Correction of fertilizer spreader leveling (automatic)

In the photos, the same Valtra N175 with a 1.2-ton front weight can be seen. The discs are set at a height of 84 cm, measured at the front and back of the disc. After filling with 2,100 kg of fertilizer, the leveling deviates by 2.5 degrees. The height is now 73.5 at the front of the disc and 72 at the back of the disc. - Photo: Valtra

Recently, machine manufacturer Valtra introduced a new tool for fertilizer spreading: Smart Top Link. This system automatically corrects the angle of the spreader. Future Farming delved into the effect of automatic correction. And are there alternatives?

It is important to adjust a fertilizer spreader according to the manual. This also applies to the leveling of the spreader. In other words, how long should the top link be? And do you adjust this when the spreader is full, empty, or half-filled? If you use one of these situations for adjustment, the chances are that the spreader will only spread correctly part of the time.

Especially with low tire pressure, the angle of a full fertilizer spreader is different from that of an empty spreader. Be cautious with a top link that is too long. Then you spread downwards and inadvertently reduce the working width and negatively affect distribution. The spreader is better off spreading slightly upward than slightly downward.

Too narrow or too wide

Suppose you adjust the spreader with a half-full hopper. If you then fill it up, the spreader blades will throw downwards with a full hopper. This results in a narrower working width. As a result, you get under-fertilization in the middle and corners and over-fertilization in between.

As the hopper empties, it spreads increasingly wider because it tilts forward. This leads to over-fertilization behind the spreader and insufficient fertilizer at the sides. Additionally, fertilizer spreaders work with a trapezium or triangular spreading pattern, which does not overlap well. This leads to yield losses due to under-fertilization, as well as over-fertilization.

It’s not always the case that over-fertilizing leads to higher yields. After all, if wheat lodges, you can’t harvest it anymore. Additionally, you risk the chance of excess fertilizer being washed away. That’s a waste of expensive fertilizer.

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Amazone optionally equips new spreaders with a kit that allows you to see the leveling in the cabin. Retrofit kits are available for older spreaders. Inquire with your dealer if this is also possible for your spreader. - Photo: Mark Pasveer

Automatic adjustment with a smart top link

For adjusting the spreader, Valtra has devised a practical automatic system that works with two radar sensors and a hydraulic top link: Smart Top Link. Under the fertilizer spreader, you place the two radar sensors: one at the front and one at the back. These constantly monitor the distance to the ground and communicate via a supplied wiring harness with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU, in turn, communicates with the Isobus terminal and instructs an additional hydraulic block on the rear axle to extend or retract the hydraulic top link if necessary.

In an example calculation, the manufacturer promises a yield increase of €15 per hectare because the deviation during spreading remains below 0.1%. This prevents under- and over-fertilization, resulting in more uniform crop growth. It also prevents leaching of nutrients that have been spread excessively and not taken up by plants.

Universal for spreaders, not yet for tractors

The Smart Top Link system fits on any brand of spreader due to its universal design. For now, it is only available on new Valtra tractors. The tractor must be factory-prepared with the ECU and the additional valve block for controlling the top link.

It is likely that the system will be available for separate purchase by the end of 2024 and can also be installed on other brands. In other words, even on non-Agco brands. The top link then works via Isobus. One drawback, however, is that when the spreader also operates on Isobus, you need to use an Isobus splitter to control both systems. Valtra can integrate the system from the factory, leaving the Isobus plug free.

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Here's an example of how Kverneland, Vicon, and Kubota display the incline sensor on the Tellus Pro screen. Below the fertilizer spreader, above the gray bar, you can see a level with any deviation. If you see the values changing, you can manually correct the deviation with the hydraulic top link. For the mentioned brands, this is possible from the G3 software generation. - Photo: Kverneland

Spreaders with incline sensors

There are alternatives. Some spreader manufacturers, such as Kverneland and Amazone, offer options with an inclinometer. You can then see the deviation in degrees on the Isobus screen, which you can manually adjust with a hydraulic top link.

Amazone recommends an incline sensor for spreaders in the ZA-TS and ZA-V series with a capacity of 3,000 liters or more. You can then see the deviation in the Isobus terminal, after which you can adjust it manually by adjusting a hydraulic top link. At Amazone, the incline sensor costs €520. It can also be retrofitted for the same price but excluding installation. Automatic adjustment is not possible; this must be done manually.

Also, Kverneland, Vicon, and Kubota can display a digital level on the main screen with the latest G3 software. All Geospread spreaders with generation 3 software come standard with a new reference sensor on the spreader. It is not possible to retrofit this system on older spreaders.

The manufacturers express the desire to be able to control the top link automatically with TIM (Tractor Implement Management). However, there is currently no tractor available on the market that can specifically control the top link via TIM through a machine.

€5,000 for automatic leveling

Meanwhile, Valtra’s Smart Top Link is the only system capable of automatically correcting the leveling of the fertilizer spreader. It is now available in the price list through Valtra’s Unlimited program. The option costs €5,000 for a new tractor. You will receive a box with universal mounting plates, radar sensors, and the wiring harness. The rest is prepared in the tractor. At the moment, Smart Top Link is only available with a new tractor.

If you don’t have a Valtra or other Agco brand, you cannot use Agco’s Smart Top Link for the time being. However, you can inquire whether the manufacturer of your fertilizer spreader has a system with a digital level and can supply it later. Or, for the handyman, build an inclinometer with an external display into your tractor.