The precision weeding specialist, Steketee, owned by Lemken, has developed the EC-Steer parallel steering frame to turn unsteered hoeing machines into joystick controlled, or even camera steered machines.
The three-point mounted steering frame works with open lower link stabilisers on the tractor to ensure that no lateral movements are transferred between the tractor and the steering frame. Drivers control the machine from their seat using a joystick or the IC-Light camera system.
Camera steering enables the machine to differentiate between crop plants and weeds based on the different shades of green, or the RGB colour spectrum. As a result, the machine can work automatically to within 2cm of the plant.
The steering frame is available as an integral part of standard Steketee machines, or as a standalone unit that is used to upgrade any other hoeing machines.
Two models are available; the EC-Steer 7 is suitable for machines up to 2,500kg with a working width up to 6m. Its open three-point headstock means that the camera can be positioned centrally.
The EC-Steer 9 has a reinforced frame and is suitable for machines up to 9m wide and weighing up to 4,000kg.
For more information go to www.lemken.com