This particularly wide precision planter is used in the agricultural industry in large markets such as the USA, South America and Eastern Europe.
The Italian agricultural machinery manufacturer Maschia Gaspardo sometimes builds such implements and was looking for a suitable mounting solution for the suspension of the large wheels on the sides of the trailer. The wheels can be swivelled freely and enable easy manoeuvring at the end of the field. There is high pressure on the wheel bearings as they have to bear the weight of the machine. Various bearing systems were proposed and considered: however, a thrust bearing is too expensive, is difficult to protect from the high levels of dust and requires time-consuming adjustment of the housing. A steel washer with lubricant was also out of the question as an alternative. Although this is a cost-effective solution, the washers would have to be replaced annually and relubricated daily.