The finalists

RAUCH's VarioSmart for the AXIS series is the world's first speed control system for mechanically driven fertilizer spreaders. It combines the precision of hydraulic control with the efficiency of mechanical drives. This allows the spreading discs to be driven continuously from the cab via ISOBUS – without an additional hydraulic connection – to enable boundary spreading control without deflecting the fertilizer using deflector plates, such as Telimat. At its core is a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch with an integrated vane pump and proportional pressure control valve. This allows the speed to be controlled between 300 and 1100 rpm. In practice, VarioSmart produces a steep-sided, sharply defined spread pattern with up to 30 percent higher drive efficiency compared to hydraulic drives. GPS-based SectionControl adjusts the spread width not only for boundary spreading, but also at headlands. Rapid speed changes are possible, reducing dosing errors.