Powerful slurry technology only makes sense on large structured areas? Wrong! Vredo self-propelled sprayers can also demonstrate their advantages on smaller areas with average sizes between 2 and 5 ha. Like a VT5536, which is ideally suited to the land and farm structures of the Harry Wesch contracting company.
The Elbe-Weser triangle is a classic grassland region. In addition to grassland, maize is grown on a large scale as fodder for dairy cattle and as an energy source for biogas plants. The basis for good yields is organic fertilization. The application methods for liquid manure and fermentation residues are currently undergoing a profound change in the region. Until now, many farmers have spread their liquid manure themselves. The baffle plate was often used for this. A process that is no longer allowed to be practiced in most federal states. “As many farmers no longer want to invest in new technology, we have seen a significant increase in demand,” says Dennis Jenk from the contracting company Harry Wesch from Moorausmoor near Lamstedt. Whereas previously around 80,000 m³ was spread per year, Dennis Jenk is expecting up to 120,000 m³ this year
In order to cope with the high demand, the contracting company has opted for a self-propelled sprayer for the first time. The investment decision in favor of a VT5536 from Vredo was made because the machine fits in perfectly with the area structures in the region, but also with the contractor’s logistics.
“With its capacity of 22 m³, the machine fits perfectly with our transport barrels, which are also limited to 22 m³ loading volume for weight reasons,” explains Dennis Jenk, who is also responsible for the contracting company’s operational business.
Previously, the contractor had used a spreading tanker with a volume of 30 m³ and an 18-m trailing shoe boom for spreading liquid manure. After the dry summer of 2023, many farmers were no longer satisfied with the process. The lack of rain meant that the liquid manure could not penetrate the soil sufficiently, contributing to lower yields but also to feed contamination. For this reason, the contracting company Harry Wesch relies exclusively on methods in which the liquid manure is incorporated.
In order to be able to meet all customer requirements, a Vredo double-disc slitting unit with a working width of 12 m, a disc harrow with a working width of 7 m and a 6 m strip-till unit are available for spreading with the Vredo VT5536. “This enables us to meet the requirements of the different soils that we have here in the Elbe-Weser triangle,” says Dennis Jenk.
After the contracting company was able to convince many customers of the advantages of slitting, the incorporation of liquid manure with the slitting device on grassland has increased significantly. On arable land, which is mainly used for maize cultivation, the disc harrow has established itself as the most important spreading method for the contractor’s customers. Since it became known that the contractor had invested in a soil-conserving self-propelled harrow, demand has continued to rise. “Soil protection is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true for the marshland areas in the north of the Elbe-Weser triangle,” says Dennis Jenk.
Another advantage of the Vredo VT5536 is its significantly greater output. Thanks to the machine’s performance, around 25 % more liquid manure can be spread compared to the barrel-drag hose combination – with 10 liters of diesel per hour less. “This is ultimately the basis for being able to accept more orders,” says Dennis Jenk.
As an operator, he appreciates the intuitive operability of the self-propelled machine. Although he first had to get used to working in crab steering, operating the machine itself is not a challenge. This also applies when the spreading technology is changed. “The main settings are programmed in and are activated as soon as the spreading technique is preselected,” emphasizes the experienced employee, who draws a thoroughly positive conclusion after the first few months in the Vredo VT 5536.
