From hydraulics to electric

As the agricultural industry moves toward smart farming, its reliance on hydraulic systems is being challenged by a cleaner, smarter alternative: electric linear actuators and DC motors.
Why electric is gaining ground
For decades, hydraulics was the only way to move heavy loads. But DC-powered motion control offers advantages that hydraulics cannot match: Zero contamination – no oil leaks means safer food production and protected soil. Energy efficiency – actuators only draw power when moving, unlike hydraulic pumps that often run constantly. Precision positioning – achieve sub-millimeter accuracy that is repeatable over thousands of cycles.
Automated greenhouse ventilation
Greenhouses depend heavily on precise climate control. Linear actuators and DC motors are used to automatically open and close roof vents, side panels and shading systems. By responding to temperature and humidity sensors, the actuators ensure optimal growing conditions without manual intervention. Benefits: improved yields, energy efficiency, reduced labor costs.
Precision seeding and planting

In the past, seed hoppers were driven by a ground wheel. Today, electric DC motors (especially brushless DC motors) drive the seed metering units. This allows farmers to adjust the seeding rate on the go based on GPS data, shut off individual rows to avoid overlap, and maintain even row spacing regardless of tractor speed.
Harvesting and processing equipment

Combine harvesters, graders and sorting machines depend on precise mechanical movements. Linear actuators and brushless DC motors help position cutting blades, conveyor gates and sorting flaps for smooth and accurate processing.
Selected Transmotec products for agriculture
DHI series: high force up to 10,000 N, ideal for heavy-duty agricultural applications. With Synch-Tech, you can easily synchronize two DHI actuators so they move at exactly the same speed – essential when lifting a wide gate or a long harvesting boom. AMA series: AC-powered solutions for larger machines, dust- and water-resistant for seasonal use in the field. B86 series: brushless design with no wearing parts, able to run for thousands of hours in dusty grain elevators without maintenance, with Hall sensors for precise position tracking. PD series: superior power-to-size ratio for tight spaces such as seed metering units or robotic weeding arms, with high efficiency that is critical for battery- or solar-powered agricultural technology.