Editorial: Sense at last
OPINION: For the first time in many years, a commonsense approach is emerging to balance environmental issues with the need for the nation's primary producers to be able to operate effectively.
Recently, driven undoubtedly by environmental issues, farmers have more keenly sought the right machine for their job, especially to realise the nutrient benefits of the waste.
The Fliegl VFW range, distributed by Claas Harvest Centres in New Zealand, stands out as embodying the latest manufacturing techniques, and comes in a big range from 7500-30000L capacity.
The mainstream market is taken care of by single-axle models of 7500-10,600L and tandem axle units from 10,600-18,000L.
Hot-dipped galvanised steel ensures corrosion resistance and a durable long life, and is used extensively for the tank and chassis components.
Standard features, included for fast turnaround, include high capacity vacuum pumps with outputs of 10,00-14,000L/min, a 150mm quick coupler, liquid level indicators, on-board hose storage and a 600mm access hatch for easy cleaning.
Further, customers can specify 'performance' options including suspended and hydraulically adjusted drawbars, and filling options such as auto-couplers, powered fill, and hydraulically driven agitators to improve flow and prevent blockages.
For transporting waste, an optional moveable axle -- manual or hydraulic – transfers weight to the tractor hitch when moved rearwards in difficult conditions, or the reverse when used for long distance transport. Hydraulic brakes are fitted as standard, and air variants are available as options.
At the business end, standard application is by a simple splash plate system; alternatively operators wanting to make best use of available nutrients can specify an option dribble bar or disc injector layout. The former is available in 9-18m spreading widths, and the injection rigs from 3-8m; both help alleviate odour in populated areas, and make best use of nutrients.
Flow meters can be specified to record volumes applied as evidence of spread.
