Amazone Updates Its ZG-TX Combination Spreader Series

Amazone has introduced a series update for its trailed ZG-TX combination spreaders, designed for applying granular mineral fertilisers and moist lime. The main changes include an integrated weighing system and the FlowControl automatic application-rate regulation system, which can now be used not only with mineral fertilisers but also when spreading lime. The new equipment is available for the ISOBUS-controlled ZG-TX Special and ZG-TX Super versions.

The update does not alter the machine’s basic concept. The ZG-TX remains a versatile spreader that can be converted to handle two materials with substantially different physical properties. However, the new systems are intended to improve the accuracy of load monitoring, simplify calibration and ensure more consistent compliance with the target lime application rate when the material’s moisture content, density and flow characteristics change.

Integrated Weighing System

One of the main new features is a weighing system that determines the mass of material inside the hopper. For this purpose, Amazone has installed two robust load cells between the axle and the frame, along with an additional sensor in the drawbar coupling. The current weight is displayed on the ISOBUS terminal in the tractor cab.

Three measuring points are required to determine the load on the machine more accurately. Part of the spreader’s weight is transferred to the axle, while the remaining load is transmitted through the drawbar to the tractor’s towing connection. Measuring only the axle load would therefore not provide complete information about the actual quantity of material in the hopper.

The weighing system performs several functions. It shows the remaining quantity of material, assists with loading control and is used to calibrate the application rate. In combination with optional work lights, the system also supports the operator while filling the hopper: flashing lights indicate the loading level and help reach the specified target weight. According to the manufacturer, this should reduce unwanted residues of fertiliser or lime after completing work in the field. 

Calibration Without Manual Density Measurement

Integration of the weighing system into the ISOBUS software simplifies spreader calibration. After a defined quantity of material has been applied, the system compares the initial and remaining hopper weight and then calculates a calibration factor.

The operator does not need to determine the material’s bulk density separately or manually weigh a test sample. This is especially important for a combination spreader because the density and conveying behaviour of granular mineral fertilisers differ substantially from those of moist lime. 

At the same time, the new weighing system should not be confused with fully continuous weight-based regulation in real time. Its primary functions are accurate residual-quantity measurement, loading control and offline calibration after a test quantity has been applied. Continuous adjustment of the lime feed is carried out by a separate system — FlowControl.

FlowControl Now Also Works With Lime

The second key element of the update is the extension of FlowControl functionality to lime-spreading equipment. Previously, torque-based regulation was used in mineral fertiliser metering systems. For lime application, Amazone has developed new gearboxes that make it possible to measure the load on the spreading-disc drive.

Before starting work, the operator enters the required application rate. FlowControl monitors the torque and automatically adjusts the material feed. Regulation takes place continuously while the machine is moving.

This principle is particularly important when working with lime. Even within a single batch, the material may vary in moisture content, lump formation and bulk density. If the metering mechanism remains in the same position, the actual mass flow may therefore deviate from the target value. Monitoring the drive load allows the system to estimate the material flow indirectly and adjust the metering accordingly.

According to Amazone, FlowControl is designed to maintain high spreading accuracy even when lime quality is inconsistent. The new function is available for all ISOBUS versions of the ZG-TX Special and ZG-TX Super.

One Machine for Mineral Fertilisers and Lime

A key design feature of the ZG-TX remains its ability to switch between the TS system for granular mineral fertilisers and separate spreading equipment for moist lime. According to the manufacturer, a complete conversion takes approximately 25 minutes. The software recognises the installed equipment and automatically adapts the machine-control parameters.

When changing between the two operating modes, four main components must be replaced or moved into the transport position:

1. protective guard;
2. spreading discs;
3. guide chute;
4. hopper screens.

The manufacturer therefore does not attempt to use one universal spreading unit for materials with fundamentally different physical characteristics. The precise TS system is used for mineral fertilisers, while lime is handled by a separate, more robust spreading mechanism.

TS System and Boundary Spreading

When applying granular fertilisers, the ZG-TX can be equipped with an electrically controlled double shutter. The interaction between the shutter, floor conveyor and delivery system allows the left and right sides to be regulated independently, enables operation with prescription maps and supports automatic section control.

Depending on the specification, the spreader supports up to 16 sections. GPS-Switch automatically activates and deactivates them in wedge-shaped field areas and on headlands. HeadlandControl adjusts the spreading pattern during headland operations, while the AutoTS system integrated into the disc is used for boundary spreading. A separate border-deflector plate is provided for lime application.

The working width for mineral fertilisers ranges from 15 to 54 m. Three vane sets are available for this purpose: TS 10, TS 20 and TS 30. When spreading lime, the maximum working width is 16 m.

Main Technical Specifications of the Amazone ZG-TX

The specifications are based on Amazone’s official technical documentation. The actual machine weight depends on the equipment configuration, while permissible loads during road transport must be determined in accordance with national regulations, tyre specifications and tractor characteristics. For the ZG-TX Super, the technically permissible weight during road transport is limited in the documentation to 14 t, whereas the 21 t figure applies to field operation.

Practical Significance of the Update

The new equipment may provide the greatest benefit to large farms, agricultural contractors and companies that rent out fertiliser spreaders. Under these operating conditions, a single machine may handle different fertilisers and lime batches throughout the season, with material properties varying considerably.

The weighing system simplifies logistics and residual-quantity monitoring while reducing the number of manual operations required during calibration. FlowControl, in turn, is responsible for continuously correcting the lime feed. The two systems therefore complement one another: the weighing equipment monitors the actual mass, while torque measurement is used for immediate application-rate adjustment.

Another important point is that the new functions are offered for the entire ISOBUS-controlled ZG-TX range rather than exclusively for the largest ZG-TX 11200 Super model. The technology is therefore available both for heavier machines with a permissible field weight of 21 t and for the more compact ZG-TX Special models with a maximum weight of 12.5 t.

Spare Parts for Fertiliser Spreaders

Application accuracy depends not only on electronics and calibration but also on the technical condition of spreading discs, vanes, gearboxes, metering shutters, conveyors, bearing assemblies and other mechanical components.

The Bas-Agro website offers spare parts for fertiliser spreaders from various manufacturers. The catalogue includes components for the repair and maintenance of spreaders, helping operators restore machine performance before the start of the season or directly during field operations.

The series update of the Amazone ZG-TX focuses not on increasing hopper capacity or working width but on more accurate material control. The integrated weighing system provides the operator with more reliable information about the load and remaining quantity, simplifies calculation of the calibration factor and helps load the machine to the specified target weight.

The most significant technological change is the introduction of FlowControl for lime. Continuous torque-based regulation is intended to compensate for changes in material properties without stopping the machine. As a result, the ZG-TX should deliver greater accuracy not only when applying uniform granular fertilisers but also when spreading lime materials with more variable structure and moisture content.