Orthman Wins International Award

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), recently awarded an AE50 award to Orthman Manufacturing, Lexington, NE, for their Shadow Tracker GPS guidance system. ASABE deemed the Shadow one of the year’s most innovative designs in engineering systems for the food and agriculture industries. The award was presented to Ryan Hulme, Design Engineer for the project during the ASABE Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference.

Hulme pointed to Orthman’s tradition of innovation and flexibility in accepting the award. “The Shadow Tracker System is based on the proven Tracker IV GPS guidance system, and allows for mounting options across multiple platforms. Ever since Henry Orthman began using 7 X 7 structural tubing for equipment frames in the 1960’s, it has become the industry standard — and the Shadow Tracker GPS System takes advantage of that standardization. It can be mounted wherever there is an open section of 7 X 7 on the planter frame, and it replaces all mechanical linkages between steering blades with a rephasing hydraulic cylinder on each steering module. This allows growers with center flex planter frames the ability to have sub-inch accuracy implement guidance, which was previously unavailable. This award is a testament to Orthman’s dedication to developing innovative products for growers around the world,” said Hulme.

Agronomist Mike Petersen pointed out the importance of implement guidance. “For growers practicing precision tillage and placing fertilizer products with the Orthman 1tRIPr followed with a top-quality planter, repeatable accuracy is a must — planting must occur where the fertilizer is placed. In steeper slopes, drawn planters have a real tendency to slide downhill, and missing the mark is not acceptable. Reducing stress, grief, loss of dollars, and replicating A-B lines all point to active implement steering and the Orthman Shadow Tracker,” said Petersen.

Companies from around the world submitted entries to the annual AE50 competition and winners were chosen by a panel of international engineering experts.

Orthman has been a member of this Association since 1989. For more information about the company go to: Orthman.com. ◆