A recent event giving journalists the opportunity of test-driving the new Stoll ProfiLine ISOBUS Connected front loader was deemed to be a big success by all who attended.
The press day, organised by Lynx Engineering and located, courtesy of H Collins Farms Ltd., at the company’s Hall Farm enterprise and their neighbouring Hill Farm site, both in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire, enabled the invited guests to get ‘hands on’ with the new loader launched earlier this year at LAMMA.
‘Test driving’ different models on different tractors
There were two Stoll ISOBUS Connected front loader models on test. A ProfiLine FZ 43-27 mounted on a Case Puma 165 was largely tasked with field-based bucket work and bale handling, whilst a ProfiLine FZ 46-29, paired with a JCB Fastrac 4220 equipped with a bucket attachment and subsequently pallet forks, operated in and around a grain store.
An introduction to the ProfiLine range by Lynx managing director, Nick Ewbank, got the proceedings underway. The journalists were then invited into the cabs and, under the guidance of Lynx loader specialists, Roy Milburn and Sam Ewbank, were taken through the unique array of functions available through the hydraulically controlled ISOBUS Connected system before being offered the option of getting to grips with the controls themselves.
Programmable to suit individual operator preferences 
Once set up, as many as twelve additional functions become available (see below for more details), selectable and controlled via the tractor’s ISOBUS display terminal and onboard joystick.
Functions can be programmed according to parameters defined by the operator, the tasks at hand and attachments being used, and then stored and saved for repeat operations.
User profiles can also be personalised, if necessary, to suit the varying needs of different operators.
Super-smooth
Having experienced first-hand what this latest development from Stoll is capable of, the general consensus among the journalists was that the ProfiLine ISOBUS Connected system raises the bar in key areas of front loader performance. These include the loader’s exceptional smoothness of operation, greatly enhancing driver comfort whilst reducing shock loads relayed to the tractor during intensive loader operations.
Faster, safer and more efficient
Time-saving benefits resulting in improved productivity was also a recurring theme. For example, the ability to set and call-up stored implement angles, frequently used lift-arm and implement movement sequences, optimum bale clamping pressures, all at the touch of a button or two, can make a real difference when workloads are heavy and time is tight. Programmable working heights will make working in confined spaces such as barns with limited headroom that much easier and safer. While being able to weigh loads on the move was also deemed to be a major plus.
Stoll ISOBUS-Connected Front Loader Functions
Teach-In
Automatically enables individual movement sequences of the lift arm and implement to be programmed in, saved and called up for future repeated cycles.
Pressure Regulation
Enables the convenient and safe use of a bale gripper, as the clamping force can be controlled individually by limiting the pressure.
Load Independent Lowering Speed
Maintains the same lowering and lifting speed irrespective of the load by automatically adjusting the return oil flow to suit the weight of the implement.
Return to Position
The required angle for the implement can be set and stored in the tractor terminal. At the push of a button, the implement will find the stored angle before the loader is down on the ground.
Ramp Function
Whether the task is rough and quick or slow and precise, the joystick’s behaviour can be adjusted. The parameters set determine how much the joystick will move before the loader reacts, from soft to hard.
Working Window
When working in confined spaces, this function limits the tipping angle of the attachment and the lifting height of the lift arm by electronically adjusting the end points.
Load Weighing
Accurately calculates weights to make loading a feeder, for example, a quicker, easier process. It works by deducting the pre-calibrated and saved weight of the implement in use from the total weight shown on the display.
Vibration Damping
This function isolates the movement from the implement through the lift-arm and tractor. Whether transporting on the road or working in the field, the vibration damper gives the driver a comfortable ride and protects the tractor.
Electronic Flow Sharing
Enables the smooth switching and mixing of functions including the Stoll Real 3rd function by automatically adjusting pump volumes to optimum levels.
End-Position Cushioning
Prevents harsh and sudden braking movements of the loader attachment when reaching the cylinder end position. By automatically calculating the kinetic energy and determining the required deceleration distance the approach to the end position is gentle yet dynamic.
Bucket Shake
If material gets stuck in the bucket, the shaking function can be activated. The bucket is moved back and forth quickly, and the material falls out leaving nothing behind. The duration can be adjusted.
Electric Parallel Guidance
The hydraulics are electrically controlled to maintain the set angle. The angle of the implement is calculated and adjusted accordingly with very high accuracy when the boom is raised or lowered. It can be used on the mechanical self-level system loaders to enhance the levelling right to the limits of boom and implement travel. The function can be switched on and off.
