Landwirtschaft
Our client, a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer, has been innovating for over 35 years, delivering durable and efficient equipment to farmers. Their high-quality products optimize productivity and are used in 34 countries, including Australia, the USA, and Europe. Recently, the company recognized the need for a new product to address the evolving needs of modern agriculture.
The client required comprehensive design support for the development of a new tillage system that could be used for multiple tasks, especially harvesting and weed control in various fields.
The product needed to be compatible with a variety of tractors and adaptable to different soil conditions, primarily targeting the USA market.
The tillage unit design had to be robust, easy to manufacture and reliable, while also complying with Australian, European and USA industrial standards.
Designing a multi-functional tillage unit came with several challenges due to varying operational requirements, environmental conditions and regulatory standards.
Key challenges included:
To help our client develop multi-functional tillage machinery, we designed a versatile, high-performance system that could handle plowing, harrowing, and seedbed preparation with ease.
Our goal was to create a solution that reduces operational costs, minimizes labor dependency, and adapts to various land and farming requirements. The farm equipment design must be compatible with various tractor models and meet American, Australian, and European agricultural standards.
We categorized our solution into five key areas to ensure maximum efficiency and durability.
To ensure a high-quality agricultural machinery design, we conducted an in-depth benchmarking analysis in collaboration with the client’s R&D team. This involved:
Based on these insights, we developed multiple product concepts, refining each for feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with customer requirements.
We developed three distinct variants of the tillage unit to meet the unique requirements of Australia, the U.S., and Europe.
To ensure durability and ease of manufacturing, we carefully selected materials based on availability and performance in each region:
We chose high-strength and wear-resistant materials based on the function of each part.
‣ Structural Components (Main Frame) – Used GR 250, GR 350, and Bisplate 400 for the main frame. These materials offer high durability, impact resistance, and structural stability while keeping the weight low.
‣ Machined Parts (Discs, Chains, & Linkages) – Chose 1045, 1040, 4140, and 20MnV9 for shafts, linkages, and pivot joints to ensure high strength, wear resistance, and smooth movement under tough conditions.
‣ Profile-Cut Members (Beams & Supports) – Used CL350L for rectangular and square hollow sections (RHS, SHS), providing strong yet easily fabricated support structures.
We applied similar material selection strategies, choosing regionally available equivalents to match the performance of Australian materials while ensuring compliance with local regulations and supply chain efficiency.
All designs adhered to Australian, European and U.S. industrial standards to ensure full compliance.
We followed AS 4100 for steel member design, AS 1170 for loading conditions, and safety regulations such as AS 2875-2000, AS 2153.1-2008, and ISO 12100.
Additionally, we ensured the designs complied with the EU Directive 167/2013 for equipment.
We designed each variant to meet local agricultural standards, soil conditions, and tractor compatibility, ensuring reliable performance in the field. Our focus was on optimizing three key components that directly impact efficiency, durability, and ease of use: frame, discs, chains and linkages.
Once the design was finalized, we refined it using Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) to make production efficient and cost-effective. To ensure long-term reliability, we conducted Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to identify and eliminate potential weak points.
A detailed parametric model was created, followed by the development of manufacturing drawings, ensuring all documentation complied with relevant industrial and regional standards.
The finalized design files were stored in the client’s Product Data Management (PDM) system, enabling smooth collaboration across teams. Design changes and updates were efficiently handled within the PDM, ensuring controlled document versioning.
Our efficient product design approach helped the client reduce errors, minimize discrepancies and improve the accuracy of the final product.
The new tillage system reduced operational costs by 20%, helping the client save money while improving productivity.
The product was customized for the USA, Europe, and Australia, ensuring compliance with local standards and ease of manufacturing.
With a structured New Product Development (NPD) process, the client successfully launched the product on time and entered the market without delays.
The client strengthened its market position by offering high-performance and advanced tillage equipment for today’s farmers.