New options for slurry tankers and trailers will be exhibited by Hi-Spec Engineering at this month’s Lamma event.
They will include the Fad Sidra hydraulic axle system for Hi-Spec’s range of tandem and tridem axle Kompactor trailers and tankers. The company has introduced the option of an electric steering system in place of forced hydraulics.
The Hi-Spec 5000 Tri-SR tanker – on display at Lamma – is among the machines to benefit from this system. It enables the system to self-stabilise on slopes and provides a far smoother ride over rough ground.
In operation, each wheel acts independently. When crossing rough ground, this has the benefit that the ride of the trailer or tanker is far smoother compared to conventional suspension.
When traversing slopes, the system effectively enables the trailer or tanker body to self-level, so reducing the risk of roll-over. This allows for higher forward speeds and increased productivity.
The operator can also raise and lower the chassis level if necessary. The front axle can be raised to reduce tyre wear when in transport mode.
Overall, the system helps ensure that the trailer or tanker weight is more evenly distributed across all the axles, so helping to minimise soil compaction, but also provide more even braking performance.
Electric steering
Available on all machines with tandem or tridem running gear, electric steering offers the same benefits as a forced hydraulic system – but with the added benefit of crab steering. It is neater and simpler than a closed hydraulic system.
The electric steering system works using a system of sensors on the axles for both steering and direction of travel, in addition to a gyroscope to sense any orientation changes.
The system is controlled from the cab using ISOBUS and each axle can be controlled automatically or manually. For safety on the road, the system will also lock out the axles above a certain speed, which can be set by the operator.
In addition to conventional steering, using ISOBUS the operator can also set the axles to crab steer, so reducing compaction.
Hi-Spec tanker
The 5000 Tri-SR is one of the largest tankers in the Hi-Spec range and has a capacity of 22,700 litres (5,000 gallons).
A semi-recessed chassis lowers the overall height of the tanker, which runs on tridem commercial multi-leaf axles with forced front and rear steering axles. They are fitted with the standard 710/50 R26.5 BKT tyres and air/hydraulic brakes.
The specification for this tanker includes a high capacity 14,000 litres capacity Jurop pump, with an 8 inch autofill/turbo fill system. The drawbar has hydraulic suspension and is fitted with a spoon hitch to provide a rigid connection to the tractor.
In addition it has a 600mm side access door, internal agitator, work lights and strobe beacons on the rear and four-point linkage brackets.
Spreader and trailer
Also on the Hi-Spec stand will be the Hi-Spec XCEL 1250 rear discharge spreader. Unlike other rear discharge spreaders, the XCEL 1250 and larger 2050 use a shredding rotor fitted with 22 heavy duty chains and 12mm Hardox flail heads.
These are mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood that shreds all material to an even consistency. It is then spread by two spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread.
Spread pattern
The Xcel 1250 and 2050 have the capability to achieve an even spread pattern up to 24 metres and have a capacity of 12 and 20 tonnes respectively.
Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes. They can spread all types of material such as farmyard manure, sludge cake, muck lime, wood mulch and chicken compost.