The long-standing DLG test organisation has awarded it’s “approved” quality mark to the Vogelsang 15-m BlackBird trailing shoe applicator.
Manufactured at the company’s base in Essen, Germany, the 15m BlackBird features two of the manufacturers ExaCut ECQ precision distributors, the unit will carry the test mark for five years.
Tested according to the DLG test framework for both cattle and pig slurry application technologies, the results summary noted that the applicator presented good distribution quality.
The product showed excellent distribution quality for both slurries at both flow rates, with the mean deviation well below 2%, earning the highest possible DLG rating (++) in all test results.
At start up, the time in seconds is measured until slurry flows from all outlets, meaning shorter times, resulting in a quicker full working width being reached. The tested BlackBird applicator reached full distribution in a maximum of 2 seconds.
The test inspectors rated accessibility of the maintenance points as excellent, with all tasks performed in an upright posture.
Operation and maintenance were rated as good, with simple steps and no need for special tools.
Replacing the cutting tools in the distribution head can also be done in a comparatively short amount of time.
Available with working widths of 12 or 15-metres, both with a 25cm hose spacing, units can be folded to a transport width of 2.95 metres. The system allows direct mounting via 4-point linkage, incorporating an integrated catch device and a passive levelling system in the centre frame.
The elongated trailing shoe design is beakshaped, with pointed wear edge for better soil penetration and section control which is either mechanical or hydraulic. The VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ precision distributor is available with 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 outlets, using 40mm diameter distribution hoses.