Rustons Engineering is showing the new X range of high-specification Sulky fertiliser spreaders at LAMMA 2008 for the first time since their introduction to the UK late last year.
The X36 series has four models up to 3000-litre capacity spreading up to 36 metres, while the X44 series spreads up to 44 metres and has three models from 2400 to 4000 litres capacity.
The new machines have been designed with the aid of leading French and Danish research institutes to optimise spreading performance. Every aspect of the machines from hopper flow to spreading action has been analysed in order to maximise accuracy and minimise variability. As a result they achieve coefficients of variation below five per cent, according to independent tests, which exceeds the performance required for an 'excellent' rating.
The development work has resulted in a new patented design of spreader vane with twin channels. As the two vanes on each disc are also of different lengths, four separate spread patterns are created, which produces multiple overlap of fertiliser and very even application over the whole spread width. Because of the multi-overlap performance, the spread pattern is also much less sensitive to setting errors, variable fertiliser quality and other factors.
The principle of simple step-less rate and spread width adjustment without changing discs or vanes has been retained, but advances in design have improved performance and further simplified the setting procedure. Sulky's Tribord 3D in-cab push-button border control is standard on all the X range machines and gives a choice of two border control options.
Special steel for the frame gives added strength for higher payloads without increasing weight, and a forged lower hopper support provides a smooth design that minimises areas where fertiliser can lodge. It also simplifies cleaning. Other standard features include integral road lights built into the hopper and overlap check kits with granulometer for confirming settings in the field.
Several control options are available, including Sulky's latest generation Vision X electronic system with continuous weighing for automatic checking and rate adjustment. They feature an integrated SD card reader for recording operations, field-mapping and other data.
Reco is on stand 817 in hall 8 at LAMMA 2008.
