Agriculture Case Studies

An Australian agricultural equipment manufacturer has switched from oil impregnated nylon to Vesconite Hilube polymer bushings for the hydraulic tynes that it manufactures for seeding machines.

The Vesconite Hilube polymer is valued by farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturers for being a self-lubricating, wear resistant polymer, which is widely used in tough agricultural applications characterised by grit, mud and water.

With seeder tynes being the teeth that cut through the soil during seeding, their exposure to harsh wear conditions is significant.

OptiAg Systems director Peter Hills explains that there are up to 80 or more hydraulic tynes on a seeding machine. These allow for seeds to be planted at the correct depth so that seeds have better access to moisture and nutrients.

Speaking about the introduction of Vesconite Hilube bushings to his tynes, Hills says: “I believe it to be a superior product to the oil-impregnated nylon we have been using”.

“As grain growers ourselves, we are looking for the best product for use. We want to provide our clients with the best possible product as well.”

OptiAg will be testing the lifespan of the Vesconite Hilube bushings as compared to the oil impregnated nylon bushings and expects that, although there are higher upfront costs associated with the Vesconite Hilube bushings, the longer life and the lower maintenance requirements will show the Vesconite Hilube bushings to be a superior product.

A US based aeration windmill manufacturer installed Vesconite Hilube bearings on its windmills leading to smoother and more efficient operation. The bearings are an essential component in aeration windmills, which aerate ponds in private and public spaces, since fan rotation is key to ensuring that a diaphragm moves up; compressed air is taken in; and the compressor builds up pressure, which is released into the air line leading to the water. Because of this, the windmills are more efficient at reducing algae and foul smells, controlling mosquitos and creating a healthier environment for fish.

A sugar mill has converted to Hitemp 150 screw conveyor hanger bushings for its conveyor transporting massecuite. The 11 double-flanged bushings support the screw conveyor and ensure that the screw does not collapse or touch the housing. The Hitemp 150 bushings are made from a polymer with a high temperature tolerance, low frictional qualities and wear resistance. Replacing brass bushings, The Hitemp 150 bushings performed well and showed limited wear and no distortion.

Vesconite Bearings has produced a chain tensioner sprocket, a chain tensioner bush and a bush in a seed transmission for a planter. The components were made out of nylon and replaced other nylon parts.

South Africa – Several farmers in South Africa have installed Vescolene Ultrablack skid plates made from ultra-high-molecular-weight high-density polyethylene on their harvesters so as to prevent wear and damage to the flexi table when harvesting a crop. Farmers found that various original equipment manufacturers did not have skid plates in stock and changed to the Vescolene Ultrablack skid plates.

In this case, Vesconite Hilube replaced a brass gauge arm bush requiring ongoing lubrication via a grease nipple on the gauge arm. Performance was greatly improved with Hilube.

Vesconite’s outstanding wear-resistant properties have dramatically improved the working life of seedpot units on these South African built Monosem planters. Prior to switching to Vesconite, the metal surfaces of the seedpots exhibited high wear rates. In many cases the entire seedpot unit had to be replaced. Refurbishing the seedpots with Vesconite liners allows the seedpots to be re-used – a considerable saving all round.

In a field application in Argentina, a rice planter with parallel linkage shafts had been fitted with traditional brass bushings and lubricated via grease nipples on the linkage arms. These were replaced with Vesconite Hilube. The key performance benefit was Vesconite’s ability to operate in dirty conditions with no external lubrication – translating into a large cost and time saving during planting, as well as reduced wear to both bush and shaft.