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The slurry tanker has a folding 9m trailing shoe layout that uses high tensile steel springs to keep the steel coulters in contact with the sward.
The first of French manufacturer Pichon’s new SV slurry tankers certainly looks like it means business.
The tankers are currently undertaking a demo programme in the west of the North Island.
As the name suggests, the SV 16 has a capacity of 16,000 litres, featuring a tank fully galvanised – both inside and out –that cuts the tape at 9.0 metres long and 4.1m high, while tipping the scales at between 8 and 10 tonnes, depending on specification, with a gross vehicle weight of 28 tonnes.
The tank features a built-in frame for the under-carriage and suspended tandem axle assembly, the latter offering a 1.8m wheelbase and configured with a steered rear axle, said to reduce the machine’s footprint and tyre wear. During the manufacturing process, the company cleverly incorporates attachment points and bracketry, meaning that the wide range of accessories and options can be an added to the machine later, as needed.
Utilising a high capacity vacuum pump, the demo unit is also equipped with the BP2 auto-filling arm and turbo filler systems that, when combined, offer a 3-minute fill time for fast turnarounds in the yard. There are also options for other external filling solutions in 400 or 600mm diameters.
While the company offers a range of discharge options, the demo unit is configured with a folding 9m trailing shoe layout that uses high tensile steel springs to keep the steel coulters in contact with the sward and to also allow superior ground adaptability.
The company points out that the system helps to reduce volatilisation by up to 50%, meaning that the value of nutrients contained in any effluent is not lost to the atmosphere. To add versatility, the unit is also fitted with a conventional splashplate discharge system.
The discharge system features a heavy-duty macerator to remove any lumps and to create a homogenous and consistent product to deliver to the multiple outlets. Control is via a joystick and 7-inch touchscreen system, with the integral I-Control function allowing fully automated spreading at the touch of a single button.
Pre-programmed target application rates are maintained or easily adjusted on the move, with monitoring being taken care of by an onboard flow meter.
Transport safety is taken care of by a combined air and hydraulic braking system that acts on the 600-55R26.5 or 650-65R26.5 tyre assemblies to bring things to a controlled stop.
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