With the continued rise of food demand, coupled with the speed of technology, the evolution of agricultural equipment has accelerated now more than ever. Farmers today are looking for sustainable, efficient solutions that meet the highest industry standards and enhance cultivation activities such as sowing and harvesting. By using innovative polymers that increase vehicle functionality and comfort while driving production efficiencies on farms, LyondellBasell can bring agricultural advancements to the forefront.
“Working closely with large agricultural equipment manufacturers, LyondellBasell is helping to improve performance across a variety of vehicle types including combines, tractors and their implements,” said Deavron Farmer, LyondellBasell Manager, New Business Development for Agriculture. “From the strength and durability required on the outside, to the cabin comfort and connectivity on the inside, polymer solutions from LyondellBasell are enabling these vehicles to take on autonomy, allowing farmers to focus on bringing fresh food from their farm to your table.”
When it comes to the exterior of a tractor and combine, polymers can have a major impact on pieces like body panels, rooftops and hoods. These applications are typically exposed to harsh elements such as constant ultra-violate (UV) exposure, corrosion, rough terrains and hardy crops, so it’s important that the material selected can withstand these demands to keep its structural integrity and color. Sheet molding compounds (SMC) from LyondellBasell have become a material of choice for many manufacturers. Our innovative Premi-SMC grades are formulated for strength, longevity and aesthetics for any environmental condition. With this broad thermoset portfolio and our technical expertise, we developed a lightweight material that offered durability while maintaining a premium surface appearance. Furthermore, this portfolio offers a bio-based alternative, helping manufacturers achieve their sustainability goals.
Following the automotive industry, the interior of a tractor now resembles the luxury look and feel of a high-end performance car. Ultimate cabin comfort is a key feature for many farmers. Softell from LyondellBasell is a polymer solution that enables a more comfortable and pleasant cab experience. This product family provides noise reduction characteristics to help control sound levels when the equipment is in use along with unique special color effects, metallics and overall haptics. The use of thermoplastics in a tractor interior also provides design flexibility in applications like control panels and electrical housings to help accommodate the rapid development of sensor technology, GPS and analytic connectivity and automation.
By offering lighter components, greater comfort, and increased resistance to environmental and functional damage, LyondellBasell is dedicated to advancing what’s possible in agricultural equipment. With our industry knowledge and commitment to supporting thriving communities, LyondellBasell aims to harness its global capabilities of production, leverage product technologies for greater value, and facilitate the future of agri-business through polymers.
For more information about our Agriculture portfolio, click here
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