Point put to the test - HM+
#HORSCHtogether
Wear parts have to withstand extreme stress in everyday use. Kai Haufe from the Agrargesellschaft Hirschberg tells us how the new HM+ point was tested under real conditions – and what advantages it offers in terms of durability and efficiency.
Stony soils, rugged fields, hilly landscapes – this is everyday life for the Agrargesellschaft Hirschberg in Thuringia. “We farm in difficult conditions. Because of the many stones and the soil conditions, points quickly reach their limits,” technical manager Kai Haufe says. The farm cultivates around 1,400 ha of arable land and 300 ha of grassland. Kai has been working in Hirschberg since 1988 and has been head of the technical division since 2014.
As a HORSCH test farm, Hirschberg is regularly involved in the further development of wear parts. "HORSCH employees equip our cultivators with the points or give us a detailed plan of which tips are to be mounted where. A colleague documents the work rate in hectare, then a quick phone call is all it takes and the points are picked up again,” Kai Haufe explains. The worn parts are analysed, and the results are returned directly to R & D. “Working with HORSCH is straightforward. One phone call is all it takes and everything runs smoothly. We really appreciate these short communication channels and the direct contact."
Experience with the HM+ point
Hirschberg has already tested several development stages of the HM points in the field, including the new HM+ point. During the test, the new generation proved to be particularly stable. "According to our experience, the HM+ point achieves the highest work rate. We had to replace other points much earlier while the HM+ lasts significantly longer on our farm," Kai Haufe reports.
The practical tests also showed differences compared to previous generations. While previous point versions were still prone to washing out or breaking, wear now is more even and durability is significantly higher. In his opinion, the advantages for everyday use are clear: “Less wear means less work and greater operational reliability. This allows for cultivating our fields reliably.”
The HM+ point is based on a reinforced basic body protected by several rows of tungsten-cobalt carbide plates. Areas that are subject to particular stress, especially the front edge, are specifically reinforced. A third row has been added which significantly reduces wear in the middle part of the point body. For farms, this means: longer service life, less replacement effort and a consistent working depth – even with a high work rate and in difficult conditions.
Further development based on practical experience
HORSCH strongly relies on practical experience for any further development. Test farms such as Hirschberg play a key role in this respect. “We don't just test one option, but several different points. Finally, it becomes clear which model is most appropriate for our conditions,” Kai Haufe points out.
Hirschberg is part of a larger network: points are tested in a wide variety of conditions throughout Europe. Sometimes stones and dry conditions prevail, sometimes heavy clay soils or sandy areas. All worn points are collected, compared and analysed. The wear patterns provide valuable information for further development. Simulations and production optimisations complement these practical results. Thus, experience from many regions is collected until a new coulter is ready for the market.
For Kai Haufe, it is precisely this process that is crucial: “We can see directly that the company works with our feedback. From one point generation to the next, durability has increased – and that makes our work easier.”