Project 3D Visualisations, 3D Animations
3D Animation of the EKOMASTER Agricultural Machine for AGRO-LIFT
Case study: 3D animation of a modular agricultural machine - from a STEP file in 7 days
For the Polish agricultural machinery manufacturer AGRO-LIFT, we produced a 3D animation of the EKOMASTER modular inter-row eco-weeder. The 1:12 film shows the machine’s design, its components and three equipment lines – BASIC, OPTIMAL and PROFESIONAL. It was made from a STEP file in 7 days for the product’s launch at trade fairs and on the manufacturer’s website.
AGRO-LIFT has been manufacturing agricultural machinery and equipment since 2006, with its head office in Nowy Bazanów and its production plant in Przytoczno, Poland. EKOMASTER removes weeds mechanically between crop rows, without chemicals, and is designed for organic farming.
How do you present a new agricultural machine in three versions in 7 days?
EKOMASTER is a new product, and AGRO-LIFT needed material for its launch and promotion – for trade fairs and the product page. The deadline was extremely tight: we had 7 days from receiving the STEP file to delivering the finished film.
The second challenge was modularity. The machine comes in three equipment lines and three working widths, and the film had to clearly show:
- how the weeder is built and how its components work,
- how the BASIC, OPTIMAL and PROFESIONAL lines differ,
- which modules can be swapped or added, and what they are for.
How was the EKOMASTER 3D animation made?
We started with a STEP file of the machine and a draft script that went into production after it was agreed with the client. We delivered the project for a creative agency handling the cooperation with AGRO-LIFT – the agency managed the arrangements with the client, and we handled the 3D production, from the model to the edited film.
To fit into 7 days, we planned the work in parallel:
- we split the script into parts produced independently,
- we optimized the STEP model for animation,
- we prepared the 3D scene and the post-production file so that the next stages could run at the same time,
- animation schemes, component colours and module variants were consulted on the go – while the first parts of the film were already in production,
- editing ran throughout the project, from the first day to the last.
Thanks to smooth communication between our team, the agency and the client, the film was delivered on time.
What does the animation show?
The film walks through the machine’s design and its key components:
- support wheels with working depth adjustment,
- spring tines with duck-foot shares,
- wire rollers or a spring levelling harrow,
- shield plates or protective discs that protect plants in the row,
- rotating weeding stars,
- LED work lights.
EKOMASTER - BASIC line
Depth-adjustable support wheels, spring tines with duck-foot shares, wire rollers or a spring levelling harrow.
EKOMASTER - OPTIMAL line
BASIC equipment plus shield plates or protective discs and LED lights.
EKOMASTER - PROFESIONAL line
OPTIMAL equipment plus rotating weeding stars.
Three EKOMASTER equipment lines – BASIC, OPTIMAL and PROFESIONAL
From the same 3D scene we prepared a comparison of identical shots of the machine in its three equipment lines, so the differences between versions are visible at a glance (manufacturer’s data):
- BASIC – depth-adjustable support wheels, spring tines with duck-foot shares, wire rollers or a spring levelling harrow,
- OPTIMAL – BASIC equipment plus shield plates or protective discs and LED lights,
- PROFESIONAL – OPTIMAL equipment plus rotating weeding stars.
EKOMASTER is available in working widths of 3.0 m, 3.8 m and 4.8 m, with 5, 7 or 9 weeding modules, for row spacing from 40 to 80 cm. Full technical data is on the AGRO-LIFT product page.
3D visualizations of EKOMASTER details
Close-ups from the animation show the machine’s key components up close: module mounting, spring tines with shares, support wheels, shields and weeding stars.
Result: launch material delivered on time
- A 1:12 film delivered 7 days after receiving the STEP file.
- The animation is embedded on the EKOMASTER product page – showing visitors how the machine is built and how the equipment versions differ.
- Material for promoting the new product at trade fairs.
- One 3D scene produced both the film and a series of visualizations.
We create similar technical animations for machinery and equipment manufacturers across industries – see our 3D technical and instructional animation services and projects for Sankyo Oilless, Boccard and AS Technik.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long did the EKOMASTER agricultural machine 3D animation take?
7 days – from receiving the STEP file and the draft script to the finished 1:12 film. A typical 3D animation takes 3-8 weeks. Such a short turnaround was possible thanks to parallel work on the script, model, 3D scene and editing, and quick consultations with the agency and the client.
What materials are needed for an agricultural machine 3D animation?
The basis is the manufacturer’s CAD model, preferably in STEP format, and a script – a draft is enough. For EKOMASTER we received a STEP file and a draft script agreed with the client.
What is the EKOMASTER inter-row weeder?
It is a modular AGRO-LIFT machine for mechanical weed removal between crop rows, without chemicals, designed for organic farming. It comes in BASIC, OPTIMAL and PROFESIONAL lines and in working widths of 3.0 m, 3.8 m and 4.8 m. Full technical data is on the manufacturer’s product page.
How can an agricultural machinery manufacturer use a 3D animation?
For a product launch at trade fairs, on the product page and in sales meetings – the animation shows the machine’s design and the differences between versions in one short film. AGRO-LIFT uses the film on the EKOMASTER product page and to promote the machine at trade fairs. Read more in our 3D animation guide for businesses.
How much does an agricultural machine 3D animation cost?
The price depends on the film length, the quality of the CAD files and the number of machine variants to show. Indicative rates and cost factors are described in our article on 3D visualization and animation cost.
Can one animation provide visualizations of different machine versions?
Yes. From the same 3D scene we prepared a comparison of identical EKOMASTER shots in the BASIC, OPTIMAL and PROFESIONAL lines, plus close-ups of machine details – without rebuilding the model.
