Auto Drop Height Controller

Features

Reduces crop damage. Maintains consistent drop height.
Reduces operator fatigue. Automates boom height adjustments.
Easy to install. Only requires the installation of two sensors and simple electrical connections.
Adaptable. Can be installed on harvesters or bin filling equipment.
Electric-over-hydraulic. Works with standard electric-over-hydraulic controls.
Easy to use. Engage automatic mode with a single button push.
Simple manual over-ride. Manaul over-ride immediately disengages automatic operation.
Reliable. Components are durable and require little maintenance.
Can be customized for special applications. Please contact us with your questions.

Specifications

Supply voltage:

+12VDC, 1.0A (plus solenoid drive current)

Drop Height Sensors:

Two ultrasonic range sensors, environmentally sealed, mounted in protective casing

Outputs (Up, Down):

Normally open, +12VDC when activated, 4A max. current

Controller Case:

L x H x D: 160 x 90 x 65 mm (6.3 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches)

Made of impact resistant and flame retardant polycarbonate

Gasketed to keep out moisture and dirt, but must be mounted in dry location

Integral mounting holes, or mount using self-adhesive velcro

Interface Box Case:

L x H x D: 160 x 160 x 65 mm (6.3 x 6.3 x 2.5 inches)

Made of impact resistant and flame retardant ABS

Gasketed to seal out moisture and dirt

Liquid tight cable glands for all cable entries

Integral mounting holes

For use on root crop harvesters or bin filling equipment, the Auto Drop Height Controller keeps the boom close to the pile, minimizing drop height and protecting sensitive crops from damage.

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Excellent manual control.
Minimal drop.

Not such great manual control.
Long drop to the pile (carrots).

Nearly everyone controls drop height manually. This takes constant care and observation, and may still have varying results (see photos).

The Auto Drop Height Controller is designed to automatically control drop height within preset limits. The operator will experience less stress and fatigue, and a consistent drop height will be maintained regardless of operator experience.

The system can be installed on any harvester or bin piling equipment with electric-over-hydraulic controls. Connections are made to the solenoid valves that control the lift cylinder for the inner or outer boom section. Sonar sensors are mounted at the outer boom and wired to the controller.

The controller is designed to make the operator's job easier on any harvester. It works especially well in hilly fields on machines with automatic leveling controllers where drop height varies when the leveling cylinder is activated.

The faster a truck is being loaded, the faster drop height needs to be adjusted. That means an automatic system offers greatest benefits where the crop is windrowed and the harvester is working at maximum capacity.

Controller
Mounted in cab for easy operator access. Simple controls allow engaging and disengaging automatic mode, as well as adjusting the drop height on the go. The same controls are used to navigate the simple menu system to configure and calibrate the system.

Interface Box
Usually mounted near solenoid bank for easy electrical connections. The ultrasonic sensors and solenoid wiring are all connected to the Interface Box, which connects to the Controller with a single cable.

Two sonar distance sensors are mounted in protective casings near the end of the boom.