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Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT)

Demining Tractor

Objective
Provide deminers with an armored survivable platform to support numerous attachments to mechanically clear vegetation and prepare the ground for manual demining.

Description
The Survivable Demining Tractor and Tools (SDTT) provides deminers with a "Swiss Army Knife" of specialized attachments on an armored commercial farm tractor. The system offers deminers flexibility in choosing the specialized implements that best suit their needs. Attachments include: roller, magnet, slasher, forestry topper (bush hog), light and heavy cultivator, rake, hedge trimmer (boom mower), sifter, large and small buckets, large and small grabs, pallet forks, and light and heavy tree pullers.

The SDTT mechanically assists the manual demining process by providing deminers numerous tools and an armored platform from which to perform the most hazardous tasks. The system can also be fitted with specially designed mine survivable steel wheels when performing proofing operations or while establishing cleared areas from which to operate.

Contractor/Developer
Pearson Engineering LTD.
Wincomblee Road
Walker
Newcastle Upon Tyne
England, NE6 3QS
ATTN: Peter Renwick
Phone: +0191 2349991
Fax: +0191 2620402
Email:pearson@pearson-eng.com

Performance

The SDTT is designed to survive direct effects from all AP mines without damage to the system or operator and has been tested against the effects of 6.35 kg of TNT directly under a rear steel wheel. The damage to the machine was repairable and injury assessments, based on instrumented mannequins, were minimal. The SDTT's vegetation removal components consist of a tree excavator capable of pulling trees 20 cm (8 in.), a brush slasher that cuts vegetation up to 10 cm (4 in.), a flail mower mounted on an articulated arm, and a rake designed to remove the cut vegetation. The system also has a fixed magnet to reduce metallic contamination on the surface, a segmented roller to detonate surface AP mines, and a cultivator for loosening soil down to 20 cm (8 in.) and then lifting it so that visual quality assurance can be performed.

Limitations

  • Not intended to be used in areas with AT mines.
  • Steel wheels limit maneuverability but increase survivability.
 
Status
Operational field testing has been conducted in Cambodia. Additional evaluation is scheduled in Thailand in 2001. To discuss the possibility of obtaining this item for field testing through the U.S. Humanitarian Demining Program, contact the DoD point of contact listed on page 65 of this catalog.

SDIT w/ tree extractor
SDTT with tree extractor.

SDIT w/ vegetation cutter
SDTT with heavy vegetation cutter.
Specifications

Descriptive Characteristics:
Size:                          Based on commercial FIAT 160-90 Turbo farm tractor (Ford 8630DT)
Weight:                      9,500 kg (21,000 lbs.) Tractor only
Engine:                      1118 kw (160 hp) @ 2200 rpm
Power Take Off:          150 kw (140 hp) @ 2200 rpm

Manufacturer’s Suggested Price: $250,000 for Tractor with 3 attachments as specified by the customer

Humanitarian Demining Developmental Technologies 2000 - 2001