For Gordon Snodgrass, a machine operator at Trevor Black Contracting based out of Strabane, Co. Tyrone, fertilizer spreading is all about precision, efficiency and reliability.
Working in winter grains, spring grains and grasslands, Gordon relies on his Kverneland EXACTA TL GEOSPREAD fertilizer spreader to deliver consistent results for both construction companies and their customers.
The contracting company has been operating Kverneland spreaders since 2018, when it switched from another brand in search of more precision and control when spreading fertilizer.
The current device is theirs third Kverneland TL GEOSPREAD since making the switch in 2018.
While the previous machines provided the precision she was looking for, the newer model offers a larger hopper capacity – allowing it to carry almost 4 tonnes of fertilizer on board.
“We took a step to fine-tune distribution and control the department,” Gordon explained.
“Precision is everything – you don’t want the crops to lie and you don’t want to double spread.”
This focus on precision has paid off both in the field and for their customers.
Providing fertilizers with precise technology
One of the biggest advantages highlighted by Gordon is the partition control available on TL GEOSPREAD.
This allows the distributor to automatically close small sections when areas overlap or work on inappropriate field shapes.
“With the one meter section control, we don’t get a crop in beds when it comes to harvesting,” he said.
The GEOSPREAD section control system automatically adjusts the spreading width in 1 meter sections using GPS, reducing interference and ensuring fertilizer is only applied when it is needed.
“We saw fertilizer savings on the home farm here, and when we stopped contracting, a lot of customers came back and said we saved them tons over the course of the year compared to the previous deployment.
“It’s all about precision; no fertilizer is wasted – Save fertilizer and save poundsGordon added.
More capacity, more productivity
For a busy contracting business, production and efficiency are critical.
The latest TL GEOSPREAD also offers increased capacity compared to previous devices.
“Our last machine ran at about 3 tons, but with this machine we’re just shy of 4 tons,” Gordon explained.
“This additional capacity has a real impact on productivity throughout the day.
“This means less time traveling on the road to fill up your tank and more time deploying in the field,” he said.
Fixed spread pattern
Another feature Gordon highlights is the improved diffusion pattern thanks to the CenterFlow distribution system and eight vanes per disc.
Kverneland’s CenterFlow distribution system gently accelerates fertilizer application onto the discs before they reach the blades, preventing granule breakage and ensuring a consistent, precise distribution pattern.
“Compared to the previous spreader that only had two blades, we get a more even spread,” he said.
“It doesn’t break down the fertilizer as much before it reaches the ground, so the spread pattern stays consistent.”
Kverneland’s ExactLine border distribution system ensures fertilizer is applied precisely to the edge of the field without spreading into hedges, ditches or waterways.
Thanks to four load cells and a reference sensor, the TL GEOSPREAD continuously weighs fertilizer and automatically adjusts the application rate, ensuring precise distribution even on slopes and rough terrain.
Easy operation from the cab
Despite the advanced technology, Gordon noted that the dispenser remains easy to operate.
The ISOBUS control system allows fertilizer settings to be pre-programmed for various products, making changing quick and simple during busy distribution seasons.
“We pre-set most of our fertilizer settings,” he explained.
“So when we go to a field, we just press one button and everything is already ready for that fertilizer.”
The ability to manage settings digitally also allows operators to adapt quickly when switching tractors or working across different farms.
Reliable dealer support
The distributor was supplied by DA Forgie in Limavady, and Gordon says dealer support has been excellent.
“They are great to deal with, and if you need anything, mechanic David Elder is always at the end of the phone.”
A spreader designed for precision
After running several generations of TL GEOSPREAD, the team has been able to see how the technology has evolved while maintaining the reliability they expect from the machine.
“I would highly recommend TL GEOSPREAD,” Gordon said.
“It’s easy to use, very accurate, and the features are straightforward. It just gets the job done.”
Contact us:
Leonard Hovenden: Director of Agricultural Products and Crop Care – 00353 87 147 5137
Alan Hetherington: Northern District – 0044 7826 544 630
Greg Tennyson: Southern District – 00353 87 700 9689
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