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Lifting is still carried out by Vervaet’s industry leading rotating walking shares, which are well-known to excel in the toughest of conditions. Row width is hydraulically adjustable from 45cm to 50cm in the usual way. The shares are arranged in a straight line so that they present the lifted beet evenly to the rollerbed which is used in place of the two front turbines and consists of seven full-width 100mm diameter rollers. To maximise its cleaning path the first two spiral rollers take the beet outwards whilst all subsequent rollers gather the crop to the centre for onward transport towards the rear of the machine. This configuration can be altered by substituting rollers if required. Shorter rollers either side of the throat form a backstop, helping to bring the beet to the centre.
Roller speed can be varied from the cab to cater for differing conditions and soil types, with the first six grouped together and the seventh roller operated independently. If additional cleaning is required the seventh roller can also be operated in reverse so that it counter-rotates against the preceding roller for a more thorough action.
But it is what comes next which really sets the new Vervaet machine apart from the competition. All other rollerbed-type harvesters use a trace to transport the crop between the front wheels, but the Vervaet rollerbed discharges the beet onto a central cleaning turbine, eliminating a potential problem area and continuing the positive cleaning action. This central turbine is a well proven method already in use on over 160 Vervaet turbine-only harvesters currently at work in the UK.
The rollerbed is currently suitable for the flagship six-wheel Vervaet Beet Eater 625, but it is anticipated that it will also be available for the popular four-wheel Q-Series in the near future. Even with a rollerbed in place of its first two turbines, due to its unique layout the 625 still retains six turbines – more than any other machine on the market making for industry leading cleaning capacity. This is of ever higher importance as contractors continue to battle unrelenting weather and arduous conditions during ever more drawn-out sugar beet campaigns.
“We believe there is definitely a market for a rollerbed,” says Jeremy Riley, managing director of J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd. “We were being asked by people running competitor’s machines when Vervaet will make a rollerbed, so they’ve produced it to fulfil that obligation. They have managed to eliminate the less successful points of other rollerbed designs, namely the transport belt between the wheels, and we think it is an improvement on existing rollerbeds from other manufacturers. However it isn’t a replacement for the turbine configuration, because modern turbines will ultimately provide the most cleaning and we still believe that a turbine machine is the best all-rounder – we’re definitely not forgetting our heritage.”
His views are echoed by the company’s sales manager, Matt Carse, who has extensive previous experience with a competitor’s rollerbed-type harvesters.
“On certain soil types the rollerbed can allow for a faster forward speed,” explains Matt. “On the right soils they can offer good cleaning, and are generally regarded as being gentle on the beet. The web between the front wheels is always a weak point, especially in stony conditions, so what Vervaet have done using a turbine instead is excellent, it is a big plus point. Its open construction also sets it apart, and it still retains the signature Vervaet simplicity of design, giving all of the necessary features without unnecessary complications. During testing it has been running in some very challenging wet conditions at 8kph+ and doing a good job, I’m very pleased and it’s producing a satisfying sample for the grower.
“The rollerbed widens our portfolio and complements what we are already offering,” he continues. “There are guys who currently have a rollerbed and want to stay with one, and vice versa with turbines, so we now really can offer an ideal solution to everyone. In the long term I think this new option will have the knock-on effect of further widening the appeal of a reconditioned Vervaet harvester as well.”
February 2021
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LAMMA 2020 will see the UK debut of the new Vervaet Hydro Trike 5x5 on the J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd stand. This new version of the popular Hydro Trike self-propelled slurry applicator and manure spreader features a driven mid-axle and a completely renewed powertrain.
The five-wheel concept has already more than proven itself, combining the excellent maneuverability of a single front wheel with the even ground pressure across the full 4.5m width provided by the additional mid-axle. With a self-contained 130hp hydraulic system driving the mid-axle, the machine’s abilities are extended even further especially when working undulating terrain and in arduous conditions. The mid-axle also gains a new stabilisation and suspension system for better operator comfort.
Earlier this year Vervaet launched the VSG drive system with two hydraulic motors to power the rear axle. Switching between field and transport range takes place automatically and on the move up to the Trike’s 40kph top speed. A new fully electronic traction control system replaces a manual setup, and the entire hydraulic system is quieter and more efficient.