Quicke’s Q-Companion front loader add-on has been around since 2017.
The original concept allowed load weighing on the go while informing the operator of load position in real-time but not much more.
Last year the Swedish manufacturer unveiled its more advanced Quicke Control System (QCS), which recently made its official Irish debut.
The new electronic QE-Command joystick is more comfortable in hand than the previous LCS EasyDrive and LCS Electro-drive controllers and offers additional features and functions as standard.
Standard features of the joystick include bucket shake, lift and tilt float positions, boom suspension on-off, hydraulic attachment lock-unlock, as well as two unused assignable controls for other tasks.
Pairing the QE-Command joystick with the new Q-Companion driver support system, unleashes all its potential.
The Q-Companion can be retrofitted to all QE-Command loaders. This includes a small coloured terminal, headstock oil pressure sensors and boom angle sensors.
The sensors mean it is an active system rather than passive as before.
Dynamic weighing, data recording, position monitoring and service interval reminders are all possible features.
Further features of the two systems working in tandem include:
QMotion: stores up to two boom and attachment positions for repetitive tasks. QRange: storage of lift height and tilt positions. QShake: adjustable bucket shake function QEnds: cylinder dampening. When the hydraulic cylinders are nearing full extension they automatically cushion to avoid sudden stops even at full speed. Once integrated, the operator can easily navigate through the Q-Companion terminal using the QE-Command joystick thumb scroll wheel. Alternatively, the terminal’s own touch buttons can be used.
For those looking to get the most out of the system, a separate profile can be created for each attachment. A total of 30 attachments can be stored, each with up to five operating modes. Within each attachment, specific weights, cycle times and features such as weighing position can be stored as well as settings related to QMotion, QRange and QShake etc.
Inputting individual attachment information and criteria may take time initially but once it’s done, it’s done.
Individual job-related information such as accumulated weights can be exported from the Q-Companion via Bluetooth to a cloud service which can be accessed via the Quicke smartphone app or web-based portal and help with record-keeping or invoicing.
As part of the Q-Companion package, angle sensors and oil pressure sensors are fitted.
Quicke has designed the new multi-coupler so it can be easily disconnected and reconnected even while pressure is on the hydraulic system.
For better flow, all hydraulic lines have been increased from 3/8in to 1/2in. The new QCS uses electro-mechanical actuators instead of solenoids, improving accuracy and speed.
One might wonder what the limit is when it comes to the amount of tech on a front-loader, but Quicke continues to lead the way in front-loader digital developments.
The QCS, although not necessary for some operators and potentially beyond the budget of more, has a place in the hands of the specialised operator.
For any farmer or contractor working a front-loader on a daily basis loading material that needs to be weighed and recorded, it potentially cuts out the need for a weighbridge.
The other smart features (some more than others) will have their places depending on the operator and task which may save time and effort.
The QCS can be retrofitted to older tractors as it doesn’t require Isobus.
All control equipment is housed on the loader crossbar.
Quicke’s Q-Companion front loader add-on has been around since 2017.
The original concept allowed load weighing on the go while informing the operator of load position in real-time but not much more.
Last year the Swedish manufacturer unveiled its more advanced Quicke Control System (QCS), which recently made its official Irish debut.
The new electronic QE-Command joystick is more comfortable in hand than the previous LCS EasyDrive and LCS Electro-drive controllers and offers additional features and functions as standard.
Standard features of the joystick include bucket shake, lift and tilt float positions, boom suspension on-off, hydraulic attachment lock-unlock, as well as two unused assignable controls for other tasks.
Pairing the QE-Command joystick with the new Q-Companion driver support system, unleashes all its potential.
The Q-Companion can be retrofitted to all QE-Command loaders. This includes a small coloured terminal, headstock oil pressure sensors and boom angle sensors.
The sensors mean it is an active system rather than passive as before.
Dynamic weighing, data recording, position monitoring and service interval reminders are all possible features.
Further features of the two systems working in tandem include:
QMotion: stores up to two boom and attachment positions for repetitive tasks. QRange: storage of lift height and tilt positions. QShake: adjustable bucket shake function QEnds: cylinder dampening. When the hydraulic cylinders are nearing full extension they automatically cushion to avoid sudden stops even at full speed. Once integrated, the operator can easily navigate through the Q-Companion terminal using the QE-Command joystick thumb scroll wheel. Alternatively, the terminal’s own touch buttons can be used.
For those looking to get the most out of the system, a separate profile can be created for each attachment. A total of 30 attachments can be stored, each with up to five operating modes. Within each attachment, specific weights, cycle times and features such as weighing position can be stored as well as settings related to QMotion, QRange and QShake etc.
Inputting individual attachment information and criteria may take time initially but once it’s done, it’s done.
Individual job-related information such as accumulated weights can be exported from the Q-Companion via Bluetooth to a cloud service which can be accessed via the Quicke smartphone app or web-based portal and help with record-keeping or invoicing.
As part of the Q-Companion package, angle sensors and oil pressure sensors are fitted.
Quicke has designed the new multi-coupler so it can be easily disconnected and reconnected even while pressure is on the hydraulic system.
For better flow, all hydraulic lines have been increased from 3/8in to 1/2in. The new QCS uses electro-mechanical actuators instead of solenoids, improving accuracy and speed.
One might wonder what the limit is when it comes to the amount of tech on a front-loader, but Quicke continues to lead the way in front-loader digital developments.
The QCS, although not necessary for some operators and potentially beyond the budget of more, has a place in the hands of the specialised operator.
For any farmer or contractor working a front-loader on a daily basis loading material that needs to be weighed and recorded, it potentially cuts out the need for a weighbridge.
The other smart features (some more than others) will have their places depending on the operator and task which may save time and effort.
The QCS can be retrofitted to older tractors as it doesn’t require Isobus.
All control equipment is housed on the loader crossbar.
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