UK importer J Riley have introduced twin row-crop wheels for the Vervaet Quad 550 self-propelled slurry applicator.
With the wheel option only recently being made available to British customers, two UK contractors now have dual row-crops in place this season.
The dual row-crop wheels are configured with a 75cm spacing which allows spreading to be carried out post-drilling and through young maize without causing damage to the crop. This allows an additional dose of digestate to be spread on the growing maize and also extends the working season for contractors by an extra
three to four weeks.
The Quad boasts a tank capacity of 22m³ and the dual wheel format spreads its weight across a considerable area to minimise compaction and avoid creating ruts. Rather than fitting single row crop wheels with add-on dual-wheels, the heavy-duty twin row-crops are welded solid, effectively creating a single wheel with a pan and rim each side of a strong tubular centre section.
In common with the Quad’s conventional wheels, a variety of tyre sizes and options are available, although the most popular tyre is Michelin’s SprayBib VF 380.90R46.
Matt Carse, managing director at J Riley Beet Harvesters, said: “The Quad’s versatility is invaluable in allowing contractors and growers to prolong the spreading window and maximise their usage of digestate as a renewable and sustainable nutrient source.
“The dual row-crops make it possible to apply digestate with minimal crop damage when historically you couldn’t. In addition, two contractors have now removed the rear tankers from their Quad XL outfits to run solo through the crop. The tankers can be re-attached for working on stubble after harvest when maximum capacity is again the aim, making the Quad the most versatile and flexible machine on the market.”
