increase font size
The Fliegel VFW range.
Slurry tankers have traditionally been simply a means of dealing with smelly waste.
However, for the last few years, driven by environmental issues, interest has grown in getting the right machine for the job and trying to realise the nutrient benefits of the waste.
The Fliegel VFW range, distributed here by Claas Harvest Centres, uses the latest manufacturing techniques to make it stand out from the crowd; it offers units of 7500-30000L capacity.
The mainstream market is taken care of by single-axle models of 7500-10,600L; bigger users can choose tandem axle units from 10,600-18,000L.
Construction is centred on the use of hot-dipped galvanised steel to ensure corrosion resistance and a durable long life and this is used extensively for the tank and chassis components.
Standard features – for a fast turnaround – include high capacity vacuum pumps (10,000-14,000L/min), a 150mm quick coupler, liquid level indicators, on-board hose storage and a 600mm access hatch for easy cleaning.
Customer-specified options include suspended and hydraulically adjusted drawbars, filling options such as auto-couplers, powered fill and hydraulically driven agitators to improve flow and prevent blockages.
An optional moveable axle (manual or hydraulic) transfers weight to the tractor hitch when moved rearwards in difficult conditions, or vice versa when used for long distance transport. Hydraulic brakes are fitted as standard, and air variants as options.
At the business end, standard application is by a simple splash plate system, although users wanting to make best use of available nutrients might wish to specify an optional dribble bar or disc injector layout. The former is available in 9-18m spreading widths and the injection rigs from 3-8m wide.
Also optional are flow meters to record volumes applied.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
The recently released Claas Jaguar 1000 Series has seen its flagship 1200 set a new official Guiness World Record in forage harvesting, harvesting 4096 tonnes of whole crop silage in 12 hours, alongside an efficiency record of just 0.49 litres of fuel consumption per tonne of silage harvested.
Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.
Claas has announced the arrival of its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters, taking power delivery beyond 1100hp, aimed at achieving 20% more throughput, better chop quality, greater efficiency and more operator comfort.
With the biennial Agritechnica Event just a few months away, manufacturers are offering sneak peaks at new innovations, with Claas recently highlighting its new Cerex 700 RC round baler.
Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.
A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South Auckland, on December 18.
A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…
