INDEPENDENT trials have confirmed Amazone's new ZA-TS 4200 fertiliser spreader accurately and evenly delivers urea to an operating width of 45 metres.
The Australian Fertiliser Services Association (AFSA), an industry body that represents fertiliser manufacturers, distributors and spreading contractors, assessed the performance of the new machine under a range of operating conditions using its accu-spread methodology.
Landpower product manager Craig Hopkins said the trials confirmed the ZA-TS 4200 could spread 100 kilograms a hectare of urea between 34 and 45 metres, depending on the machine settings and operating speed, while maintaining industry-accepted accuracy levels for evenness of spread pattern.
"These are probably the greatest operating widths for any spreader yet independently verified in Australia," Mr Hopkins said.
"Producers and contractors can be completely confident the ZA-TS 4200 performs to the manufacturer's claims under Australian conditions."
The spreader, which made its Australian debut at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in March, incorporates on-board technology for faster, more precise spreading.
"It's one thing to be able to spread fertiliser over a wide distance," Mr Hopkins said.
"However, the objective is to achieve a consistent spreading pattern right across the working width and ideally, as rapidly as possible.
"With a maximum spreading width of 54m and a top operating speed of 30 kilometres an hour, the ZA-TS 4200 can easily cover up to 50 hectares an hour."
The Profis Hydro model features a 4200kg hopper, twin hydraulic disc spreaders and in-built weighing scales, tilt sensors and automatic calibration.
"The operator simply enters the desired spreading rate and drives off," Mr Hopkins said.
"The two weighing cells detect any deviation between the desired application rate and the amount being discharged."
Amazone's spreader uses "soft ballistic" technology, which ensures all components of the agitation, metering and spreading system are matched to protect the integrity of the fertiliser granules.
"Mineral fertilisers require gentle application to ensure their precise and even distribution across the crop," Mr Hopkins said.
He said field trials have shown the "soft ballistic" system can increase yields by 15 per cent compared to conventional spreaders.
"Productivity aside, improved accuracy has an important role to play in quality assurance, environment sustainability and risk management," he said.
The spreaders are manufactured using modern deep-pressing technology, which Mr Hopkins said the elimination of welded seams ensured the even flow of the fertiliser and easy cleaning.
Amazone spreading, spraying and cultivation equipment is available from Claas Harvest Centres throughout Australia.
Contact Craig Hopkins, (03) 9369 1188.
Jessica Frecklington
Markets reporter for The Land.
Markets reporter for The Land.
