Vervaet returns to nine-row market

Turning circle

The new machine also benefits from the same 8.5-metre turning circle, optional automatic levelling technology and 25-tonne capacity hopper. There is, though, a redesigned discharge elevator, which offers both lower and higher unloading extremities, ranging from 1.9-4.5m, compared with the Evo 625’s 2.5-4m.

Apart from its front-end working width, the Evo 925 shares exactly the same dimensions as the Evo 625, and weighs just 2.5t more. To eliminate the need to remove the topper for transport, the firm has developed a side-shift and fold system, while in work it offers the established Vervaet option of either mulching or spreading tops. Scalper height is adjustable from the cab.

Next up come lifting units configured in three sets of three rows. Vervaet’s answer to the need for flexibility depending on drill type used is a design where these can be operated in fixed format when working in crops sown with nine- or 18-row drills, or as separate units where planting has been conducted with six- or 12-row machines. Hydraulic row-width adjustment is standard. The Evo 925 also features a revised depth control arrangement which uses a steel wheel-sensing system claimed to provide smoother depth governance, plus long share legs to provide easier crop passage.

Beet then make their way through a cleaning arrangement comprising a series of eight cleaning turbines. It is also possible to specify the machine with an alternative system comprising an axial roller bed and either seven or eight cleaning turbines.

Tyre equipment has been uprated over that available on Vervaet’s last nine-row harvester, to further improve flotation and soil protection. Up front, 800/70 R38s are fitted to both leading axles, and at the rear is a pair of 900/60 R32s, while a variable tyre pressure system is an option.

GPS monitoring

Meanwhile, for the first time, buyers can now specify GPS-controlled in-cab monitoring and weighing for yield mapping and recording of harvesting data.

The company’s Robin Vervaet says: “It’s an option we have invested some time in developing, in conjunction with weighing system manufacturer Greentronics and using John Deere receiver and Greenstar terminal technology.

“There has been increasing interest in being able to yield map beet fields in order to help identify areas where yield performance could be boosted in future, and the reasons for certain parts of fields performing less well than others. We can now offer harvester buyers the ability to install a system from the factory, and make use of precision farming elements they may already have, such as control terminal/screen and GPS receiver.”

Jeremy Riley, managing director of J. Riley Beet Harvesters, Vervaet’s UK importer, says he believes the circumstances are right for his company and for certain potential buyers to revisit the nine-row concept.

“From 2001-08 we sold a small number of Vervaet’s previous nine-row model, which confirmed the potential of 50% more capacity in each pass. But as the development of six-row machines moved forward, in areas such as depth control, turbine and trace size and engine power, the additional ability of a nine-row machine became less appealing for many customers when put against the investment required.

“Nine-row technology has now caught up, and as the number of contractors continues to shrink, while those that remain are taking on larger areas, there will be those for whom the numbers stack up.

“I can foresee new buyers running nine-row machines across maximum possible acreages for five-seven years in order to make them pay.”

As an example from the demo day, the 925 was lifting 1.4 hectares/hour and using 30 litres/ha of fuel, while the 625 also in the field averaged 1ha/hour and 39 litres/ha, with both working at 6-8km/hour, added Mr Riley.

“But those figures are only a demonstration day guideline for comparing relative performances – both machines are capable of better in a full working situation.”