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Case story

Actuators from LINAK make automated feeding possible

In March 2013, the dairy cattle specialist at Lely presented a feeding robot. The Vector automatic feeding system. To optimise the system, Lely makes use of electric actuators.

Automated feeding case story
The use of an electric actuator offers several advantages,” says Bert-Jan Pastoor, production engineer at Lely. 

Compared to a standard electric motor, the LINAK actuator has an extremely slim design, allowing excellent integration into the feeding robot”.

The system collects forage, mixes it, and carries it to the cows several times a day.

The mixing cutter is set by an electric LINAK actuator. An LA36 specially adapted for Lely with a shortened stroke of 70 millimetres and a special control PCB, provides an accurate setting for the opposing cutter.

Alongside setting the opposing cutter, a second LINAK actuator drives the robot's moving deflector, which pushes the feed to the feeding grille.

Owing to the electronics that have been specifically adapted for Lely, the actuator communicates easily with Lely's control unit.

During transport in the stable or outdoors, the deflector is lifted for reasons of hygiene. This means that neither dirt nor bacteria can get into the stable. In the stable, the LINAK LA36 lowers the deflector exactly to floor level. Positioning is easy owing to the perfect position feedback of the LA36.

In addition, the ability of the LA36 to operate in difficult conditions makes it an ideal component for the Lely Vector. 

The LA36 is able to withstand wet and dirty conditions. Furthermore, its low energy consumption was also a significant factor in its favour.

Its batteries are charged during filling. Since a rechargeable battery provides power to the robot, only electrically adjustable systems are suitable. The forage mixing unit is the main energy consumer.

The two LINAK actuators require comparatively little energy. A number of sensors are installed in the feed robot, which measures the amount of forage in front of the feed gate. 

By using the feed robot, farmers save valuable time and, in comparison with other feed systems, they save energy too. Apart from the actuators' appropriate product characteristics, a good collaborative relationship with LINAK favoured the use of LA36 actuators in the Vector feeding robot.

Contact LINAK TECHLINE for specifications and more actuator solutions for automated feeding systems and other farming equipment.
 
Actuator solutions from LINAK® -- automated agriculture feeding systems for optimised production play-icon

Actuator solutions from LINAK - automated agriculture feeding systems for optimised production

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