Extending the lifespan of farm tools: The role of tungsten carbide

Technology

By Thomas Trott, Element Six Global Sales Director for Road, Mining & Wear Products Published: November 01, 2024

In today’s highly competitive agricultural industry, having durable and efficient farming equipment is essential. Farmers are constantly under pressure to increase production while keeping costs low, making the materials used in their tools more critical than ever. In this competitive landscape, tungsten carbide is a true super material that stands out for its exceptional toughness and resistance to wear, making it a valuable addition to modern tillage tools as well as seeding and harvesting machinery. By incorporating tungsten carbide into equipment, farmers can significantly extend the lifespan of their tools, while boosting operational efficiency.

Tungsten carbide is renowned for its extraordinary hardness, second only to diamond on the Mohs hardness scale. Its resilience allows it to withstand the tough and abrasive conditions commonly found in agricultural and farming environments. Studies show that tungsten carbide components can last up to ten times longer than traditional steel parts, providing a dramatic improvement in durability (Element Six, 2023).

This material is ideal for components like plowshares, cultivator points, and disc harrows, which benefit from the enhanced sharpness and durability tungsten carbide offers. For instance, while a regular steel plowshare might need replacement after tilling 500 to 1,000 acres, a tungsten carbide-tipped plowshare can remain effective for 3,000 to 5,000 acres (Farm Equipment Magazine, 2022). This extended lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving both time and costs on labor and materials.

As the competitive advantages of tungsten carbide are becoming increasingly recognized, many equipment manufacturers have started actively adopting the material. Element Six (E6), a world-leading developer of synthetic diamond and advanced super-abrasive materials, is at the forefront of tungsten carbide development and manufacturing. E6’s engineered tungsten carbide products are specifically designed to handle the extreme conditions encountered in agriculture, forestry, and related industries.

Element Six’s proprietary tungsten carbide grades are reported to boost wear resistance by up to 60% compared to conventional materials (Element Six, 2023). E6’s products are designed to maintain their sharpness and functionality even in abrasive soils, allowing farmers to rely on better equipment for longer. By opting for tungsten carbide-enhanced tools, farmers are investing in greater durability, as well as long-term productivity, lower operational costs and increased yield potential.

Integrating tungsten carbide into tillage, seeding and harvesting equipment is more than just a way to cut costs – it’s a strategic decision that can significantly improve operational efficiency. Field tests indicate that farmers using tools enhanced with tungsten carbide can lower maintenance and replacement expenses by as much as 40 percent (Agricultural Research & Development, 2021). This is largely due to the reduced need to replace worn parts and the minimized labor costs for equipment upkeep.

Moreover, equipment that stays sharp for longer periods can make tillage, seeding and harvesting processes faster and more effective. This improved efficiency in soil preparation leads to better seedbed conditions, which are critical for optimal crop emergence and root development. Based on that, farmers who have already adopted these solutions have reported yield increases of 5-10 percent thanks to the improved soil preparation achieved with tungsten carbide tools (Agriculture Today, 2022).

Tungsten carbide: Shaping the future of agriculture

Tungsten carbide is revolutionizing tillage, seeding and harvesting equipment by extending tool life up to ten times longer than steel, cutting down on maintenance needs and operational costs. This allows farmers to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, minimizing downtime. Companies like Element Six are leading the way in this field, by supplying world-leading, innovative solutions to global machine manufacturers, helping farmers get the most out of their equipment. Tungsten carbide is truly a game changer for the agriculture sector, as everyone is striving for higher yields at lower costs.

Thomas Trott is the global sales director for road, mining and wear products at Element Six — a world-leading developer of synthetic diamond and advanced super-abrasive materials. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.