Berg Hortimotive recently introduced the EasyTrack crop care machine which is suitable for worldwide application. This compact and robust machine has been specifically developed for use in greenhouses without a pipe rail system. Marcel van Steekelenburg elaborates on where the most benefits of the EasyTrack are found.
Why did Berg Hortimotive develop the EasyTrack?
In countries outside the Netherlands and certainly outside Europe, many greenhouses are operating without a pipe rail system. This means that it is not possible to make use of the various mobile work platforms that we have previously developed and which, as a basis, actually need this pipe rail system to move around. Because the EasyTrack is equipped with four sturdy rubber tires, this crop care machine only needs a surface to drive on and can therefore be used in practically all (indoor) environments.
How does the EasyTrack work?
When the EasyTrack is in the path where you want to care for the crop, set a low speed via the control panel. Then you press the foot pedal so that the machine travels through the paths and along the crop at this fixed low speed. Because you control the drive with your foot, the employee always has both hands free to take care of the crop. When he releases the pedal, the EasyTrack automatically comes to a halt within a short time.
How does the EasyTrack distinguish itself from existing systems?
The most important difference are the controls. These can be set intuitively due to the limited number of buttons and the clear icons. No small print and many buttons but a simple potentiometer on which a turtle and a hare indicate in which direction the speed becomes lower or higher.
In addition, the controls provide a joystick that anyone can operate intuitively. This is used when the EasyTrack is driven at a higher speed to the next path, but it is also optimally suited to correct the direction of travel in the paths. After all, you will always deviate slightly from the desired driving direction at a given moment and a small tap on the joystick will be sufficient to adjust.
Working at heights sounds dangerous. How can safety be ensured?
This happens in different ways. Firstly, the platform on which the operator stands is provided with a fence around it. In addition, the EasyTrack is maximally stable due to a low center of gravity in combination with a wide wheelbase. Even when working at maximum height - around 2 meters - there is no possibility that it will roll over with the employee on it. Thanks to a smart system, the stable platform can also be securely locked in height.
How long does the battery last?
Our traction battery is one of the last generation that offers a capacity of a few days. The display shows how much energy is left over, causing the user to easily be able to estimate at the end of the day if charging in the evening is necessary.
What can you tell us about maintenance?
The EasyTrack has a simple structure and has a low maintenance requirement. That is because our engineers have only opted for proven techniques and technologies. Only high-quality material has been selected that also has an excellent coating. These are all measures that extend the service life and minimize maintenance. If maintenance is nevertheless required, the relevant parts are easily accessible.
Summarizing?
The EasyTrack is a robust crop care machine that employees can use to care for crops simply, ergonomically and safely. Truly a brilliant machine with optimal stability!
For more information: 
Berg Hortimotive
www.berghortimotive.com