Dutch manufacturer Vervaet has unveiled its new Quad self-propelled carrier chassis that brings a four-wheel machine to the company’s range for the first time. The machine has been introduced for markets where tramlines and controlled traffic systems are used as the company’s existing trike range are not suitable for that application.
Vervaet has been producing innovative technology for manure application since 1990 and claims the new machine includes the DNA of its forerunners. The new machine is, it says, the lightest and strongest self-propelled carrier chassis available. The new Quad has 550hp, a 21 cubic metre tank capacity and a transmission that offering higher torque than any other self-propelled machine on the market in the crucial five to 15km/hr speed range. The largest possible tyre choice makes this new machine suitable for every type of crop and every type of application.
Working with German slurry tanker manufacturer Garante Kotte, which was keen to add a self-propelled model to its range, Vervaet has developed and engineered a self-propelled concept that not only brings together the best and most innovative present-day technology for manure application, but has managed to enrich and enhance it even further. The result is a vehicle concept able to compete in every market segment featuring a drive line with the best cooling capacity and the highest continuous torque available.
Despote being brand new, the Vervaet Quad remains full of Vervaet DNA and packed with innovative reliable technology that stands out for its simplicity; user-friendly technology that’s easy to comprehend and quickly understood by every type of operator. Service technicians also value the company’s straightforward designs that allow them to service and maintain machines in a simple and very cost-effective way.
The Vervaet Quad incorporates a clever new cooling system suitable for working in temperatures as high as 45C with a fully loaded engine and driveline. This new concept has been developed together with its new engine partner, Volvo Penta, to ensure optimal performance under any circumstance and in all conditions. The Quad has its radiator positioned at the front of the machine keeping it well away from dust and crop residue.
The 13 litre 550hp six-cylinder engine boasts a phenomenal 2,650Nm of torque at the low engine speed of just 1,200rpm – making it by far the most powerful option in the market. Naturally, with such a slow-running engine excellent fuel economy also comes as standard. Worldwide engine homologation, backed up by a first rate global service and maintenance network, are additional benefits.
Ease of service and maintenance also applies to the all-new Vervaet-made transmission. It combines the best elements of two technologies, utilising hydraulic motors to provide infinitely variable speed control to mechanical gearboxes and axles which deal with the high torque loadings associated with the demanding nature of high-output work. Separate gearboxes for each axle provide simplicity and allow the Vervaet Quad to offer constant four-wheel drive.
With this clever driveline concept the Vervaet Quad offers higher torque than any other self-propelled machine on the market in the crucial five to 15km/hr speed range. Diff-locks on each axle and a centre diff-lock are standard because getting stuck in muddy conditions just isn’t an option.
You’ll find more familiar Vervaet DNA right behind the radiator with the proven slurry system featuring a choice of Vogelsang and Börger 9,000 lit/min pumps, or the SuperLoad system with 10-inch piping and a 12,000 lit/min or 13,500 lit/min Börger pump. These pump the slurry through the tried and tested Vervaet cyclone macerator or, as an option, a Vogelsang macerator fitted prior to the pump.
A loading arm can make or break the efficiency of work and should be flawless and easy to use. It’s natural for operators to have their individual preferences, but Vervaet has managed to design a single loading arm – mounted at the front, righ-hand saide of the cab – suitable for every operator and situation. It doesn’t hinder the driver’s visibility and that is fully road legal throughout Europe.
The Quad’s impressive traction and sheer pulling power is particularly valued whilst injecting slurry with rear-mounted cultivation tools. These are carried on a rear-linkage with a caapcity 0f 8,000kg, making it particularly quick and convenient to swap between, for example, an injector and a cultivator.
In addition to handling slurry, the Quad’s extremely versatile design gives it a truly multi-purpose nature. The basic carrier vehicle can also be equipped with a solid manure spreading body, creating a first-class self-propelled spreader with excellent tractive abilities which offers high capacity but a light footprint on the land. It’s also anticipated that other options could also become available to equip the Quad for specialist applications including as a beet chaser.
The Quad’s sophisticated four-wheel steering and ultra tight turning circle of just 8.0m make it at equally at home in every (row) crop and on any field across the entire globe. In addition,the Quad can also be used in “crab steer” mode so that each of its massive tyres runs in a different path, spreading its weight over the widest possible area to avoid soil-damage and compaction.
The choice of tyres available for the Quad includes 900/60R38, 900/60R42, 1050/50R32, 1000/55R32, 1250/50R32 and the latest Mitas 1000/65R32 as well as dual row-crop tyres. Nearly all tyre options keep the Quad within a 3.0m transport width.
A professional self-propelled manure applicator is nothing without a professional operator who can work in comfort for hours on end without becoming fatigued. That’s why all Vervaet self-propelled machines are furnished with the most modern, luxurious and spacious cabs with a large glass area. All of the machine’s controls are within easy reach: the joystick and the terminal are located in the adjustable armrest.
Two pre-production prototypes will be out on farms during 2021, with series production starting in 2022. Garant Kotte will be offering the machine in markets where it already has a sales presence, with Vervaet handling other areas through its existing dealer network, including J Riley Beet Havesters in the UK. The price is expected to be approaching £500,000.
