The new Vervaet Quad 550 has been working in UK fields for the first time during a successful demo touer orgabnised by J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK). Travelling across the country beginning on the East coast and finishing in the West Country, the new four-wheel slurry applicator was tried-out by existing Vervaet users and those currently running competitor machines.
“The Quad has been very well received,” managing director Jeremy Riley said. “We’ve been very pleasantly surprised by both the exceptional reaction we’ve had from demonstrations and how well it has performed. Vervaet is on the right track with this machine and it’s filled a gap in the market for us.”
Unveiled earlier in 2021, the new Quad completes Vervaet’s range of professional manure application technology joining the three-wheel Hydro Trike and five-wheel Hydro Trike XL. The basic carrier vehicle encompasses a 550hp Volvo Penta engine, hydro-mechanical transmission with diff-locks, crab-steer facility and a pivoting 8,000kg capacity three-point linkage. Added to this is the slurry system with a 21 cubic metre tank, front-mounted filling arm and optional 13,500 lit/min pump. There’s also the option of an integrated John Deere NIR sensor to allow real-time monitoring and adjustment of the application dependent on nutrient value.
“The Quad’s performance surpassed my expectations,” Rileys sales manager Matt Carse said. “Vervaet really has made a machine that has the best features of the competition with copious options and caters specifically for the UK market. We were working in some steep conditions on one of the demonstrations in particular and it was surprisingly powerful for a machine of this type. The drivetrain combines the benefits of both mechanical and hydrostatic systems and supplies plenty of power and torque.
“The demo machine had a Volgelsang slurry pump working with a Vervaet macerator, both of which are well proven in the UK,” Mr Carse added. “There’s also the option of a Vogelsang macerator, so we’ve got options to cater for everyone. We can offer a huge range of tyre options up to 1250mm wide, but the 900/60R42 in particular is a big plus point, being tall as well as wide giving excellent in-field characteristics, and none of the competition can match this.
Mr Carse said potential customers had been impressed, with operators currently using competitor machines commenting on the ease of use of the proven Vervaet terminal.
“It’s very intuitive and self-explanatory, and they’ve been able to quickly familiarise themselves with the Quad,” he said. “They were also impressed with the machine’s manoeuvrability, and also the visibility it offers while filling up and working in the field. The spacious Claas cab was also appreciated.
“Ease of serviceability was also commented on – to access things like the engine filters and pump you just open doors rather than having to tilt the cab or raise the tank. It was great to be able to bring the Quad to many interested parties and we’re hoping to have the first machines on-farm with new customers in the spring. There’ll also be another demo machine on-hand for anyone who missed out this year.”
