Vervaet has introduced its new Quad XL combination that matches a Vervaet Quad 550 self-propelled slurry applicator with a trailed slurry tanker to produce a high-capacity unit with a total volume of 40 cubic metres.
UK importer J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd has already supplied two of the systems, where the 22 cubic metres Vervaet Quad and 18 cubic metre tanker are emptied via 36m Vogelsang SwingMax dribble bars.
The trailed tanker has been designed as a capacity-enhancing buffer tank. An additional centrifugal pump is used for filling and emptying, with slurry supplied to the Quad, which still handles the rate control and feeds the rear application tool, which is carried by the tanker’s hydraulic linkage.
The tanker has an electronically controlled steering system to enhance manoeuvrability and ensure accurate tracking in tramlines for minimal crop damage. Its four 800/70R38 tyres boast a large rolling radius to help minimise soil impact.
“We believe this to be the highest-capacity tanker outfit in the UK, but it’s also an extremely flexible setup,” the managing director of J Riley, Matt Carse, said. “The additional capacity means the machine can empty a lorry tanker completely with room to spare, or it can be brimmed to full capacity if a large nurse tank is being used.
“It’s a straightforward design so the rear tanker can be easily dropped-off and the Quad used on its own either to tread lightly in borderline conditions, work with a strip-till machine, cultivator or injector, or run between rows of growing maize when equipped with twin row-crop wheels.
“A further option is to spec the trailed tanker with its own macerator, pump, manifold and control systems to allow it to be used separately as an applicator in its own right.”
Rileys has supplied nine Quads to UK farms in the past 12 months, making it the applicator’s largest market to date and the machine the market leader for self-propelled slurry applicators.
“The Quad has enjoyed enthusiastic uptake with market-leading sales success,” Mr Carse added. “It’s still a relatively new product, but user experiences are very promising so far.
“It was designed with the UK market in mind and had been fulfilling expectations. Output and reliability seem unrivalled, and its running costs are low. The fuel consumption, in particular, is one of the lowest I’ve ever seen.
“I’m confident that with our in-house technical specialists and a large stock of parts on the shelf, we can provide first-class backup.”
