Unverferth announced an update in December to its Pro-Force line of dry fertilizer spreaders.
It will now offer two high-flotation undercarriage options for its 1850, 2250 and 2650 models that have 18, 22 and 26 ton capacities, respectively.
One of those new options is the Equalizer track system that rides on 42-inch-wide rubber belts for maximum flotation. That belt size provides 87 inches of ground contact along its length, which is significantly more flotation than that provided by a single-axle chassis with typical tire sizes.
To further improve flotation over uneven terrain, the track can pivot up to 20 degrees forward and rearward along with nine degrees of side-to-side movement. An auto greasing system keeps the pivot bearing surfaces lubricated, minimizing daily routine maintenance.
For those who want to stick with tires, the other undercarriage option rides on a tandem axle setup with a walking beam suspension.
“The inline walking tandem wheels (are) new for us for added flotation,” said Jerry Ecklund, communications manager at Unverferth. “There are larger tires as well. On the 1850, the tires are 710/50 x 26.5 inch. On the two larger models they are 750/60 x 30.5 inch.”
To improve spreading accuracy, the right side spinner is equipped with an ISOBUS-compatible boundary control feature, which can slow its speed to avoid spreading product outside the field boundary.
“It’s a Raven (system),” said Ecklund. “If you don’t have the RCM (Rate Control Module), there’s a foot switch where you can turn it on and off manually. It’s just on the right side. Boundary control is standard on all of them.”
Ecklund adds that the current vane design in the spinners helps maintain an even spread pattern in most conditions.
“What we’ve discovered is the designs of the spinner vanes does a very good job of dispersing the fertilizer even in windy conditions for a full 90-foot width.”
While the spread pattern for common fertilizers is 90 feet, the spread width for lime is 60 feet.
The new models will be available for the 2024 growing season.
