Among the key trends currently driving the agricultural sector are smart farming and precision farming. While the industry as a whole is under increasing pressure to cut costs and boost efficiency, agricultural businesses are also faced with the question of how they can operate in a more productive and sustainable manner. Smart technologies provide a suitable basis for meeting this challenge and staying ahead of the competition.

Downsizing and digitalization: Thomas embraces the trend

Thomas showcased precisely these technological advancements at AGRITECHNICA. „At our booth, we presented a multitude of solutions with which manufacturers of agricultural vehicles and machinery can generate genuine added value for farmers and machinery cooperatives,“ says Jürgen Roth, Senior Key Account Manager for Off-Highway Solutions at Thomas. „Our valves and pilot control units offer seamless integration into customer systems. Engineered as compact, robust, and efficient components of high precision, they help to optimize machines and make them „smarter“ – from wheel loaders and tractors to harvesting machines. With this in mind, our motto for the trade show is: Actuation for Agriculture – efficient. sustainable. smart.“

EMA: intelligent pilot control unit for tractors

The company’s Booth D03 in Hall 16 featured a wide range of cutting-edge solutions. The smart systems developed by Thomas in line with its „Sense. Think. Act.“ development philosophy are likely to generate particular interest. The interplay of mechanics, electronics, sensors, and intelligence provides the basis for solutions that raise efficiency levels and reduce costs. Among the highlights: the electromechanical actuator (EMA) – an intelligent pilot control unit for small to medium-sized tractors or agricultural machinery. Combining maximum precision and low operating costs, it paves the way for compact machine design, while simplifying commissioning and maintenance. Thus, the EMA is a prime example of how even a single component can contribute to efficiency gains.

Electromechanical Actuator (EMA)

Independent digital control: EHA 2.0 control unit

The electrohydraulic actuator (EHA) can also be seen as a compelling proposition. Incorporating the Thomas Electronic Standard (TES) and Thomas Software Control (TSC), it is a compact, self-regulating hydraulic control unit that can be adapted to any system in a minimum of time and at low cost. It consists of two proportional pressure reducing valves, which are installed in a die-cast aluminum housing together with control electronics and an integrated position sensor and are controlled via CAN bus.

Electrohydraulic Actuator (EHA)

Clutch control and pilot valves for agricultural machinery

Thomas also showcased its robust and dirt-resistant PPCD08, PPCD09, and PPCP09 electrohydraulic proportional valves, which offer a significant boost to efficiency when it comes to clutch control. Their compact design makes them the perfect choice for small machines and tractors, ensuring precise and smooth control even when shifting under load.

Proportional pressure control valve: PP­CP09 PPRV HF

The key benefits of compact design and precision are equally evident in the IPH (Integrated Pilot Head) and CPA (Compact Pilot Actuator) proportional pressure reducing valves (Verlinkung zu Artikel CPA). The IPH eliminates the need for an attached valve sleeve, allowing OEMs to further streamline installation spaces, while maintaining an ideal flow rate for smaller wheel loaders and compact machines. The CPA, meanwhile, allows manufacturers to significantly reduce the size of their main control valves and to simplify factory assembly.