Lubrication-free polymer plain bearings in hoeing technology for weed control

• What was needed: iglidur G plain bearings
• Requirements: The chopping elements are exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as dust, dirt and moisture. The bearings must therefore be extremely robust. In addition, samo was also looking for a material that is lubrication-free and cost-effective.
• Industry: Agriculture
• Success for the customer: iglidur plain bearings are robust, wear-resistant, corrosion-free, lightweight and lubrication-free. They are also very resistant to dust and dirt and easily absorb shocks and impacts. A total of 32 plain bearings are used in the application.

To combat weeds successfully, organic farmers in particular are currently relying on hoeing machines that get to the root of the weeds. The problem with conventional tools is that they have to be adjusted mechanically and while stationary at up to 60 points using a spanner and folding rule. Processes that are very time-consuming. This is why samo Maschinenbau GmbH has developed the VarioChOP system, which enables variable and infinitely variable chopping.
The VarioCHOP consists of several chopping elements, the number of which can be determined by the customer. Parallel kinematics allow the individual elements to be easily adjusted. 
The chopping elements are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g. dust, dirt and moisture. Accordingly, the bearing points must be extremely resistant and withstand impacts and knocks as well as the weather.  
In addition, samo was also looking for a material that is lubrication-free and cost-effective.

Today, iglidur plain bearings ensure that the moving chopping elements are mounted securely. To be more precise, a total of 18 iglidur plain bearings made from the tribo-polymer iglidur G are used in the parallel kinematics of the chopping elements. As an all-rounder, iglidur G is extremely wear-resistant, corrosion-free and lightweight. Furthermore, samo Maschinenbau can now completely dispense with additional lubricants. The absence of grease and oil means that no lubricants get into the ground. The plain bearings are very resistant to dust and dirt and are easy to clean. Shocks and impacts are absorbed by the mounting arrangement with iglidur plain bearings. A further 14 plain bearings made of the same material ensure maintenance-free mounting of the height guide. iglidur G has a high permissible surface pressure and is also very attractively priced as a large bushing with a diameter of 35 millimetres. The material has also been tried and tested for years in heavy-duty applications thanks to a large number of tests in our in-house igus laboratory.