Norfolk-based muck spreader specialist GT Bunning and Sons Ltd is using LAMMA 2020 to unveil an addition to its Farmstar HBD spinning disc range, targeted at small- to medium-sized farms requiring a wider spread pattern than is possible with a vertical beater machine, particularly with materials such as chicken manure, gypsum and composts, as well as general farmyard manure.
Designed as a light yet robust spreader capable of sustained workloads in conjunction with smaller tractors, the 8.0 cu m model can be equipped with extension sides to increase heaped capacity to 10.2 cu m. Maximum payload is 8.5 tonnes.
The new machine uses the same body and floor construction as the established Bunning TVA models, and blends this with a new design of HBD (Horizontal Beater and spinning Disc) spreading mechanism, using the same spinning discs as those fitted to larger HBD models. This helps the new model to achieve the same spread patterns as the larger machines in the range.
Design features include heat-treated boron beater flighting and reversible boron beater blades, plus heavy-duty beater roller drive chains. Individual dynamic balancing of the beaters takes place after their production at the factory. Manufactured from Hardox steel, the 1.0m-diameter spinning discs feature adjustable blade angles. The new model is fitted as standard with a single axle rated to 13 tonnes, equipped with 406 x 120mm brakes with slack adjusters.
The launch follows almost two years of development, with a pre-production machine being built in May 2018 and pre-production testing taking place across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Holland, spreading materials ranging from lime, straw bales and gypsum to compost, sewage sludge, chicken, pig and cow manure. Dealer recommended retail price for the new model starts at £30,045.
