An affordable electronic alternative to mechanical front loader operation has been launcjed by Alo, which markets loaders under the Quicke and Trima brands.
    The company's new thumb-controlled EasyDrive joystick is the first of its kind in the industry and is aimed at farmers that want all the advantages of a simple-to-use electronic joystick, but who does not require all of the functions available with full electronics. Instead, the new system provides an electronic interface that works with Alo's revolutionary LCS valve system.
    "Yet again, we are setting a whole new standard," Alo's sales and marketing director, Urban Hadarsson, said. "Tractor owners can now choose electronic control instead of mechanical cable controls at a reasonable price."
    The new EasyDrive offers advantages both in terms of ergonomics and ease of driving for tractor owners who want to modernise their front loader operation. EasyDrive has the same functions as the mechanical controls with the same excellent driving qualities.
    "The electronic thumb-controlled joystick gives a different, softer feel and provides a vastly improved way of operating the front loader," Mr Hadarsson added. "Ergonomics have been key to this development, with loader operation now only requiring small thumb movements, instead of moving your whole arm.
    "Of particular note is the fact that EasyDrive is integrated with the driver's seat, saving space, and meaning that the operator and joystick 'fit together' to maximise driving comfort."
    EasyDrive completes Alo's unique LCS valve program, the first and only valve system developed specifically for front loaders.
    "We are delighted that as market leaders we now can take this step and introduce a quality, affordable electronic joystick alternative," Mr Hadarsson said.
    LCS combines several major technical developments into one system that gives the loader operator a new level of control, usability, effectiveness and safety. The system also saves time, money and the environment by enabling quick and easy handling of the couplings, by eliminating unnecessary oil spillage when attaching and detaching the hydraulics and by assisting with lower fuel consumption.

The EasyDrive joystick is integrated with the driver's seat.

    The core technical aspects of LCS are:
• A dedicated valve programme specifically designed for the demands and functions of a modern front loader;
• A uniquely designed and integrated flat face multicoupler;
• Availability in both mechanical and electronic versions.
    LCS technical advantages include:
• Full control when handling heavy loads. The oil flow is independent of the load (the lower/raise speed stays virtually the same whether the loader is fully loaded or unloaded). The operator will not 'sense' the weight and will not have to change driving technique for different activities (the oil flow is always directly proportional to the joystick input). This also brings vastly improved double action functionality, for instance when lowering and crowding simultaneously.
• Both the implement and lift circuits use low-pressure regeneration. This is an energy-saving system that reuses oil flow when dumping and lowering. It will always keep the cylinders filled with oil, even on tractors with low hydraulic flow. No more cavitations in the cylinders and no more waiting, even when leaving the engine at idle speed.
• The Alo LCS open-centre valve has the same driving properties as the Alo LCS load-sensing valve. Both are based on the load-sensing principle.
• Both open-centre and load-sensing valves limit the pressure reaching the loader to 190 bar. Neither of them will affect the tractor system pressure. For example, if an open-centre tractor has 210 bar system pressure, it will maintain that pressure even when an LCS is fitted.
• The load-sensing valve has a pre-heating function that is active only at low pressure and closes automatically once the loader or other hydraulic functions start working. This ensures smooth positioning and control at all times.
• All quick couplers are spill free flat face which are also very easy to keep clean.
• Both lift and implement circuits feature float position. In addition to improved driving benefits, this also enables easy connection/disconnection of loaders and implements.
    The new LCS system is available with either the mechanical ErgoDrive control system, or the electronic ElectroDrive contro system that featues the EasyDrive joystick with backlit display. The electric joystick and the valve communicate using the proven Canbus protocol and can be easily adapted to communicate with tractors fitted with Canbus.

For more information visit: www.alo.se.