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Constructed from hardened boron steel, welded, or integrated with sintered carbide, is it worthwhile to invest in reinforced working elements?

The selection of components, whether composed of boron steel, welded, or cemented carbide, is contingent upon various factors, such as specific operating conditions, soil type, frequency of use, and budget. Opting for such a reinforced solution primarily ensures extended operation without frequent replacements and enhances the quality of the performed tasks. Given the anticipated prolonged lifespan, the cost of these working elements is typically significantly higher than standard equipment in Rolmako tillage machines. Therefore, evaluating the feasibility of the purchase for a specific farm is crucial. The assessment should encompass more than just the price relative to service life. An unpredictable factor is the additional time and effort required for their replacement. On some farms, coulters are replaced nearly daily, and each minute spent on servicing equates to downtime. If replacement requires travel, fuel consumption must also be considered.

Below is a concise summary of the features and benefits of each solution.

Hardened Boron Steel

Advantages: Boron steel exhibits superior durability and wear resistance compared to traditional steels. Its properties are enhanced through hardening and it is characterized by relatively low acquisition costs.
Disadvantages: Despite being stronger than traditional steels, boron steel may wear out faster under specific conditions compared to more specialized materials.

Welded Elements

Advantages: Welding applies an additional material layer to the surface, significantly increasing durability and wear resistance, especially in high-contact soil areas. Hardfacing elements are useful in rocky, difficult working conditions. This offers the best compromise between price and quality.
Disadvantages: The quality of hardfacing may vary depending on the manufacturer and process. Sometimes improved elements may be less durable in areas where the weld layer is thin or unevenly applied.

Cemented Carbides

Advantages: Cemented carbides are extremely hard and wear-resistant, offering a notably long service life even under challenging conditions.
Disadvantages: They are the most expensive option available. Despite their hardness, they are more prone to cracking or breaking under high stress due to lower flexibility compared to steel. They are not recommended for use in environments with numerous stones.

What is meant by the concept of reinforced parts?

Reinforcement through welding involves applying a layer of material characterized by very high hardness and resistance to wear and damage to the surface of a given metal element. This process consists of melting a special welding alloy or cladding wire on the surface of the element, and then transforming it into a solid, durable layer. Cemented carbide, on the other hand, is a very hard and wear-resistant material often used for manufacturing cutting parts or elements operating in conditions requiring exceptional durability. These inserts are made by sintering tungsten carbide powder at high temperatures and pressure. Investing in reinforced parts brings both time savings (reduced downtime) and financial savings for farmers. Awareness of the advantages and benefits provided by reinforced parts in plow elements will significantly contribute to their increased popularity in the agricultural market.

Durability compared to standard elements

The answer to the question of how much more durable the reinforced working elements are compared to standard ones is not straightforward. Sintered carbide plates, for instance, often claim durability 6 to 10 times higher. However, this largely depends on specific soil conditions. In humus soil without quartz, the wear on standard elements may be minimal, making investment in reinforced parts less economically viable. Conversely, in light soils containing significant quartz, utilizing such reinforced elements may be the only reasonable choice.

In practice, an investment that pays off

Assuming the reinforced element will last at least six times longer, we would incur significantly higher costs for standard cultivator coulter over this period. These costs include mounting screws and man-hours of the service personnel. While smaller tillage machines usually require relatively little maintenance, the situation worsens with larger equipment, such as a cultivator with multiple teeth. Consequently, we achieve shorter machine service downtimes, allowing for more time and greater opportunities to meet agrotechnical deadlines. Reinforced working elements also retain their properties longer, ensuring good quality work, particularly in maintaining depth, which positively affects the uniformity of crop emergence. Additionally, maintaining the right parameters leads to lower resistance and fuel savings. Often, longer-lasting elements reduce the wear of other components as well. Positive user experiences with Rolmako tillage machines, equipped with various types of reinforced parts, confirm the value of investing in quality components for soil processing. Good reviews and recommendations from farmers significantly influence the purchasing decisions of future customers. Proper marketing and education about the benefits of using reinforced, welded parts in tillage machines are also crucial.

Summary

In terms of strength and cost, boron steel is a favorable choice for many farmers. Reinforced versions withstand intensive use and operate efficiently in various soil conditions. For particularly difficult soils, welding or sintered carbide elements offer better durability, though they are more expensive. However, their longer service life can lead to savings. As standard, Rolmako tillage machines (with few exceptions) feature working elements made of boron steel. For an additional fee, machines with welded or sintered carbide working elements can be ordered. Investing in optional chisels, plowshares, etc., yields benefits through longer operating time and increased hectares worked, thereby reducing machine downtime for part replacement. Optional components are designed to offer farmers high quality, durability, and work efficiency, which enhance farm efficiency and profitability. However, cemented carbide may be unreliable in fields with stones, as heavy loads on working sections can cause breakage, leading to additional costs. Consulting with other farmers or agricultural machinery specialists and considering experiences with specific components tested under similar conditions is advisable. Each year, an increasing number of Rolmako machines feature reinforced components. The popularity of reinforced working elements is growing, with many first-time purchasers not returning to standard solutions. It is crucial to consider soil conditions when deciding on such purchases. Despite the advantages, reinforced elements are costly, and losing one during work can be particularly unfortunate. Rolmako continues to develop and introduce modern, durable cultivation solutions to meet the increasing demands of various markets.