For the first time, the Powertrain Business Unit of DaimlerChrysler AG exhibited its products at Agritechnica, the agricultural technology showcase held in November in Hanover, Germany. The Powertrain Business Unit sees itself as a component manufacturer with special system competence for all questions pertaining to drive systems. It exhibited its axles, transmission systems, and engines designed both for agriculture and forestry applications.
Mercedes-Benz diesel engines have been used as drive units for agricultural machines such as combine harvesters and straw cutters for many decades. The company recently introduced three new engine families—the 900, 457, and 500 series—with a number of interesting features. They have a new combustion process, four valves per cylinder, and high-pressure injection up to 180 MPa (26,100 psi) using the pump-line-nozzle system. In combination with electronic engine management, they result in lower fuel consumption, increased power output and torque, reduced pollutant emissions, and longer service life. The engines can also be operated on rapeseed methyl ether (RME) fuel.
The 900 and 457 families are in-line engines with four and six cylinders, covering the power range from 60-310 kW (80-415 hp). An example of the 900 range exhibited was the OM 906 LA, a six-cylinder inline engine for powering combine harvesters, reapers, drainage machines, slurry pumping machines, and tractors. With a capacity of 6.37 L, this engine produces 170-205 kW (228-275 hp).
The V-engine family, which covers the 230-420 kW (308-563 hp) power range, was represented by the OM 502 LA, a 16-L eight-cylinder engine delivering between 350 and 420 kW (469 and 563 hp). Its high performance make it a good match for high-power sugar beet harvesters, powerful straw choppers, and combine harvesters in the top power category.
The transmission side of the company's business was represented by two units.
The mechanical direct-ratio gearshift of the five-speed G 28-5 gearbox is a low-cost concept with short, precise shift lever travel and high shifting comfort for use in equipment such as harvest transport vehicles. It has a maximum input torque of 280 N•m (206 lb•ft) and the capability for a maximum vehicle weight of 6.6 t (7.3 ton).
The eight-speed synchromesh UG 100-8 gearbox, with 16 forward and reverse gears, is a good fit for vehicles with mounted attachments in topographically awkward terrain due to its high climbing ability and optional four-wheel drive. The UG 100-8 can accept an input torque of up to 1100 N•m (811 lb•ft) and is designed for a maximum combined weight of 36 t (40 ton). It combines electronic and pneumatic EPS shifting systems to ensure relaxed driving with rapid, precise gear changes.
The axles division was represented at Agritechnica by the HZL inverted portal axle and the HT4/HU3/low-floor variant. The HZL inverted portal axle, which is equipped with auxiliary steering, is particularly agile and robust in difficult terrain. The axle is used in agricultural and forestry machines and heavy-duty landscape maintenance machines in areas of thick vegetation. It is designed for axle loads of up to 6.4 t (7 ton) and gross vehicle weights of up to 14.5 t (16 ton). This product and the HT4/HU3/low-floor variant are suitable for use in construction machines, agricultural and forestry vehicles, special vehicles, and standard trucks and buses.
