As tractors become more powerful, fieldwork subjects the structural components of agricultural machinery to significant overloads. Working parts must withstand chemical factors, stress, abrasion, and the constant risk of mechanical damage. Thus, Rolmako units are robust, heavy-duty, and designed for operation in extremely challenging conditions. The oversized structures enhance the farmer's efficiency and ease of work, particularly when using tractors with power up to 640 HP.
Why is the type of steel in tillage machinery important to farmers?
It is crucial for a farmer to understand the type of steel used in the machinery operating in their field. The soil is variable; heavy, clay-like, and very moist soils require a different approach than light, sandy soils. In aggressive, challenging environments, equipment failures are unpredictable, costly, and hazardous for users. Material failure to adapt to conditions is not only an economic issue but primarily a matter of safety for both personnel and equipment.
The Rolmako brand recognizes these nuances, evident in its diverse range of exceptionally durable machines designed for various field tasks. What types of steel are used in Rolmako machines?
Types of steel used in Rolmako machines – selected for structural components
Rolmako employs various types of steel in its tillage machines: fine-grained Swedish steels S500MC and S700MC with increased strength, non-alloy carbon steel C45, hardened boron steel 48-52 HRC, spring steel, and wear-resistant steel HARDOX. Additionally, the machines incorporate materials such as phosphor bronze, bronze, and spheroidal cast iron GGG50. The choice of steel or alloy depends on the specific component. Regardless, the raw materials are designed for challenging applications and demanding work. Rolmako's steel exhibits significantly higher resistance and strength compared to standard construction materials.
HARDOX steel in Rolmako machinery
Hard-wearing HARDOX steel, produced by Swedish steelworks SSAB, is hard throughout its entire thickness—from the surface to the core. This ensures exceptional service life and high productivity even in the most challenging conditions. The material is designed to resist the effects of rocks, sand, or minerals in the soil. It remains unaffected by impacts, shocks, or surface pressures and is ideal for forming, bending, and welding without losing resistance to cracking. Additionally, it has high yield strength, enabling the production of lighter structural elements.
Fine-grained Swedish steel S500MC and S700MC
Fine-grained steel with enhanced strength is primarily utilized for heavily used components exposed to extreme loads, such as parts of the three-point hitch tower, main frames, adjustment mechanisms, and all perforated elements prone to breakage. It is found in pre-sowing aggregates, disc harrows, stubble cultivators, subsoilers, and other tillage machines.
S355 Steel Structural Profiles and Pipes
The steel sections utilized by the company for constructing large machine frames are sourced from the Thyssenkrupp brand. Procuring them from a single supplier ensures consistency in the workmanship and quality of all components. The pipes and profiles in Rolmako machines feature thick walls (ranging from 6-12 mm) and are heavy. This facilitates achieving the appropriate pressure of each working element on the soil.
Spheroidal cast iron
Rolmako roller rings are manufactured in foundries from high-quality GGG50 spheroidal cast iron. Compared to grey cast iron, commonly used in agricultural machinery, this material is significantly more resistant to mechanical damage. It features higher fatigue strength, better plasticity, and a lower tendency to stress concentration. It is ideal for the construction of cultivation roller rings, which are highly exposed to unforeseen overloads.
What besides steel? Advanced Rolmako technology
However, the use of high-grade steel is of limited significance if the structural elements with pins, screw connections, and holes are not precisely matched. Without this precision, they would not remain intact during use. Pipes and profiles are laser-processed and connected using technological locks, optimizing the structure and strengthening the welds. Unlike chip drilling, laser technology is both easier and more cost-effective, offering accuracy within +/- 0.1 mm.
The pivot points of the drawbar hitch, the connections of the tillage rollers, and the sliding elements of the frame are the parts of Rolmako machines most exposed to overload. To protect them from damage resulting from the challenging conditions of daily fieldwork, IGUS bushings were used. They are tightly fitted in the holes, and their strength exceeds even the best quality steels. Additionally, they are resistant to dust and dirt, dampen vibrations, and are easily replaceable.
Advanced Testing Program
High-quality steel and modern technologies enable the support frames of Rolmako machines to successfully pass strength tests. Prior to reaching the farmer, each unit undergoes advanced simulations in virtual space, allowing for rapid correction of design errors and weak points. Subsequently, the machine is subjected to field tests, or tests in real conditions. This process ultimately assesses whether a given unit meets the requirements for strength and functionality across the entire working width.
Premium steel elements – Rolmako's hallmark
The steel wear parts in Rolmako machines come from top manufacturers such as OFAS, INDUSTRIEHOF, and BELLOTA. With extensive experience in metalworking, these brands provide reliable and durable parts. Rolmako aggregates feature components equivalent to those in the highest-end devices. Although the company's devices are considered "premium," they are accessible to Polish farmers. All spare parts offer a very attractive price-quality ratio.
The use of high-quality steel and advanced technologies ensures a long service life for all units manufactured by Rolmako, maximizing efficiency and reducing costs per hectare. Providing world-class machines at excellent prices is the brand's mission.