Many parts of steep-slope and mountainside agriculture are mechanized, with attention focusing particularly on forage harvesting and, more recently, landscape conservation. The ever-more modern vehicles and machinery aim to deliver greater efficiency and occupational safety. Old or new, though, agricultural equipment needs correct maintenance and care to work safely and efficiently. We spoke to agricultural equipment expert Daniel Waeber.
As in every sector, technology in mountain agriculture has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. I'm thinking particularly about implement carriers, drive axles and even remote-controlled machinery. Soil protection and managing ecological compensation areas have become particularly important with the arrival of lighter machinery, and the increasingly ubiquitous electronics play a key role in the form of digitalization.
Stability on steep slopes and maneuverability are essential for all implement carriers, no matter what their design. A low center of gravity and carefully thought-out weight distribution are essential here. Smooth handling and suitable tires for the job are also important factors. For example, single-axle mowers might use spiked wheels, whereas tandem-axle mowers are now capable of running on modern rubber rollers. The latest generation of machines features technical innovations such as slope compensation, turning assistance and hill-holders.
Certainly. First place definitely goes to tandem-axle mowers, which have become multifunctional implement carriers. Then, of course, there are the various continuous hydrostatic drives that minimize slip on difficult terrain so that machinery can move forward without impacting the ground as much. I also regard remote-controlled implement carriers as a breakthrough, since they carry out work on steep terrain safely and very efficiently without a driver and even have route recognition.
There's an increase in the use of more powerful machinery. That's because staff are in short supply and expensive. Once the first snow melts, spring and summer follow each other in quick succession in the mountains. Farmers have far fewer working days than their counterparts in the valleys and hills. That's why single- and tandem-axle mowers are ideal for alpine regions, as are transporters.
Mechanized mountain agriculture has its own rules. Things always depend on the terrain in question. Differences in soil condition, gradient, accessibility and much more besides all play a role in the decision. Transporters are very popular on mountain farms, but if fields are sizable and there's enough room to turn, an all-wheel drive tractor and powered trailer can tackle very steep gradients. It's extremely important to be aware that driving a tractor with a powered trailer requires a lot more skill than driving a tandem-axle mower or transporter.
Definitely the need for efficiency. The slope limits working speed and the width of the strip that can be harvested. Then there are the challenges associated with ground conditions. Mountain slopes often retain a lot of moisture, which increases the work involved in mowing, tedding, windrowing and transport. Since everyone generally has to cut hay at the same time, each farmer needs their own equipment.
The forage harvesters used on mountainsides have narrower mowers and are therefore lighter and more compact. As a result they adapt better to uneven ground and are more stable on slopes. Lowland mowers, tedders and windrowers are wider and heavier, which makes them substantially more efficient. In addition, integrated conditioners shorten the fermentation process. Large lowland machines are increasingly using smart farming technologies to improve the efficiency of forage harvesting.
Conventional motor mowers will always be in demand in mountainous regions. I could even see motor mowers with innovative technology becoming more widespread in the lowlands. I'm thinking here of self-propelled, autonomous machines, several of which could work alongside each other on the same field.
Professional maintenance is very important. Well maintained machines provide security and are more reliable. The best thing is to maintain equipment during the winter months and put it into storage after doing so. That makes returning them to service in the spring a straightforward process and massively reduces downtimes during harvest season.
No. I think the same physical principles apply. The only thing that might need more attention are safety-critical Daniel Waeber, agricultural machinery specialist Agricultural machinery mechanic and technical salesperson. He sold agricultural equipment for 35 years, and spent 29 of those as FELLA Forage Harvesters' Head of Sales for Switzerland. Now that he's retired, he devotes his time to his passion for ice hockey. systems such as the brakes. But correct overwintering is particularly important in alpine climates. A lot of farmers are aware of this and many of their machines put in 20, 30 or more years of service!
It's very important to comply with lubrication intervals and use the right products. Poorly lubricated and maintained vehicles and machinery are not only likely to break down, they generally need expensive repairs. A lot of machines already have automatic lubrication systems. Long-term experience with them has been very good, which means that they also quickly pay for themselves.
There's a real risk of deficient lubrication when machines, especially older ones, are working on steep slopes. That makes it important to have a lubricant film that adheres in all situations. High-quality lubricants do exactly that.
Vehicles for working on slopes are designed as relatively light special-purpose vehicles for specific tasks. Work and time pressures often lead to them being overloaded. Being aware of what your machine is intended to do and what its load capacities are is therefore very much to be advised, especially as it's important for safety.
Yes, I think it has, and the statistics bear that out. The combination of greater awareness of the need for safety, information campaigns and innovative technology has resulted in major progress. As I've already mentioned, remote-controlled motor mowers are now a reality. Modern sensor systems and machine digitalization are adding value and, above all, substantially improving safety in mountain agriculture, as they are elsewhere.
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