DE
ENSoil sampling vehicle Ford Ranger (1) – body, hydraulics, chassis
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 being 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
- Mounting of the DYNA-pax PTO
- Wheels and suspension including lift
- 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 analysed 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.
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.