Front Loader Automation

Motivation

A front loader (also known as front end loader) is a popular addition to a tractor. Tractor loaders can be fitted with many attachments e.g. forks for pallet work or hydraulic grabs and spikes for bale handling. To improve productivity and reduce operators fatigue during work there is a demand for automation and assistance features such as position control and fork leveling functions.

Objectives

• Development and improvement of a precise front loader position detection
• Adaptive and robust position controller
• Electronic operating assistance features
• Damping and weighing solutions

Methods

• Mathematical modeling of the front loader kinematics and system dynamics
• Movement and position detection with inertial measurement units
• Model based controller design
• Validation by using a tractor with a front loader prototype

Project Duration

04/11 – 04/14

Contact

Frederic Ballaire