Friday, 05 March 2021 09:55

Fert spreader controls easy, at your fingertips

Written by  Mark Daniel
Giltrap's new Widetrac is a cost-effective, easy-to-use fertiliser spreader that eliminates the need for manual adjustment. Giltrap's new Widetrac is a cost-effective, easy-to-use fertiliser spreader that eliminates the need for manual adjustment.

Giltrap Engineering's new WideTrac is said to be a cost-effective, easy-to-use fertiliser spreader that eliminates the need for manual adjustment.

Using an automatic electronic control system, the need for a specific forward speed and a specific hopper door opening height are removed. Set up requires a few steps with two control buttons, with operators only needing to input required spread rate, fertiliser density and spread width. Once inputted to the panel on the front of the hopper, the control system calculates the best belt speed and rear door opening to meet the spread targets. As speed changes because of terrain or load, it makes on-the-move adjustments automatically.

WideTrac spreaders are available with capacities of 4, 6 or 8 tonnes, with all models having the option of tandem or single axle layouts.

A key feature is a lightweight, yet durable, low density plastic (LDPE) body, said to offer flexibility and impact resistance. The bin has inner and outer walls, both 8mm thick, with the air gap between allowing a fully galvanised steel frame, that has no direct contact with any fertiliser.

In the forward bulkhead, a large viewing panel allow operator visibility to the interior of the hopper. The construction is modular, featuring several panels, so if one is ever damaged, it can be easily replaced without the need to replace the entire bin.

In the base of the hopper, the rubber floor belt is 780mm wide, 8mm thick, and constructed with 5mm high cleats. The belt is riveted to the galvanised chain and slat assembly with high-tensile stainless mono-bolts. At the business end of the spreader, the rear door is galvanised, while the spinners are stainless steel.

The spinner discs can work at speeds up to 1000 rpm. They produce an even spread at widths up to 24m with granulated fertilisers.

 Giltrap Engineering North Island area manager Eric Crosby says the spreading system is hydraulically-driven, so there is no threat of wheel slip disrupting spreading, which can happen with ground drive systems that use a jockey wheel.

“With its wide belt, the WideTrac can spread virtually any product, from superphosphate to urea or lime, handle organic products such as poultry manure or compost and offer spreading rates extend from 40 to 5000 kg/ha.

“While the frame is hot dip galvanised, all other metal parts are galvanised or stainless steel (including the belt chains) for excellent corrosion resistance. Operator control is achieved via a hand-held remote, with a red button to stop spreading and a green to resume operations.”

Eric says, “with accurate fertiliser spreading being a topical subject, we believe it will come in for more attention over the next few years as regional authorities increase compliance requirements. The WideTrac is a unique spreader that provides a simple, affordable way for farmers to apply fertiliser accurately so they can meet those compliance regulations.”

More like this

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets, intellectual property and staff of the French manufacturer have been acquired by a new organisation called Agriculture Nouvelle Génération.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter