Following the renewal of our spreading contract with Thamas Water we have recently taken delivery of two new Vervaet Hydro Trike self-propelled spreaders.
The new Vervaet machines are powered by 510hp DAF engines and are fitted with specially designed integral 18-tonne Panien spreader bodies. Large tyres spread the weight evenly over a 4.50m width when in work thanks to extending mid-axles.
Biosolids contract manager Bert Essink explains why we have chosen to invest in the Vervaet machines.
“We believe in the product. It’s an evolution rather than a revolution, the concept hasn’t been changed but thoroughly developed, so it has only got better and been improved. Consequently it’s a very reliable machine. We were impressed right from the start, as when they were delivered you could turn the key and drive away without any problems, getting straight into work – with most new machines there are things which are not quite right.”
“The spread pattern is very good,” Bert continues. “It’s even better than we expected. Although it’s too early to comment on wear and tear our initial thoughts are very positive. Good features like an automatically tightened bed chain are also important, we think that’s a very good system. Fuel consumption also seems good, although we need to do a couple more tests, but she’s not thirsty, put it that way.
“The five wheel layout works well,” he explains. “We spread some land which had been deep cultivated and it didn’t make a mess. We also work on some very steep hills, and with the extending axle the Vervaet is very stable – the driver says he feels very safe, and that’s important.”
“The machine’s layout is great for maintenance. With the engine on one side in the front and the cooling pack the other there are very few components underneath the spreader body. You can carry out maintenance after a week’s spreading without getting covered in muck. Dealer backup is also important, and having a dealer in England with parts in stock can save us a day, so that’s also worth a lot to us.”
