Fliegl gets into hoeing technology

Organic farming with Fliegl's fertilizer hoeing machine “Dexter”

The agricultural development towards ecological cultivation of the land in Germany continues and thus the demand for mechanical weed control is steadily increasing. In addition, the application of liquid manure in row crops, especially with maize, is becoming more and more important during the main growth phase in May and June since with the possibility of a later application, sowing and manure application are temporally equalized and enormous workload peaks are thus avoided. A more efficient utilization of the liquid manure storage capacities is also guaranteed, since a further buffer is created between the liquid manure spreading in the grain at the beginning of the vegetation period and the later application into the standing maize. Furthermore, by choosing a later time of application, a positive effect on the yield can be achieved.

Fliegl Agrartechnik would now like to offer solutions for these demands of farmers. In order to make the technology as efficient as possible for practical use, the Bavarian agricultural technology manufacturer combines three work steps in one with the new fertilizer hoeing machines Dexter:

• Surface application of manure
• Incorporation of manure
• Mechanical weed control

For the 2021 season, Fliegl can now offer 6 and 8-row hoeing devices (Dexter 6 and 8) for liquid manure incorporation. The new technology is equipped with the proven Fliegl screw distributor. With regard to the hoeing tools, the company relies on a horizontal rotary hoe with high wear resistance. The rotating elements work reliably even with high levels of weeds and allow very close hoeing right up to the crop without damaging it. The rotating blade units literally comb out the unwanted plants between the rows and cover the weeds that have grown in the row with fine soil. The rotation of the hoe prevents blockages. To adjust the working depth, the inclination angle of the rotors can be adjusted in a few simple steps.

Complete incorporation of the liquid manure is also guaranteed, as the liquid manure is deposited in front of the hoeing elements. A chemical burn of the crop caused by possible manure residues is therefore excluded.

In their basic configuration, the hoeing devices are offered for a tank width of 2.25 m. An additional camera-based plant recognition system can be installed as an option. Not only several liquid manure tanks from Fliegl, but also makes from other manufacturers can be combined with the new incorporation technology. In addition to the necessary fourpoint hydraulics, Fliegl for example offers size 480/80 R 38 tires for the single-axle tanks of the Alpha-Line series. On request, selected single-axle tanks can be equipped with an axle steering to ensure maximum maneuverability on the headland.

The first of its kind 

Fliegl‘s KDS 270 is the first manure spreader to be tested in the category “Digestate” by the DLG (German Agricultural Society). The test results are impressive despite the more stringent test criteria.

In addition to liquid manure, many farmers also use solid manure for organic fertilization but they are increasingly moving away from conventional stable manure and towards digestate instead. This is mainly due to the Renewable Energies Act and the resulting economic advantages of operating a biogas plant. In the production of biogas from energy crops and farm manure, a considerable amount of digestate is produced as a byproduct. In order to make optimal use of it as a valuable fertilizer, we recommend optimal technology from Fliegl. The KDS 270 is the first DLG-APPROVED chain manure spreader in the “Digestate” category.

For three days, tests were carried out on the company's own standardized test rig at the Mühldorf plant. The test was based on the DLG test framework "Spreader for organic solids", which had recently been expanded to include the “Digestate” category and was tightened by 5% in all other categories. Despite the stricter test criteria, the results are impressive:

The coefficients of variation determined for evaluating the lateral distribution are below 20% for both spreading materials. In the case of digestate, the lateral distribution is rated very good (++) for an application rate of 5 t / ha and the associated working width of 16 meters and good (+) for 30 t / ha and a working width of 20 meters. If the longitudinal distribution of the spreading material digestate is considered, the KDS achieves good results in both applications (+). The percentage elongation within the tolerance zone receives not only a good (+) evaluation with an applied 30 t / ha but also a very good (++) evaluation with a target application rate of 5 t / ha.

Manure is rated good (+) in the lateral distribution for both application rates. The results for the longitudinal distribution are rated as good (+) and very good (++) at 5 t / ha. The CK for evaluating the longitudinal distribution at 30 t / ha of manure is just barely missing “good”.

These mostly very good and good results of the Fliegl KDS 270 muck control are honored by the DLG with the test mark DLG APPROVED.

The Fliegl KDS 270 Muck Control is a universal spreader with a scraper floor and a horizontal 2-disc spreader. The loading space of the KDS 270 with a height of 1.4 m, a width of 2.15 m and a length of 7 m has an enormous capacity of around 21 m³. The load compartment with side walls and floor made of fine-grain steel sits on a tandem chassis consisting of a hollow beam frame. Both materials are extremely stable and yet light. The mechanical suspension of the axles as well as the hydraulically sprung drawbar with pivotable drawbar ensure a high level of driving comfort and practicality.

In order to be able to fulfill the wishes of all customers, Fliegl now offers with its KDS not only the tried and tested push-off technology but also a scraper floor as the feeding technology. It consists of two chains with 140 chain links each. Each individual chain link has a breaking load of 50 t. The chains connect 41 continuously closed scraper floor strips. The scraper floor is driven hydraulically via a side gear and the speed can be continuously adjusted. If the chains lose their tension over time, a mechanical or optionally hydraulic chain tensioner ensures easy maintenance.

The loading area is separated from the spreading unit by a hydraulic feed control valve. In order to guarantee an optimal sealing, it has an internal frame guide. The opening position can be adjusted continuously on the control terminal. The driver conveniently receives information about the opening width of the gate valve via the fill level indicator on the front wall of the spreader.

Right after the feed control gate are two horizontal spreader rollers with a diameter of 770 mm each. These ensure optimal mixing, loosening and dosing of the spreading material. Easy maintenance is guaranteed by exchangeable blades.

The heart of the KDS 270 Muck Control is the VarioSPLASH disc spreading unit with two large spreading discs having a diameter of 1100 mm. Each spreading disc is made of wear-resistant HB 400 steel and equipped with six swiveling spreading vanes. Depending on the spreading material, individual settings can be made on the disc spreader. On the one hand, all blades can be manually adjusted to three different swivel angles. On the other hand, the point of application of the spreading material on the spreading discs can be varied using the spreading flap. The KDS can thus be optimally adapted to different circumstances.

The spreading rate is determined by the feeding rate of the scraper floor, the opening width of the gate and the driving speed of the tractor.

The entire spreading mechanism of the Fliegl KDS 270 Muck Control is driven by the PTO shaft via an oil bath gear. A special transfer case ensures an optimized distribution of power to the spreading discs and rollers.

Fliegl is proud to have manufactured a first-class product with the KDS 270 Muck Control and is pleased to be able to offer it to farmers and contractors.

Slurry cultivator cleverly developed further

With the GUG Profi 45 and 60 slurry cultivators, Fliegl Agrartechnik presents a slurry incorporation system that more than meets the requirements of good professional practice.

It is well known that strip-like slurry application close to the ground has a positive effect on the environment. A significantly greater effect is created by incorporating manure and liquid manure as quickly as possible in fields. The later the incorporation takes place, the lower the emission reduction. Application and incorporation do not necessarily have to be two separate work steps. This is because most of the ammonium nitrogen losses occur immediately after the liquid manure has been spread. A combined work step of spreading and incorporating with a slurry cultivator saves time and reduces emissions by up to 80%.

Fliegl Agrartechnik recognizes this future potential and brings a completely redesigned „GUG Profi” slurry cultivator onto the market. This model combines hose, blade and roller, which means that slurry and digestate are optimally incorporated into the soil and completely covered with earth. Emissions are thus significantly reduced, i.e. more environmental protection and less smell. In addition, this system achieves an optimal distribution and infiltration of the nutrients.

The slurry cultivator is available in the versions GUG Profi 45 with 4500 mm working width and GUG Profi 60 with 6000 mm working width. The model Profi 45 is equipped with 16 spring tines, 300 mm apart, and a row spacing of 900 mm. The larger version has 21 spring tines integrated at the same distance. Both cultivators are equipped with massive double heart-blades to achieve an effective soil loosening and a working depth of 50-250 mm. The slurry bands are placed in the resulting furrows after the slurry has been divided with the help of two screw distributors. Thanks to the internal auger, foreign matter is easily transported into the storage box provided which can be opened and emptied mechanically. A cage roller with a diameter of 500 mm then ensures proper reconsolidation of the soil and additional crumbling. Due to the generous frame height of 700 mm combined with a large passage mm, blockages due to high residual stocks are
avoided. The GUG Profi slurry cultivator can be folded up hydraulically for road travel.

The slurry incorporation device is operated via two double-acting control devices. Fliegl Agrartechnik has been supplying farmers and contractors with innovative, efficient and sustainable manure technology for years. The expansion of the product portfolio to include the “GUG Profi” slurry cultivator satisfies both, agricultural and environmental requirements.

Animals on the road

With its TTW 100 Noah and 140 Tandem Noah, Fliegl Agartechnik presents the optimal animal transport trailer to animal owners.

It is very practical when the pasture is directly next to the farmhouse. But most of the time this is not the case! Fliegl offers the animal transport trailer Noah in order to be able to ensure the animal's regular exercise. It guarantees a fast, safe and appropriate transport of cattle, pigs, goats, sheep or other animals from one place to another. The animal transport trailer is available in 2 models: TTW 100 Noah and TTW 140 Tandem Noah. The smaller version allows the animals to get in and out of the trailer fast and simple thanks to a hydraulic tipper drawbar. The big brother Noah 140 Tandem provides a hydraulic chassis for a trailer lowering.

Both models do not require a ramp, the animals only cross one little step which minimizes the risk of injuries. Another benefit is the centrally adjustable grid which helps to separate the front part of the trailer from the rear in order to avoid unrest among the animals. The grid also facilitates the animals' charge and discharge. A separate entry door at the right front secures the animal care – even when grid is closed. The chassis is made of galvanized steel and the side walls are put together from modular segments. A corrugated floor with drain opening is part of the standard equipment, but can also be ordered with rubber coating. A tarp cover or a drift fence can be ordered as accessories.

The animal transport trailer TTW 100 Noah has a box length of 6.30m and a permitted total weight of 10t. The 140 version has a body length of 8.30m and a permitted total weight of 10t.

Fliegl RondoDry gets the most out of manure

Liquid manure is a natural product and contains valuable nutrients. It is applied as an organic fertilizer on agricultural land and thus guarantees our food supply. However, not all components are essential. Fliegl Energy deals with precisely this fact and has found a way to save and recover valuable energy. The stationary liquid manure and digestate processing plant RondoDry evaporates up to 70% of the ammonium nitrogen from the liquid manure and thereby lowers the total nitrogen content of the resulting substances.

The heart of the RondoDry is the slowly rotating (1.5-3 rpm) drum fitted with grates. With a surface of 400 m², its structure has ideal conditions for water to evaporate in the hot air stream. The exhaust air from the dryer is sent to a chemical wash. The exhaust air scrubber essentially removes dust, odorous substances and ammonia or other contaminants from the air flow and at the same time an ammonium sulfate solution is produced that can be used as a valuable fertilizer. So this system separates liquid from solid components. The nutrient-rich solids are applied more precisely and more costeffectively to the fields, where they form humus and serve as fertilizer. Drying the manure relieves the cultivation area by up to 4,000 tons per year and at the same time significantly reduces storage, transport and application costs. The residual heat generated by the cooler operation can also be used to heat buildings and is remunerated as a sensible use of heat and an energy efficiency measure.

Optimally dosed is half utilized

Generating biogas means feeding bacteria. Only when the bacteria in the fermentation tank get the right feed and feel completely at ease will they produce plenty of biogas. Farmers who want to operate their biogas plant economically must therefore take care of the feed for the biogas plant just as much as they do with cows or pigs. This is where the clever feeding systems from Fliegl help.

The Fliegl Biomat is ideal for storing large quantities of up to approx. 70 t. The solids container is based on the proven Fliegl push-off technology with a two-part push-off system for complete emptying. With the Biomat, different substrates and solids such as silage or manure can be optimally stored and fed to the biogas plant. An excellent gas yield is achieved through the uniform and reliable dosing. The technology is energyefficient and low-maintenance thanks to its stable construction with an electric parallel shaft gear motor.

The system is available either as “SteelPro” in the steel version or as “PolyPro” in an extremely durable plastic version. The bottom and the side walls of the “PolyPro” are impermeably connected to one another using a special welding technique. The container made of polyethylene is water-, alcohol-, acid- and alkali- resistant. UV radiation or large temperature amplitudes will not harm it either. A stable roof structure can also be integrated into the Biomat. It consists of a galvanized steel frame with tarpaulin and can be folded hydraulically.

Depending on the substrate or solid, you can choose between the “Rondomat” or “MultiMix” as the dosing unit. Thanks to the integrated vertical mixing auger, the MultiMix can also shred and feed difficult-to-dose material such as long-fiber grass or manure with a high proportion of straw. If the biogas plant is fed with corn silage or similar material, no shredder is necessary. In this case, the Fliegl Rondomat is the optimal dosing system.

Both feeders are also available as powerful and versatile solo feeders. As a closed stand-alone unit, the “MultiMix Solo” has a capacity of 9 m³. This can be increased to 11 m³ by means of a funnel-shaped structure. A hopper can also be installed on the Rondomat 5.5 with a standard capacity of 5.5 m³. This leads to a volume increase of 10 m³, 17 m³ or 25 m³ in capacity. If this variant is still too small but the solids receiving container is too big, a “Double Rondomat” can help. Here, two Rondomats 5.5 with a hopper structure are joined together and connected to one another by a transfer point. This results in a volume of 20 m³. With this variant, too, the volume can be increased with the help of attachments.