BERGMANN: trailer controls tractor – TIM (Tractor Implement Management) for spreaders

• BERGMANN will launch the XPERT spreader series featuring optional ISOBUS-TIM technology at Agritechnica 2025.

• The ISOBUS-TIM system offers three main control applications: SpeedControl for precise application rate via tractor speed adjustment, PTOControl for automated PTO shaft management, and HydraulicControl enabling spreader operation without a separate control block.

• These innovations aim to enhance efficiency, maintain consistent spreading quality, and reduce operator workload by integrating tractor and spreader controls.

• The TIM functions require compatible tractors and will be available individually or combined, showcasing BERGMANN's focus on digital integration and user-friendly operation.

The new BERGMANN XPERT spreader series will be launched at Agritechnica 2025. ISOBUS-TIM (Tractor Implement Management) will also be on display as an option for XPERT spreaders in combination with ISOBUS operation. The precondition is an ISOBUS-TIM-capable tractor. 

Advertisement

The multitude of digital features nowadays is very challenging for drivers. They have to keep an eye on many factors: driving and operating the tractor, monitoring and operating the machine, as well as checking the spreading result.

That is why BERGMANN has set itself the following goals in further developing the ISOBUS operator controls:

• Increase in efficiency and utilisation of both tractor and spreader

• Constantly high working and spreading quality

• Workload reduction for the driver

Three areas of application for TIM are one of the results of this development work:

• TIM – SpeedControl: adjustment of the spread rate by varying the tractor driving speeds with a constant scraper floor speed (= constant spreading pattern)

• TIM – PTOControl: switching the PTO shaft on and off coupled with the scraper floor; PTO speed control to match the working width; automatic deactivation of the PTO shaft if the spreader disks or beaters are blocked

• TIM – HydraulicControl: operation without control block on the spreader via the control units of the tractor with an ISOBUS terminal

TIM – SpeedControl: application rate control via TIM driving speed

TIM – SpeedControl is the first application rate control system for spreaders based on the AEF ISOBUS-TIM standard. The system’s unique feature is that it maintains a constant scraper floor speed within the optimum range during spreading based on the material and application rate.

In contrast to existing systems, in which the application rate is controlled by varying the scraper floor speed, this achieves a constant, optimum spreading result.

To be able to respond to changes in application rate (resulting from, for example, the use of application maps) or to deviations in the application rate (SET/ACTUAL comparison) at a constant scraper floor speed, SpeedControl automatically adjusts the tractor’s driving speed through ISOBUS-TIM during spreading. The control system continually compares the ACTUAL application rate with the SET rate and adjusts the tractor’s speed if necessary.

The achievement of SpeedControl: precision spreading of organic materials with even longitudinal and lateral distribution for a superior spreading result.

TIM – PTOControl: PTO control via TIM

TIM – PTOControl is the first PTO control for spreaders based on the AEF ISOBUS-TIM standard. The system integrates three functions:

• Switching the PTO on and off coupled with the scraper floor: If the driver starts the automatic spreader mode, the PTO shaft is activated automatically. The scraper floor then starts with a slight delay (delay time can be adjusted). When the automatic spreader mode is switched off, the sequence takes place in reverse order: the scraper floor is stopped and the PTO shaft is switched off with a slight delay. The driver is no longer required to perform additional manual tasks.

• The working width can be regulated within a certain range by controlling the PTO speed. For example, if a working width of 24 m is specified the PTO speed is set to 1,000 rpm; if a working width of 18 m is specified, the PTO speed is reduced to 800 rpm for example. The driver no longer has to worry about adjusting the speed – he simply changes the value for the working width. The working width (and thus the PTO speed) can also be changed during spreading using the AUX-N buttons – for example on the drive lever of the tractor or on a separate AUX-N joystick.

• The PTO shaft is automatically switched off as soon as a spreader disk or a beater is blocked. This protects the spreader from damage and the driver can focus on other tasks.

TIM – HydraulicControl: spreader operation via ISOBUS without control block

TIM – HydraulicControl is the first ISOBUS control system without a hydraulic control block for spreaders. The spreader’s hydraulic hoses are connected to the control units of the tractor. The control unit of the spreader functions as the “manager” of the tractor-trailer combination. The preconditions for this are an ISOBUS-TIM-capable tractor and sufficient ISOBUS-TIM controllable control units for connecting the hydraulic hoses.

The advantages are the cost savings for the non-installed control block and the possibility of operating the spreader both via ISOBUS and manually (tractor without ISOBUS-TIM) via the control units (e.g. if the spreader is hired out).

The three applications will be available individually in future. There will also be a combination of TIM – SpeedControl and TIM – PTOControl as well as a combination of all three applications.

At Agritechnica 2025, BERGMANN will be presenting ISOBUS-TIM in Hall 27, Stand D19.