The development of modern agricultural equipment has set challenges for engineering design, including the need for specialised fasteners. Such has been the observation of international fasteners manufacturer Böllhoff that makes screws, rivets clinches and C-parts for the agricultural machinery sector.
Because the industry is so innovative, intercompany cooperation is important. Only with such practice is it possible to develop the optimum design. With its C-parts management offer, Böllhoff delivers products and fasteners to the heart of the production process. There, customised equipment and machines designed according to the Böllhoff portfolio, ensure high efficiency. Optimised processes avoid downstream costs.
The ECOTECH service (Economic Technical Engineering) allows agricultural machine manufacturers and suppliers to benefit from technical advice from Böllhoff engineers. Their industrial know-how and advice covers all areas of fastener technology, corrosion protection and screw retention.
The simultaneous standardisation and optimisation of fasteners in the development stage simplifies assembly and reduces tool costs. It can also have a bearing on aftermarket costs. In view of the ever faster technological development and the increased competitive pressure, this service is a crucial advantage in the agricultural machinery industry.
There is a plethora of fasteners used in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, but below is a summary of typical applications.
For a spot welding alternative Böllhoff’s RIVSET® gives high strength, reliable fastening of steels, aluminium and plastics. It is particularly suitable for hybrid joining
High dynamic strength Form- and force-closed
Where tight connections are needed, SEALLOCK® sealing nuts and screws provide reliable sealing against gaseous and liquid media under high pressure.
With a one-piece component Captive seal, several screwing-unscrewing cycles possible.
When thread strength is vital, HELICOIL® thread inserts for thread reinforcement in lightweight materials. High-strength wear-free thread Corrosion and temperature resistant High dynamic load capacity
Thin-walled components can be joined using the RIVNUT® solution for fastening a load-bearing nut or bolt thread to a thin-walled workpiece. The fasteners give a load-bearing thread, enable “Blind” assembly and high tightness, e. g. due to seal below the head
For threads in plastics AMTEC® metallic inserts for thread reinforcement for plastic components. Shorter injection cycles are made possible to create a low-stress tight-fit with no relaxation
For easy adjustment of tolerances FLEXITOL® systems enable automatic compensation of differing production tolerances. They are easily integrated into customer components and afford assembly from one side.
Where vibrations and noise pose a problem SNAPLOC® and RIVNUT® elastic fasteners and fixing systems absorb vibration and eliminate noise transfer. They have fast and easy assembly and can enable a reduction in the number of parts.
They are also adaptable thanks to adjustable parameters
If Special screws for special applications are required, screws can be specially tailored to the agricultural machinery industry. These also include DIN and standard screws as well as special screws with various drives and head shapes.
Finding the right nut for every application can be attained by selecting nuts with plastic rings or metal lock rings, clip nuts, washer nuts and nuts with captive washers.
Where technology and diversity for bolts are needed Customised or standardised bolts in various materials and geometries can be supplied. Individual shapes, sizes and types, such head bolts, welding studs, threaded bolts, etc. can be supplied.
For washers and discs for every application including height compensation and underlay with standardised and innovative components can be provided. Contact, spring and ring washers in RIPP LOCK® and Nord-Lock® locking washers range fit the bill.
Where permanent and secure fastening for hoses and pipes are concerned, all types of fastener are available with a wide range of clamps.
For large screws for complex challenges screws with various coatings and strength levels are supplied. Böllhoff’s engineering team has competence in heat-formed parts. Transport guard on thread is available on request. Screws are supplied with certificate documentation as per 3.1 and 3.2 EN 10204
Böllhoff offers more than just fasteners. It is a one-stop-shop for all C-parts to reduce number of suppliers and bundle competence. Fastening materials e. g. cable ties. Hydraulic and pneumatic components. Balls, sealing rings, bushings, springs, etc.
Böllhoff has a unique supply chain methodology it call ECOSIT® (Economic Supply in Time) through which it has established a supply and stocking system – for added
efficiency and cost effectiveness. Böllhoff manages the entire supply chain for its customers: material planning, buying, quality assurance, storage and the internal distribution of goods, right through to the production and maintenance area.
ECOSIT® makes processes in the agricultural machinery industry permanently more reliable and simple – by reducing the number of suppliers and ensuring 100% supply capability.
ECOSIT® uses state of art technology such as RFID Technology. RFID (radio-frequency identification) is used whenever automatic detection and monitoring is required. RFID technology established itself in the automotive industry some years ago. In the private sector the best-known applications include vehicle immobilisers, lift passes and the anti-theft tags used in stores.
Böllhoff’s flexibility and innovative strength is reflected in its wide range of fastening and assembly products for the production and modernisation of the agricultural machinery industry: screws, nuts, thread inserts, quick-release fasteners, rivets, standard and custom-made parts are supplied in all the required dimensions and materials.
All fasteners and their processing systems are carefully coordinated. Production and modernisation processes can also be optimised with Böllhoff’s innovative screw and joining systems.
Two prominent agricultural equipment manufacturer that have partnered with Böllhoff are CLAAS and John Deere.
CLAAS
For fully automatic screwing of conveyor chains for all series of combine harvesters, CLAAS employs the UNIQUICK® Vario screw system by Böllhoff. This stationary screw system is equipped with an automatic screw feed system in multi-spindle design.
Per conveyor plate, two fasteners are simultaneously screwed. At CLAAS, the entire assembly process benefits from the reduction in assembly times and costs, from a wear-free operation thanks to maintenance-free guides and drag chains. It also enjoys high process reliability ensured by the automatic feed system, from controlled screwing and from the completed parts checking system.
JOHN DEERE
HELICOIL® locknuts with integrated HELICOIL® screwlock allows repeated and rapid assembly and disassembly of the steering wheel in agricultural machinery for repair and maintenance. Moreover the clamping effect of the HELICOIL® screwlock inhibits accidental loosening of the joint.
Böllhoff is one of the leading international service providers of fastening and assembly technology. The headquarters of this family business, with four generations of history, is in Bielefeld. Böllhoff is a worldwide operating company with over 2200 employees and a network of companies and representatives on every continent.
The different soils and climatic conditions characterise the different agricultural products and developments of individual countries. To meet the specific requirements and needs of these regions, more and more companies operate as agricultural machinery manufacturers and suppliers on a global scale. This is where partnership with the likes of Böllhoff of great benefit.
