The latest Vervaet Quad 550 made its working debut in the UK, completing a demonstration tour throughout September with UK importer J Riley Beet Harvesters. Travelling across the country beginning on the east coast and finishing in the west country, the new four-wheel slurry applicator was tested by existing Vervaet customers and those running competitor machines.
“The Quad has been very well received,” noted Jeremy Riley, managing director of J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd. “We have been very pleasantly surprised by both the exceptional reaction we’ve had from demonstrations and how well it has performed. Vervaet is on the right track with this machine and it has filled a gap in the market for us.”
Launched earlier this year, the Quad joins the three-wheel Hydro Trike and five-wheel Hydro Trike XL machines. The basic carrier unit features a 550hp Volvo Penta engine, a hydro-mechanical transmission with differential locks, crab steer and a pivoting, 8,000kg capacity rear linkage. The slurry tank has a capacity of 21 cubic metres, with a front-mounted filling arm and an optional 13,500 litres per minute pump. It can also be equipped with an integrated John Deere NIR sensor to allow real-time monitoring and adjustment of the application depending on the nutrient value.
“The Quad’s performance surpassed my expectations,” said Matt Carse, sales manager at Rileys. “Vervaet really have made a machine which has the best features of the competition with copious options and caters specifically for the UK market. We were working in some steep conditions on one of the demonstrations in particular and it was surprisingly powerful for a machine of this type. The drivetrain combines the benefits of both mechanical and
hydrostatic systems and supplies plenty of power and torque.
“The demo machine had a Volgelsang slurry pump working with a Vervaet macerator, both of which are well proven in the UK,” continued Mr Carse. “There’s also the option of a Vogelsang macerator so we’ve got options to cater for everyone. We can offer a huge range of tyre options up to 1250 wide, but the 900/60R42, in particular, are a big plus point, being tall as well as wide giving excellent in-field characteristics, and none of the competition can match this.
“Potential customers have been impressed,” he added. “We’ve had operators currently using competitor’s machines comment on the ease of use of the proven Vervaet terminal, it’s very intuitive and self-explanatory, and they’ve been able to quickly familiarise themselves with the Quad. They were also impressed with the machine’s manoeuvrability, and also the visibility it offers whilst filling up and working in the field. The spacious Claas cab was also appreciated. Ease of serviceability was also commented on – to access things like the engine filters and pump you just open doors rather than having to tilt the cab or raise the tank. It was great to be able to bring the Quad to many interested parties and we’re hoping to have the first machines on-farm with new customers in the
spring. There will also be another demo machine on-hand for anyone who missed out this year.”
Vervaet machines are distributed by J Riley Beet Harvesters. For more information go to www.jrileyagri.co.uk