Power output, efficiency and energy consumption are central criteria for investment decisions. The comparability of various output categories is crucial for tractors. A test method must therefore be able to reproducibly portray power output, efficiency and fuel consumption in practically-relevant scenarios.
Based on typical tractor working loads in practice, the DLG Test Commission has defined 14 load cycles in which the fuel and AdBlue consumption, the performance and ultimately the energy efficiency of the overall vehicle are determined on the DLG chassis dynamometer.
The load cycles reflect typical field and transport work in both the partial and the full-load range Coordinated to the respective machine output, pure hauling work, e.g. with a plough or cultivator, and mixed work which places strain on the PTO shaft and the hydraulic system in addition to the drive are simulated under realistic conditions. Heavy and light transport work is also simulated to test on-road efficiency and therefore obtain an overall statement regarding the energy efficiency of tractors in practical operation under reproducible conditions.
DLG chassis dynamometer: reproducible driving conditions
The DLG chassis dynamometer for measuring the performance and consumption of agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles combines the highest standards of functionality, flexibility and precision and is characterised by its extremely high-end measurement technology. Driving conditions that are difficult to reproduce in road or off-road driving tests can be set and repeated with high precision on the test bench. The option of controlling the temperature enables vehicles to be tested under different temperature scenarios.
'DLG-APPROVED PowerMix' test mark
The 'DLG-APPROVED PowerMix' test mark is awarded to tractors that have successfully passed a DLG performance and consumption test according to the independent and recognised DLG-PowerMix evaluation criteria. The test mark is valid for five years as of the date on which it is awarded.
Test report database with free downloads
The DLG-PowerMix data sheets containing all relevant measured values and test results can be retrieved free of charge from the DLG Test report database.
DLG-PowerMix app: tractor efficiency at a glance
Which tractor is the most efficient for your farm based on your specific workload and performance requirements? The answer is provided by the comparative fuel consumption search for tractors in the DLG-PowerMix app.
In the DLG-PowerMix app, farmers can individually tailor test results to their own farm and the tasks for which the tractor is to be used. There they will find a corresponding selection of results for DLG-tested tractors with a ranking based on the price in euros per kWh that precisely shows them the cost efficiency of the tractor.
“The DLG PowerMix test is an important test for Fendt tractors in Europe. Thanks to the standardised procedure on the full vehicle test bench, the independent DLG test centre in Groß-Umstadt can guarantee that tractors from all manufacturers are tested under the same conditions. This creates transparency and comparability.”
“The DLG test bench in Groß-Umstadt is an excellent facility for testing tractors in a variety of realistic simulations. There is no test bench in the UK that offers such flexibility. Of course, a great facility alone is not enough. It is clear that the DLG team shares the same passion for tractors as we do, and they are happy to support us by starting work early and working long evenings to ensure that our JCB schedule is met.”
“DLG plays a central role in conducting vehicle tests. One particular highlight is the DLG PowerMix: the in-house roller test bench is the only certified test facility worldwide that delivers reliable and comparable performance data under reproducible conditions. The technical support provided for individual tests and entire test series is outstanding."
