An Australian agricultural equipment manufacturer has switched from oil-impregnated nylon bushings to Vesconite Hilube polymer ones on 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: āI believe it to be a superior product to the oil-impregnated nylon we have been usingā.
āAs 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.ā
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.
