CV field test: 5.7%, CV after adjustment not required

After following the instructions in the manual, the Vicon had a CV of 5.7%, a result that didn’t need correcting.

Y: 0.23%, CT: 19.6%

Vicon uses a deflector positioned on the right-hand side of the machine that, in effect, ‘bends’ the flow of fertiliser, like Amazone and Rauch.

Results are good: only 0.23% of fertiliser crossed the boundary and the distribution between the field and the boundary is 19.6%.

The system doesn’t lower the application rate when border spreading, so quite a lot of fertiliser ends up on the 18m wide headland.

SCORE: 5/5

The new IsoMatch Tellus terminal, compared to other spreader computers, stands out for its level of sophistication.

However, it is an expensive option, coming in at over £2,000 more expensive than the standard black-and-white Focus II computer.

The Tellus has two screens that are clearly visible and everything is clearly laid out, and can be used for all isobus-equipped machines.

SCORE: 3/5

The first step is to determine the fractioning of the fertiliser by using Vicon’s sorting box.

Then, it’s a case of checking the spreading sheets on the internet or in a large tome of tables to see which matches the fractioning of the fertiliser tested.

This method, although fiddly, is extremely accurate as often the name of a fertiliser doesn’t always indicate its properties.

Then the application rate, spreading width and type of fertiliser needs to be entered into the computer.

The given pto speed changes with the type and spreading width of the fertiliser. The tilt angle of the spreader should be 8° (not always in the case of 36m).

Because there are so many things to adjust, there is scope for error.

However, the advantage is that this system can establish a good spreading pattern with any fertiliser, which is helpful when working with imported blends.

SCORE: 3.5/5

A tray set is optional when you buy a spreader. For the tray test, a total of 13 trays need to be positioned on the right-hand side of the tractor including one in the middle.

The maximum distance between each is 4m, however using 13 trays to measure 36m spreading width, this shrinks to 3m.

After driving over the trays, the tubes should be filled with a similar amount of fertiliser (less than 15%) to indicate a good spread pattern.

The manual lists four examples of incorrect spread patterns and what to do to correct them. Simple in theory, but the graphs aren’t ideal for fine-tuning.

There is a computer program to help growers, however not many farmers have a laptop to hand in the field.

SCORE: 4.5/5

The RO-EDW is built logically and all sections are well-integrated. Overall construction is open, but enclosed at the front to stop mud gaining entry from the back of the tractor.

At 820kg, it’s a heavy machine but because it’s close-coupled and the hopper is close to the tractor the weight on the front axle isn’t too bad.

There are two outlets for removing fertiliser and an optional ladder. The lights look cheap, but the hopper cover is robust and painting and welding quality is very good.

Additional extensions are made of aluminium and servicing is pretty straightforward, particularly as there are only a few greasing points.

The weighing system is the only one to have four sensors to take into account both slopes and gravity forces. Weighing is probably very accurate because of this, but we couldn’t test it.