ground clearance and adapt
to the weight:
The three different soil samplers were analzed and modelled in 3D CAD as well.
We then checked the mounting and operating concept on the computer.
To support all three soil samplers in an optimum way we set up a concept consisting of
Vehicle-mounted carrying frame
Support frame, one each per sampling unit
standardized interfaces for mechanics, electrics and hydraulics
Looking at ergonomics, these point were important to us:
Simple fitting of the sampler to the vehicle - lifted via center-of-gravity, force-free hookup to the
vehicle frame. All bolts can be inserted without any force and tightened easily
optimum access to the soil sample drawers
A sampler can be mounted within under 5 minutes. Just lower it vertically until it rests on the frame, bolt
into place and connect power and hydraulics.
This is a small video from our first "life" mounting test:
Meanwhile the hydraulic pump unit was fitted to the
engine (a 3-hour task, purely bolt-on)
To finish up we will have the type approval and handover to the customer.
