Trimble has announced it has acquired the assets of privately-held Rawson Control Systems based in Oelwein, Iowa. Rawson manufactures hydraulic and electronic controls for the agriculture equipment industry, including variable rate planter drives and controllers, variable rate fertilizer controllers, mechanical remote electric control valves and speed reducers.

Rawson's products work in conjunction with the Trimble FieldManager Display which monitors and controls up to four inputs such as seed, fertilizer and crop protection. The controllers can be operated either automatically by Global Positioning System (GPS) solutions or manually, both of which are supported by Trimble's portfolio of assisted steering or manual guidance products. Trimble adds to its fully-integrated solution in the flow and application control market, allowing growers to choose how to guide, monitor, control and automate their farm machinery.

Rawson's offerings include the Accu-Rate variable rate controller, a versatile solution that mounts to planters, drills, air seeders, granulars or air spreaders, and liquid applicators with constant-volume pumps. The processor can be programmed to accurately control two different seed populations or to simultaneously change seed at one rate, and fertilizer at a different rate, when using two Geographic Information System (GIS)-based prescriptions.

The controller allows growers to gain precision and increase yields by varying the rate of seed and fertilizer applied, both easily managed from the tractor cab.

Rawson's mechanical and remote electric control valves are built for sand and salt spreader valve applications or for agriculture. Its dual, manual remote proportional valves offer flow control in a single, rugged package. Rawson's line of speed reducers matches engine speed to driven equipment speed, allowing both the engine and load to operate at peak efficiency. Options in speed reduction include heavy duty single pinion, double duty single pinion, twin pinion or heavy duty smart speed reducer.

“We are excited to add the Rawson line of drives, controllers and complementary products to our flow and application control solutions portfolio. Rawson is a leader and their products are affordable, simple to use and accurate,” said Erik Arvesen, general manager for Trimble's Agriculture Division.

“Rawson complements our recent Tru Count acquisition. Our focus is to provide complete, end-to-end solutions for our customers, especially in the application control arena. Rawson drives allow customers to vary the seed rates while Tru Count clutches allow customers to shut off individual rows.

“Trimble's solutions for precision planting which began with displays, GPS-based vehicle and implement guidance, are now the most comprehensive in the industry.”

“Rawson adds hydraulic system expertise to Trimble's strength in electronics and GPS technology. Together we believe this will be a great combination,” said Allan Lorenc, president, Rawson Control Systems. “Our combined technologies will allow Trimble to offer enhanced solutions for planters and spreaders by delivering greater control of seed and fertilizer applications.”

The Rawson Control Systems business will be part of Trimble's Agriculture Division. For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at: www.trimble.com.