An environment that pushes every connection to its limit
Out in the field, conditions put every electrical connection under strain: mud, dust, moisture, aggressive condensate in the compressed air, daily high-pressure cleaning and constant vibration, along with temperatures ranging from frost to summer heat. Every single tyre on the tractor carries its own pressure sensor; valves and compressor have to be controlled and supplied reliably. If a connection fails here, the entire system comes to a standstill.
“Our vision was a fully automatic tyre pressure control system that would let the tyres adapt perfectly to ground conditions. But the loads and contamination made it extremely difficult for us,” says Michael Preuner, Head of Development and Production at TerraCare.
Finding the right connection together
This is where binder came in as a development partner. Together with TerraCare, the right connection solution for these extreme requirements was defined, based on robust, field-proven connectors from the binder portfolio. Two series handle the central tasks:
- M12-A connector (series 763): signal transmission from pressure sensors and valves – 12 contacts, IP68/IP69K, suitable for high-pressure cleaning and moulded onto the cable
- RD24 power connector (series 692/693): power and energy supply – IP67, screw locking, up to 16 A and -40 °C to +100 °C
- Approvals: VDE, SEV and UL secure use across national borders
- Operating environment: designed for dirt, moisture and vibration; agriculture is explicitly among the recommended fields of application for the series
“TerraCare brought us in as a development partner. With a tailor-made connection solution, we were able to master the particular challenges together,” says Martin Grabler, Head of International Sales at the binder group.
Reliable under extreme conditions
Today, the system runs stably even under the toughest conditions.
“Now we have a system that is highly reliable and extremely robust under extreme conditions,” says Preuner.
The benefits reach far beyond the technology itself. Lower tyre pressure in the field reduces soil compaction and protects soil fertility. Less slip means lower diesel consumption, more traction and reduced tyre wear. On the road, higher pressure means less rolling resistance and, once again, lower costs.
“Without this joint solution, our vision would have been difficult to realise. Today our customers benefit from lower operating costs and more sustainable agriculture,” says Preuner.
For binder, the project shows that reliability rarely depends on the spectacular component, but on the connection that simply holds up in the background: use after use, wash after wash.