Potato Review

44 POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2022 MACHINERY New features for spreaders BERGMANNmanure and universal spreaders have received various new updates. The latest developments have focussed on the V-Spread wide spreader unit, optimisation of the distribution accuracy and the connectivity of the hardware to the manufacture-independent agrirouter data exchange platform. At Agritechnica 2019, BERGMANN presented the V-Spread wide spreader unit with a material-dependent working width of up to 36m and an ideal spread pattern for both the twin-axle universal spreaders of the TSW 5210 and TSW 6240 series and the three-axle TSW 7340 S universal spreader. From the 2022 season, the V-Spread will now also be available for the TSW 2140 E low-bed universal spreader. The combination of the V-shaped spreader disk arrangement transversely to the driving direction and an increased spreader disk diameter makes for a more even material distribution over the disks and therefore a perfect distribution on the field, the company claims. BERGMANN is starting the newseasonwith a small pilot series of their revised lower tailgate for the TSW5210 S/Wseries of universal spreaders andhigher seriesmodels. Although in the standard version, the adjustment will still be donemanually, therewill nowbe a single, central adjustment spindle rather than the two threaded spindles at the sides. Aconvenient hydraulic adjustment option fromthe driver’s seat will also be available. In addition, the shape of the spread pattern limiter has been optimised to allow even more exact spreading at headlands. The shape of the spread pattern limiter is based on the design of the V-Spread wide spreader unit. Big bag filling enhancements from new JetFill TONG’S first new product development for 2022 is a new edition JetFill big bag filler. Sales Director Charlie Rich said the machine, which is popular with the company’s home and export markets, now features more advanced controls, and it has been enhanced to make it easier to use and more efficient. The JetFill is Tong’s highest capacity big bag filler offering automated and gentle big bag filling. Capable of filling up to 40 big bags per hour, the new model for 2022 is designed to handle a wider range of bag sizes up to 2700mm high. Designed with throughput and careful handling at the fore, the JetFill features two bag-lifting platforms to which empty bags are presented on a pallet. The bag frame allows the machine’s bag-holding arms to be lowered for easy attachment and the bag platform automatically raises the empty bag to the reversible feed conveyor. The new model features an enhanced bag frame design which ensures the raised position of the bag platform is even closer to the feed conveyor to guarantee the gentlest transfer of crop. As the bag fills, the platform automatically lowers until the bag is full to level. Users can also specify the machine to fill to weight. On completion of the filling cycle, the platform lower further and away from the bag, allowing the bag to hang to achieve an even fill and accurate weight. Once the full bag is rested back onto the platform, another enhanced feature sees the bag holding arms retracting automatically to release the bag hooks, allowing the bag to be swiftly removed from the JetFill without any manual intervention. The machine’s new capabilities can also be easily selected and controlled with the option of Tong’s intelligent Auto-Touch HMI control. Spring-loaded hood ONE of the secrets behind the the AVR MultiForce’s excellent operation is its spring-loaded hood, the company is claiming. The protective hood is mounted using twelve springs, making it move continuously. These vibrations ensure that less soil sticks to the hood. The machine will not get clogged quickly. This ensures that the tines will not be rotating in compressed soil, thus avoiding power loss and wear on the tines. The MultiForce is a powerful, high- capacity cultivator that ensures a uniform crumbling of the soil (thanks to the 128 and even optional 192 hooks tines) and that can operate at a considerable depth.