Scharmüller Emergency release system type 744XXX

DLG-APPROVED: "FULL-TEST"

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Test report 7025

The approval

A test mark „DLG-APPROVED for individual criteria“ is awarded for agricultural products which have successfully fulfilled a scope-reduced usability testing conducted by DLG according to independent and recognised evaluation criteria. The test is intended to highlight particular innovations and key criteria of the test object. The test may contain criteria from the DLG test scope for overall tests, or focus on other value-determining characteristics and properties of the test subject. The minimum requirements, test conditions and procedures as well as the evaluation bases of the test results will be specified in consultation with an expert group of DLG. They correspond to the recognised rules of technology, as well as scientific and agricultural knowledge and requirements. The successful testing is concluded with the publication of a test report, as well as the awarding of the test mark which is valid for five years from the date of awarding.

The Scharmüller emergency release system was tested as a coupling device with ball coupling in the context of a DLG-APPROVED FULL TEST. To do this, the system was mounted on a KRONE BIGPACK 1290 HDP XC big baler and analysed in terms of six different aspects in combination with a FENDT 926 in order to guarantee a comprehensive assessment of the system.

  1. Function and quality of work
  2. Handling, operation and maintenance
  3. Electronics and digitalisation
  4. Environmental and resource protection
  5. Check of compliance with work safety specifications
  6. Practical use

In addition to the document check (installation and operating instructions, manufacturer approvals, legally required documents, etc.) and an inspection of the production plant, the practical test including evaluation by experienced users provided to be an essential element.

[Translate to English:] Abbildung Scharmüller Notentriegelungs-System Typ 744XXX

Assessment in brief

The type 744XXX emergency release system from Scharmüller met all of the requirements made on it. In particular, it was confirmed during the test that it is highly suitable for preventing a fire from spreading to the tractor and for minimising the resulting overall damage in an emergency. Due to the fact that it is triggered from the driver’s seat, it also helps to minimise the risk of injury to the driver, since he no longer has to approach the source of the fire any further than is necessary to separate the connection between the tractor and the burning baler, for instance. The use of breakaway couplings for the hydraulic lines is recommended to minimise consequential damage to the tractor. Based on the results achieved, the type 744XXX emergency release system from Scharmüller is awarded the DLG-APPROVED FULL TEST quality mark.

The product

Figure 3: Disconnected coupling device
Figure 3: Disconnected coupling device
Figure 4: Cable remote control to be installed in the cab
Figure 4: Cable remote control to be installed in the cab

The test results in detail

Electronics and digitalisation

The cable remote control is connected with a polyurethane-sheathed cable. This is an extremely robust control cable which is characterised by high abrasion and notching resistance. It is also resistant to UV radiation and therefore does not harden over time. If a cable break nevertheless occurs, it is detected and indicated on the cable remote control. While the electrical connectors in the drawbar are not designed for high pressure or steam jet cleaners aimed directly at the connectors, the IP 65 system of protection means that they are dust-tight and also offer protection against water sprayed (nozzle) from any angle.

Of course, a predetermined breaking point in the signal line to the cable remote control would also be desirable to prevent it from being torn out from the cab when separating the tractor/baler combination. On the whole, however, all requirements on the electronics are met.

Environmental and resource protection

When the system is triggered in an emergency, the tearing of hydraulic lines between the tractor and implement and consequently the escape of hydraulic oil cannot be ruled out on separation of the tractor/baler combination. In relation to a gutted tractor and the quantities of fluids that would then escape, however, this is a far better alternative; this test criterion is therefore fulfilled.

Check of compliance with work safety specifications

In addition to the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, expert reports according to Paragraph 22a of the German Vehicle Licensing Regulations (StVZO) for the drawbar, the ball coupling and the triggering device as well as a finite elements analysis concerning the strength of the drawbar were also submitted.

Practical use

The practical test including evaluation by users at a contracting company were an essential element of this criterion. In addition to the DLG test engineer, five practitioners evaluated the presented emergency release system within the context of the test. The practitioners, some of whom operate agricultural machinery for around 2,000 hours per year, offered up to 150 hours of experience in operating the presented system. The function of the system was appraised in various tests.

On the whole, the Scharmüller emergency release system was evaluated as good to very good across all of the criteria by the practitioners. The question of whether the system is suitable for minimising the spread of a fire to the tractor in an emergency was clearly affirmed by all of the testers. With a list price of around € 5,000, the price/performance ratio was also evaluated as good.

Manufacturer and applicant

Manufacturer and applicant

Scharmüller Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
Doppelmühle 14,
4892 Fornach, Austria

Contact:
Telephone switchboard +43 (0)7682 6346-0
office@scharmueller.at

Test performed by

Testing agency
DLG TestService GmbH, Gross-Umstadt location, Germany
The tests are conducted on behalf of DLG e.V.

Department
Vehicle technology

DLG test framework
Emergency release system (status 2019)

Head of Department
Dipl-Ing (FH) Andreas Ai

Test engineer(s)
Dipl-Ing (FH) Andreas Ai*

*Author

Contact us

DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 • 64823 Groß-Umstadt • Tel: +49 69 24 788-600 • tech@DLG.org