Having now completed over 1000 Ha of spraying, North Lincolnshire contractor Mike Chantry gives an appraisal of his Dammann DT 2000H:
The word that springs to everyone’s mind on first seeing the Dammann sprayer is ’quality’. The level of design is superb, there is no compromise on the quality of components, and the attention to build quality is evident throughout the machine.
I endeavour to provide my customers with a top quality contracting service, and for that I need to invest in the best equipment available. There are many self-propelled sprayers to choose from, but often too much emphasis is placed on price rather than quality and reliability. That is why I chose the Dammann.
Filling the sprayer is easy and fast. The 60 litre induction hopper is lowered by an air cylinder. The suction is extremely powerful so powders and granules are handled with ease. A fast fill valve can be opened allowing the 5000 litre tank to fill in around 8 minutes. A digital display gives an accurate reading of tank contents.
In the field, the Muller control terminal gives an accurate field map and area. Lechler nozzles are air operated and with GPS controlled auto shut-off, application is extremely accurate.
One very useful feature is the ability to change nozzles with the push of a button on the control terminal. I opted for twin nozzle holders (quad holders are available) and I can select one nozzle or the other, or both depending on application rates, spray quality or weather conditions, without leaving the seat.
Boom stability and ride is where the Dammann really excels. Considerable design engineering has gone into the boom suspension which together with computer-controlled air damping cylinders and optional boom height sensors, mean the boom hardly moves from its optimum height above the crop, regardless of ground contours.
Sprayer hygiene is vitally important to me and the cleaning on the Dammann is excellent. 500 litres of clean water is held in an integral tank, providing ample capacity for two or three chemical changes. The tank inside is smooth and shiny allowing nothing to stick. Four high-pressure tank cleaning heads blast the insides, and the tank drains completely. High pressure boom re-circulation cleans all residues from the lines which can then be finally flushed with compressed air, so I can be confident the sprayer is clean and also frost-proof, a useful feature for winter days.
On the road the DT 2000H is a pleasure to drive. The Mercedes 205 hp engine coupled to electronic Poclain Smart Drive motors give the option of foot pedal control, which means it drives like an automatic car. Air bag suspension and a top quality air operated seat all make for a very comfortable ride."
The DT 2000H was supplied by newly formed company Chantry-Dammann UK Ltd. Who supply and provide back-up for the complete range of Dammann sprayers which includes trailed models from 3000 litres to 12000 litres, the Unimog based DT 500 and the impressive DT 2600 six wheeled model with 8000 or 10000 litre tank.
Mike Chantry is happy to demonstrate the features of his DT 2000H and anyone is welcome to come and trial his machine.
