Amazone will present a completely new range of ZA-M twin-disc fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica 2009. A clear external feature of the new series is Safety-Set, the integrated safety package. The Safety-Set package is appealing due to its modern design and consists of an integrated lighting system, warning signs and guard rail.
The integration of the lighting system for the new ZA-M spreader with Safety-Set into the cladding maximises protection against physical damage. This improves safety in road traffic; the same applies for the large-area warning signs that emphasis the spreader. Optional mudguards ensure increased application safety in practice as they guard the spreading system to prevent contamination by dirt from the road.
The ladder, which is also available as an option and can be integrated in the spreader, improves safety and accessibility when carrying out filling, checking and cleaning work.
All spreaders are equipped with the Amazone Soft Ballistic System (SBS). With this system, the interaction of agitator, shutter system and spreading discs has been developed further and fully harmonised to ensure that fertiliser granules are not damaged. Only undamaged granules can be distributed with 100% precision over the entire working width and delivered at the plant.
The new series comprises of the following models; ZA-M 1001 Special, ZA-M 1201, ZA-M 1501 plus the ZA-M 1501 Profis with weighing system. All spreaders can be equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and hydraulics packages.
ZA-M 1001
For small to medium-sized farms with high expectations in terms of road traffic, working and spreading safety.
A 500 litre extension can be fitted to the ZA-M 1001 Special thus increasing its hopper capacity up to 1,500 litres. Thanks to the tried-and-tested Omnia-Set spreading discs, the working width of the ZA-M 1001 Special is between 10-36m.
In tandem with the affordable Amados computer, the ZA-M Special can control the spread rate in relation to forward speed. Control by the operator is made easier by the +/- adjustment feature and a calibration programme that automatically determines the rate setting.
ZA-M 1201 and ZA-M 1501
For medium-sized to larger farms with high expectations in terms of road traffic, working and spreading safety.
The frame of the ZA-M 1201 and 1501 spreaders is now stronger still which means hopper capacities can be upgraded to 2,700 or 3,000 litres using a combination of slim and wide extensions.
Working widths of these spreaders is possible between 10 and 36m, and they can be equipped as required with either the Amados or universal Amatron terminals.
The Amatron on-board computer is equipped with a large clearly laid out display with graphic user interface. This terminal enables the specified spread rate (kg/ha), Limiter related rate control and online weighing to be controlled fully automatically.
ZA-M 2201, 2501, 2701 and 3001 with 1,000-litre extension
The large filling width of the L extension (2.75 m) ensures sufficient safety when loading with wide buckets. The large volume means that it can hold the contents of several Big-Bags. Fully assembled ex works, simply attach, fill, drive off and start spreading.
ZA-M Profis
The ZA-M Profis with weighing system with payload of up to 3,100kg increases precision and output.
The weighing system offers controlled comfort and more reliability. The Profis weighing system determines the various characteristics of the spreading material with a high degree of measuring precision and automatically compares the actual quantity applied with the specified quantity.
Deviations in the flow characteristics when using heterogeneous mineral fertilisers are detected and the spreader readjusts itself automatically via the electric rate control shutter. The quantity applied is precisely documented for the purposes of plot-related nutritional balance.
ZA-M Profis Hydro
The ZA-M Profis Hydro and ZA-M Ultra Profis Hydro weighing spreaders with hydraulic spreading disc drive operate entirely independently of engine speed and travel speed. The spreading disc and agitator shaft speeds are electro-hydraulically regulated and monitored. Modern tractors with convenient hydraulics management systems can always be driven in the optimum speed range and therefore save fuel when in operation. The main benefits of this drive system are evident when using the variable working width control at the field edge and when spreading in wedges. A pre-programmed six-section part width section control prevents unnecessary over or under-fertilisation.
The Limiter is a convenient boundary or side spreading device that can be fitted to all spreaders. It is swung into the spread fan via a hydraulic tractor valve which means the driver does not have to dismount from the tractor. Additionally, if the Amados or Amatron terminals are used simultaneously, a half-side reduction in the quantity of fertiliser applied occurs automatically when the Limiter is swung down.
Precise position shut-off is possible (switching on and off, part width section control) on the headland, at the field edge or when negotiating obstacles using this new on-board computer system in conjunction with a GPS receiver. The on/off operation is carried out automatically which noticeably reduces the driver’s workload and significantly improves the quality of work. In addition to this the crop benefits from smaller overlaps which also lead to savings in input costs. This is particularly valuable with large working widths and irregular field shapes. The GPS-Switch on-board computer is optionally available in conjunction with the Amatron operator control terminal for all fertiliser spreaders with hydraulic spreading disc drive.
The new ZA-M series is of course compatible with N-sensor systems for precise, plant-controlled application when equipped with Amados and Amatron. The N-sensor is the best tool that is currently available to ensure a supply of nitrogen according to requirements. ZA-M fertiliser spreaders are equipped with a serial interface which enables them to communicate with all on-line sensors available on the market. The fertiliser quantities calculated by the relevant sensor can be adopted by the control system on the fertiliser spreader via the Amazone on-board computer. The actual quantity of fertiliser applied is recorded for documentation purposes.
As an option, ZA-M 1201 and 1501 fertiliser spreaders can be equipped in accordance with the Isobus Standard – and therefore also with the new CCI 200 Isobus terminal.
ZA-M Ultra
The ZA-M Ultra is efficiency and utmost precision rolled into one for the best distribution accuracy at maximum output capacity. With a maximum working width of up to 52m and a hopper capacity of 4,200 litres the Ultra adds a whole new dimension to areas covered.
The working widths are infinitely adjustable with Omnia-Set spreader discs to between 15m and 24m or 24m and 52m. The integrated trimmer and Limiter guide system ensures an optimum limitation of the spread fan during normal and boundary spreading.
There are an infinite number of options available for equipping the ZA-M Ultra with electronic control systems. The range of options, from straightforward forward speed related control with the Control package through to fully-automatic electro-hydraulic equipment as in the ZA-M Ultra Profis Hydro weighing spreader, mean that the sky really is the limit when it comes to satisfying the needs of the farmer.
For more information visit: www.amazone.co.uk.
