Fertiliser Spreaders
The 2 6X6’s and 4X4’s are fitted with Southern Spreader bins with the latest technology available.
In 2012 we bought Altrac Spreading Tas and had 5 MAN TGM trucks. We quickly purchased 2 new trucks and in 2013 purchased another one. We came to the conclusion very quickly that in this industry it is vital to go on a truck replacement program. Our white MAN TGM have done a great job for this business, however we wanted a change and purchased a new G 440 6X6 Scania in March 2018. It was a gamble as these units are considerably bigger than our 4X4’s. The 6X6’s weigh around 13 tonne empty and can legally be loaded up to 20 tonnes. Running the 495 Michelin Flotation tyres reduced our load capacity from 23 tonne back to 20 t. With a side tipper behind the 6X6, we can gain a payload of up to 17.5 t, depending on what type of product it is. Any nitrogen blend can vary starting from straight urea at 14.5 t upwards. Our 6X6’s as I said were a gamble as I was concerned that the Scania being to heavy would have trouble in extremely wet paddocks, this isn’t the case at all, our 6X6’s go where the 4X4’s cant go. The load sharing over all axles has made a huge difference to our traction and the tyres not leaving deep ruts everywhere. Obviously in worse paddocks marks are left and yes, these monsters have been bogged!
Our 4X4’s consist of simply the MAN or the Scania P series Cab 410 HP. We are currently about to start trialling dual wheels on the Scania, reason being it is 2.3 t heavier than its competitors, the MAN. Our legal payload for the MAN is 4.5 tonne due to its tare weight of 8.5 tonne. The tare weight of the Scania is 10.7 tonne, giving us a payload of around 2.7 tonne. Putting dual wheel on it will increase it to 4.5-4.8 tonnes. The Scania is a breath of fresh air, at the end of the day, the driver feels a lot more alive and is a lot less mentally and physically drained. The comfort is a very high standard.
The 2 6X6’s and 4X4’s are fitted with Southern Spreader bins with the latest technology available. High performance hydraulic pumps, valving and motors are essential and are not overlooked when specking up one of these machines. Currently running 5 MAN TGM’s and 3 Scania’s, we are that impressed with Scania’s that another 6x6 and possibly 4X4 should land in our yard at the end of the year, which will make 10 in total. It will be an opportunity for more scheduled rotation of maintenance. Our drivers have undertaken a professional driver training course and hold certificates in this area.
