#Japan #Agricultural Technology #Schaeffler #Kanagawa #EWELLIX

Schaeffler's Agricultural Innovations at Agritechnica 2025

Schaeffler, a leader in motion technology, is set to display its latest high-efficiency, low-emission solutions for the agricultural sector at Agritechnica 2025, held in Hall 15, Booth E13. The company aims to address the dual challenges of sustainability and long-term viability in the agriculture industry through enhanced machine efficiency.

Key Innovations on Display

At the exhibition, Schaeffler will showcase several advanced technologies, including:

• - High-efficiency electric traction motors
• - The new EWELLIX electric mechanical linear actuators
• - Rolling bearings with reduced friction

These products are designed to operate reliably and efficiently even in harsh conditions, significantly reducing energy consumption for agricultural machinery. Additionally, sensor solutions that enhance precision in agricultural production—monitoring torque, load, and other critical metrics—will also be featured.

Patrick Scheer, the head of Schaeffler's Global Off-Road Sector, stated, "Our high-performance bearings are well-known for excelling under severe conditions. The expansion of our product line to include sensor technology and electric motors facilitates the development of more efficient machinery and further evolution of autonomous agricultural equipment."

Electric Drive and Actuation Solutions

Schaeffler is launching its first complete family of high-efficiency heavy-duty electric motors tailored for agriculture. These motors provide continuous output of 110 to 220 kW with peak output ranging from 140 to 310 kW. They boast integrated power electronics with four-quadrant drive controllers, allowing for energy recovery during deceleration, thus maximizing operational efficiency.

The electric motors can also be paired with diesel engines as high-efficiency generators, ensuring a dependable energy supply for traction drives. Their compact design allows for flexibility in placement, enhancing design freedom in agricultural machines.

The new EWELLIX EMA-80 series electric mechanical linear actuators represent the next generation of products. Known as ‘oil-free cylinders,’ they can be employed in various operational functions aimed at optimizing crop yield while reducing energy consumption. When paired with Schaeffler's load-measurement sensor solutions, these actuators can accurately detect bulk materials, benefiting both OEMs and retrofits.

Enhancing Performance with Low-Friction Bearings

Schaeffler recognizes that rolling bearings are inherently low-friction products. At Agritechnica 2025, they will present new tapered roller and cylindrical roller bearings that combine X-life quality with performance enhancements. These new designs significantly lower the friction in the rib contact area, improving surface interactions between rolling elements and tracks, thus optimizing the cage shape and dimensions.

Compared to conventional tapered roller bearings, the X-life bearings show a 25% increase in dynamic load rating and a 10% rise in rated speed, while cutting friction by an impressive 75%. Special heat treatment enhances the dynamic load rating of these bearings by 33%, improving their resistance to contaminants—which is crucial for agricultural applications.

Introducing Robust Bearing Units for Tillage Disks

The Schaeffler Field Pro bearing system is specially optimized for tillage disks, incorporating patented corrosion protection systems and triple seals for robustness. The design features further friction reduction through the implementation of angular contact ball bearings.

Grease between the two seal lips serves as a barrier against contaminants while contributing to friction reduction. Optimizing the contact angle of these bearings allows for precise guidance of the disks, ensuring smooth rotation and high rigidity without the need for re-lubrication.

Smart Agriculture: Torque Measurement for Efficiency

With variations in the nature of materials being applied in agriculture, accurate torque measurements become crucial for effective process control during spreading or harvesting. Schaeffler offers specialized torque measurement modules that support standalone operation or integration with powertrains, enabling near real-time monitoring and adjustments in agricultural processes.

Schaeffler's innovations at Agritechnica 2025 highlight its commitment to advancing sustainability through advanced agricultural technologies, offering essential solutions for the future of farming. Schaeffler has established itself as a reliable partner in the quest for more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable motion technology for over 75 years.

Conclusion

As the agricultural industry faces increasing pressure to combine sustainability with productivity, Schaeffler stands at the forefront, introducing transformative technologies that promise to streamline agricultural practices while ensuring long-term viability. Visit Hall 15, Booth E13 to explore these innovations during Agritechnica 2025.