High-capacity applicator attracts interest from farmers and contractors

The Vervaet Quad features a 21m3 tank with a 13,500 litres/min filling rate provided by a 12,000 litres/min pump and a Turbo Filler.

Vervaet UK importer J Riley expects a busy autumn touring the UK with its Vervaet Quad 550 4-wheel, self-propelled slurry applicator. David Williams saw it in action.

“Our Hydro Trike three- and Hydro Trike XL five-wheel applicators are proving popular, but some farmers prefer the layout of a four-wheel machine which allows wheel travel on existing tramlines,” explained J Riley sales manager Matt Carse. “This is why Vervaet developed the Quad, while incorporating proven features and technology from the existing models.”

The Claas cab is spacious and comfortable, while visibility is excellent.

Unlimited torque

Vervaet announced the Quad 550 last year, and there are already three customer-owned machines operating in the UK. A Volvo Penta 6-cyl, 550hp engine provides the power and a stepless hydro-mechanical transmission of Vervaet’s own design supplies power to the wheels through separate front and rear hydraulic gearbox units and Omsi mechanical axles. The drive management system automatically adjusts the oil flow to distribute the drive between the front and rear. Full power is available at any speed with no torque limitations, and the amount of power available in reserve is constantly displayed on the in-cab terminal. The cab is by Claas, and the terminal and control systems are all Vervaet’s own design. The machine offers full compatibility with the John Deere HarvestSense NIR slurry nutrient sensor.

Pictured with the new Vervaet Quad 550 are (l-r) J Riley marketing assistant Chris Lockwood, sales manager Matt Carse, and engineer and demonstrator Stephen Hastings.

Large tank, innovative design

The tank capacity is 21m3, and an 8in suction system is standard, although the demonstration machine has the optional 10in system with a 12,000 litres/min pump and a turbo filler for a combined 13,500 litres/min filling rate. A Vervaet macerator is fitted after the pump, so that liquids and sludge are pushed through, reducing the risk of blockage.

The innovative tank design includes a tapered profile to the front, allowing an excellent view back and along the sides from the operator’s seat. The suction filling arm folds back along the side of the tank for transport, rather than obscuring the driver’s view. The tanker can also direct fill from a pipe, with an auto-filling sequence activated by external controls for convenience.

Tyres to suit

Standard tyres are 900/60R38, but the demonstration machine is on VF900/60R42. Central tyre inflation is an option. Additional tyre options include narrow 480/65R42 Michelin SprayBib fitted as duals – providing compatibility with 750mm row spacing for operating in maize. The machine underside is completely flat up to 60cm above the ground, to minimise damage  to growing crops.

Wide compatibility

Cat 3 or Cat 4, 9t-capacity rear linkage is fitted with automatic pivoting to ensure accurate ground following for wider attachments. Four-point mounting provides implement tracking for operation in crab-steer mode which allows the wheels to maintain individual tracks and spread the load for operation on stubble or grass.

The Vervaet demonstrator is the first self-propelled machine fitted with the latest Vogelsang 24m BlackBird dribble bar. The BlackBird bar is designed for maximum accuracy – and an innovative cantilever arrangement includes separate risers and separate pendulum compensation for each side arm. In theory,  this could allow the machine to travel along  the bottom of a narrow valley with an ascending surface on both sides, and the boom would adapt to follow the ground contours and maintain even trailing shoe pressure across  the boom width. Support wheels provide  height guidance and control the swing arms, and hydraulic pressure control provides adjustment of the working pressure on  the wheels and skids. The 24m boom can  fold for operation at 18m, providing versatility for contractors. It folds neatly down the  sides of the Vervaet tanker for convenient transport.

The BlackBird dribble bar also comes with DropStop – which pivots the discharge boots upwards at the headlands and for transport  to reduce risks of liquid spillage.

The Vervaet demonstrator is the first self-propelled applicator fitted with the new Vogelsang BlackBird 24m dribble bar. The bar pivots from the half-way point on each side for superb ground contour following. It can also be folded for operation at 18m.

Shorter season – increased interest

Matt said that attractions of the Vervaet Quad include very high output, superb working efficiency, and the ability to protect the land. “One of our users reported fuel use 20–30% lower compared to his previous competitor-brand machine which represents significant cost savings. Most customers investing in machines this size expect to replace them every three to five years, and Vervaet has a reputation for high residual values which helps reduce costs of ownership. We also provide the Vervaet Rebuild scheme which includes a back to chassis restoration, after which used machines are sold with a generous warranty and they look and drive like new.

“Shorter spreading windows are increasing interest in high capacity, self-propelled applicators, and we believe that the Quad design includes all the features professional farms and contractors need. We expect a busy autumn of demonstrations ahead of full availability of the new model next year.”

Norfolk farmer Charles Saffell is impressed by the Vervaet’s design.

Experienced farmer view

Norfolk-based HC Beales & Co farms approximately 850ha of arable crops, including 240ha which is contract-farmed. A large part of the contracting operation is maize production, from planting to harvesting for local AD plants. “We apply a large volume of slurry on our own land and elsewhere,” explained managing partner Charles Saffell. “Slurry applications are a growing part of our business and we recently invested in a larger nurse tank to improve our work rates and efficiency. Expanding our contract slurry application service is something we are considering.”

Charles trialled the Vervaet Quad and was impressed. “It’s well thought out. We currently use an 18m dribble bar, but would consider upgrading to 24m or 32m, and if we were to invest in this sort of machine then the Vervaet makes a lot of sense. The company is local, and the back-up is good. It’s easy to use and operate, very straightforward and the cab is comfortable with good visibility which is important.”