Raupe mit Puls: Dammann-trac mit Raupenlaufwerk und Pulsweitenmodulation PWM im traction Erstkontakt

Dammann is pioneering a double innovation in crop protection. Read our full test report online: Read the test report online! The field sprayers can now be equipped with a pulse width modulation (PWM) system developed in-house, and the self-propelled sprayers can also be fitted with crawler tracks. Time for a test! ------ This crawler has a pulse. Both the crawler and the pulse are innovations in crop protection that are currently causing a stir for Dammann from Buxtehude. Pulse refers to pulse width modulation. Several manufacturers now offer this technology. A valve continuously opens and closes the nozzle, in Dammann's case 12 to 25 times per second – the pulse. Depending on how long the nozzle remains open and closed, more or less spray solution is applied to the field. The opening duration is called the pulse width, and it can be controlled – or "modulated" – very precisely, thus opening up entirely new possibilities for applying more or less pesticide depending on the needs of individual fields. Another advantage: The system operates with a constant spray pressure. This ensures that the droplet size remains constant, regardless of the application rate. Even when driving faster, the set pressure can be maintained, allowing for faster application – thus eliminating the need to switch between different nozzles for different driving conditions. Furthermore, pulse width modulation promises more precise application, especially when cornering. Looking behind the scenes at local suppliers, most purchase their PWM systems from two US manufacturers: Teejet and Raven Industries. Teejet has already received approval in Germany from the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) for its electronic nozzle control with pulse width modulation. The system is approved for use on field sprayers in field crops. However, the JKI now assesses complete packages consisting of the sprayer, electronics, and nozzle, as these components influence each other. Dammann collaborates with Müller-Elektronik on control technology and nozzle valves, and with Agrotop and their Softdrop nozzles for the nozzles themselves. Müller-Elektronik has submitted the complete proSpray package to the JKI (Julius Kühn Institute) for testing. The institute is examining the interaction between the valve and nozzle on a Dammann sprayer. The company expects the process to be completed in 2021, at which point customers will be able to use the PWM (Process Width Modulation) system without restriction. This is already possible during practical testing. Unlike other manufacturers, the PWM system can be integrated into the sprayer's ISOBUS control system and thus controlled from the tractor terminal. When using a self-propelled sprayer, the Dammann terminal is naturally used, in our case the largest available, the 12-inch touchscreen. Among other things, this allows switching between nozzle lines with conventional and PWM control. Parameters for the PWM control, such as the minimum and maximum application rate in liters per hectare, can also be set. However, the new crawler tracks, which were fitted to our test unit for the first time, are a technology that can only be combined with Dammann-trac tractors. One technology that can only be combined with Dammann-trac tractors is the new crawler track system. ... Dammann sees potential applications in row crops, such as potatoes, where the 380 mm tires could be replaced with 400 mm tracks, effectively doubling the contact area by a factor of 2.2. The tracks are supplied by Poluzzi. Dammann opted for the Anacon 16 model. It is 16 inches (400 mm) wide as standard. The crucial factor is the installation. The track units are mounted to the wheel flanges of the hydraulic wheel hub motors, just like the wheels. Switching from wheels to tracks takes about two hours. Both configurations are street legal, although the maximum speed is electronically limited to 25 km/h when using tracks. In either case, we found the pneumatically sprung suspension to be comfortable, even with the tracks, during our test. It presents virtually no new challenges for the driver. Only at the headlands do you have to be careful not to turn too sharply and create ridges of earth. The carrier vehicle in our test, the Dammann-trac 2800H S5, has been on the market since 2016 and carries mounted sprayers with capacities from 5,000 to 7,000 liters. It is powered by a 7.7-liter six-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz with 281 hp. The same engine is also used, for example, in the Ropa Rübenmaus 5 beet harvester. It reaches its top speed of 40 km/h on wheels at just 1,200 rpm. It is driven by a lever or pedal. Our conclusion: On the one hand, two North American manufacturers have largely divided the market for PWM electronics between them. On the other hand, Dammann is doing pioneering work because it is seeking recognition from the JKI (Julius Kühn Institute) for the complete system of sprayer, electronics, and nozzle. This could give them...