In collaboration with machine manufacturer Widontec in Veghel Homburg Holland has developed a self-propelled sprayer: the Homburg HeroW. This completely new self-propelled machine is a response to demand from vegetable growers, farmers, nurseries and contractors generally for compact, manoeuvrable self-propelled sprayers that offer generous ground clearance, maximum visibility and all this at a competitive price.
The HeroW H430 is the next logical step to follow on from its earlier successful introduction, particularly with regard to market gardeners and arable farmers who set higher standards for capacity, handling, comfort and tyre configuration.
Moreover, the HeroW H430 complies with the latest standards for exhaust emissions. The HeroW H430 can be supplied in two axle widths of 1,500 and 1,800 mm, which can be adjusted hydraulically as standard to 1,800 or 2,250 mm.
The H4 series makes it possible to achieve a maximum driving speed of 45 km/h.
Engine | Deutz TDC 2012 135 hp, 99 kW |
Drive | 4WD, continuously variable, hydrostatic transmission with EasyDrive |
Steering | 2-wheel steering, front axle suspension with position regulation |
Tank, L | 2.360 |
Pumps, type - L/min | 463 - 276 / 463H - 322 |
Spray booms, m | DELTA (18-28), FORCE (18-30), TWIN FORCE (18-30) |
Nozzles, cm | Standard 50 - Option 25 |
Tyres | 11.2.R32 | 12.4.R46 |
Turning radius, m | 4,50 |
Total length, m | A 5,20 |
Overall height, m | B 3.50 (transport position) |
Width with TWIN FORCE, m | C 3,00 |
Track width, m | D 1.50 – 1.80 (on demand) |
Wheel base (front axle-rear axle), m | E 2,35 |
Clearance, m | F 0,85 |
Rinse tank, L | 250 |
Weight (empty tank)*, kg | 5.500 |
The Homburg HeroW has 2-wheel steering and 4-wheel drive with a 2.35m wheel base and a variable track width. The chassis of the Homburg HeroW is designed for good performance and ease of use under the most difficult conditions. This makes it possible to use the much lauded air-assisted HARDI TwinForce spray boom that has a reach of up to 30 metres.
The Deutz TCD2012 L4 engine and the hydrostatic drive are position on the back axle. The main 2,360 litre water tank is mounted in the middle. The 250 litre clean water tank and the 135 litre fuel tank are located at the front. This nicely balanced distribution of weight is responsible forthe Homburg HeroW’s outstanding manoeuvrability and stability.
With tyre sizes 11.2.R32 in the front and 12.4.R46 the ground clearance is 85 cm. Other sizes can also be used. Track width varies between 150 and 180 cm. The large steering angle of (50°) makes the Homburg HeroW extremely manoeuvrable. Even with a track width of 1.50 m the turning circle radius is no more than 4.50 m. This feature sets the Homburg HeroW well and truly apart in the self-propelled sprayers market.
The cabin has been developed with operating comfort as a priority. The driving position offers excellent visibility, space and quietness. The design and positioning of the cab gives optimal front and side visibility, both on the road and in the field and four mirrors give an excellent view to the rear. The front wheels are clearly visible from the cabin: a great advantage, particularly in large-scale outdoor vegetable, cultivation.
The main controls are placed at the right hand side of the driving seat, grouped by function and harmoniously integrated into the HARDI spray computer. Everything is easy to reach from the driver’s seat. As standard, the cab is fitted with tinted glass, heating and air-conditioning with active carbon filters, an adjustable driving wheel and an air suspended seat. For working at night, the controls are back lighted. A sun visor, handy storage pockets and radio pre equipment are fitted as standard in the cab.
The cabin has been fitted with glass all round, including panels on either side of the seat. This gives the best possible view of the front wheels and makes turning into a crop row at the start of a run easier. The cabin is low enough in relation to the tank and boom for the user also to have the clearest possible view of the spraying.
Mirrors and reversing camera
The Homburg HeroW design is aimed at making the work safe under any conditions. Four large electrically adjustable mirrors (two x two, left and right) give excellent vision up close and in the distance (blind angle). The mirrors come with heating as a standard feature. The reversing camera is ideal for showing if there is anything or anyone behind the Homburg HeroW. It means that there is no need to worry about damaging anything while backing. At the same time your own safety and that of anyone nearby is increased. The 7 inch colour LCD screen will give you a more immediate and clearer view of blind angles or children playing behind you.
Tilt steering
Ease of operation is what the Homburg HeroW is all about. The adjustable steering column makes it possible for the steering and operation to be adjusted to suit the individual operator to the greatest degree. By moving the steering column towards the front extra room is created to make it easier to get in and out of the cabin.
Compact construction has made it possible to have a large steering angle, which in turn give a very small turning circle. For crops grown outdoors in fields with short rows this is a very useful feature.
For small plots of land especially, this means that a maximum area can be cultivated. The turning circle radius is only 4.50 metres.
The compact construction does not mean less ground clearance. The clearance is a generous 0.85m and makes it possible to work with a range of different (taller) crops without damage.
Because the wheel motors have been completely hidden in the rim, there is maximum ground clearance across the entire track width.
Variable track width
The Homburg HeroW can be fitted with an optional variable hydraulic track adjustment feature (max. 0.30 m).
This makes it possible, for instance, to have a track width of 1.50m in the field and 1.80m on the road for greater stability. For growers who have different rows of crops this track adjustment comes in very handy. Other track width combinations are available on request.
Homburg HeroW is fitted with a hydropneumatically sprung front axle with Automatic Suspension Control (ASC). Depending on the front axle loading the ASC ensures optimal road stability. This means that the boom remains at the correct height both with a full tank or an empty tank.
The booms are suspended with two spiral springs ensuring stable support in the field and when transported on the road. Simplicity and reliability are maintained with this suspension principle, which offers very natural and optimal movement over obstacles. It allows an excellent follow-up of the soil contours for optimum traction and increases the operator’s comfort.
The EasyDrive system ensures that the vehicle can be driven with maximum ease, both in the field and on the road. EasyDrive optimises the capacities of the transmission and the engine. Various functions while driving such as engine speed and rpm regulation, acceleration and operating/road transport modes are readily programmable.
Powerful Deutz TCD2012 L4 engine
Homburg HeroW is fitted with a modern TDC 2012 L4 Deutz engine:
Illustration below: Deutz engine showing in-line hydraulic pumps for travel drive, air assistance (HARDI TwinForce) and water pump drive, respectively.
Multifunction joystick
The multifunction joystick, which controls the hydrostatic drive, allows:
Foam marker | GPS
Homburg can be equipped with a foam marker and/or GPS.
- Jan Jansen, JAMA Aardbei from Galder -