A new Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500 operated by Yorkshire-based farm contractor JE Coning & Sons, has been fitted with a 6.5 cubic metre fertiliser spreader thanks to a design modifications by Richard Coning and the manufacturers of the Danish Bredal spreader.
By modifying the shape of the hopper sides, built by KRM of Boroughbridge, the centre of gravity has been lowered, so as well as increasing the capacity, stability when working on the land and in transit on roads has been significantly improved. The modification ensure that the power and economy advantages of the Unimog, supplied by sales and service dealer South Cave Tractors, have been maximised.
“This slight modification improves the stability of the load in transit and allows us to service more customers,” Mr Coning said. “Using our two new Unimogs with modified Bredal hoppers and twin-disc spreaders, we can cover up to 500 acres a day per machine – but even that means we have to return to pick up the eight loads of fertiliser required.”
Fuel costs are an increasingly important factor in contracting and the Mercedes-Benz Unimog uses up to 40 per cent less diesel than traditional agricultural and fast tractors. JE Coning is already recording a full 20 per cent saving on fuel.
The new spreaders are based on Unimog U500 Mercedes-Benz Euro 5 diesel engines providing up to 286hp and hydraulics to drive the twin rear discs. The Unimogs have 16-speed transmissions, rear pick-up hitch, VarioPower hydraulics working at 0-90 litres/min and central tyre inflation (CTI), which allows all four tyres to be deflated from the cab, increasing the tyres’ footprint and spreading the load. CTI not only results in considerably less damage to growing crops as the load is spread, but also increased traction on difficult terrain. As the Unimog leaves the field or land for the normal highway the tyres can be rapidly reinflated, again from the comfort of the cab.
For further information visit: www.southcavetractors.com.
