Kuhn sets new standards with fertiliser spreader
Introductions and upgrades to Kuhn's MDS (Multi Disc System) and Axera fertiliser spreader ranges for the 2004 season ensure that all machines offered by the company now conform to the European Environmental Standard (EN 13739-1) introduced late last year.
The new standard, which is currently a voluntary code for manufacturers, covers all areas relating to application accuracy, border spreading, operation of the machine, calibration and monitoring. Performance indicators are set within the standard for key parameters - such as spread pattern or application rate precision for example - so that farmers will know that a machine that conforms has proven capability to a given level.
The main developments for Kuhn machines relate to the MDS series, where MDS 735, 935, 1132 and 1142 replace earlier models (MDS 732, 932, 1131 and 1141). The hydraulic drive Axera-H and the mechanical drive equivalent Axera-MW remain in the range, but relatively unchanged, whilst the pneumatic Aero spreaders also conform to the standard with only minor upgrading.
"Most of the changes required to ensure Kuhn machines meet the standard relate to relatively minor aspects such as the provision of hopper emptying tools, technical documentation and hopper graduations," explains the company's technical product manager Robert Garthwaite. "All models are comfortably within the high standards set for performance characteristics, whilst the availability of the Telimat system allows on-the-move border spreading adjustments to the required level of accuracy on all the mechanical drive machines. The hydraulic drive Axera-H has integral on-the-move border spreading.
"Whilst the new European Environmental Standard is currently a voluntary initiative, it is our expectation that it will become a mandatory requirement in the future. It is the sort of standard that could easily be adopted within assurance schemes or as part of any future cross-compliance requirement, so we believe it is only a matter of time before it does become obligatory for farmers to use machines that conform.
"In addition to the environmental and regulatory requirements, there are strong financial arguments for farmers to spread their fertiliser accurately. Eight years would be a reasonable life for a well-built twin disc spreader. Over that period of time the value of fertiliser spread will be hundreds of thousands of pounds on an average sized unit, and the value of crops affected by spreading accuracy could easily be over a million pounds. Spreaders are relatively inexpensive machines when put in this context, so choosing a machine with proven ability to perform should be a base line requirement."
