Vogelsang 15 m BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with ExaCut ECQ exact distributors 15 m BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with ExaCut ECQ exact distributors
DLG-APPROVED: "Functionality and quality of work, handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance"
The quality mark
A test mark „DLG-APPROVED for individual criteria“ is awarded for agricultural products which have successfully fulfilled a scope-reduced usability testing conducted by DLG according to independent and recognised evaluation criteria. The test is intended to highlight particular innovations and key criteria of the test object. The test may contain criteria from the DLG test scope for overall tests, or focus on other value-determining characteristics and properties of the test subject. The minimum requirements, test conditions and procedures as well as the evaluation bases of the test results will be specified in consultation with an expert group of DLG. They correspond to the recognised rules of technology, as well as scientific and agricultural knowledge and requirements. The successful testing is concluded with the publication of a test report, as well as the awarding of the test mark which is valid for five years from the date of awarding.
The test carried out on a 15 m VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with two VOGELSANG ExaCut exact distributors consisted of the following two modules from the DLG test framework on slurry application: “Functionality and quality of work” and “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”. The DLG test module “Functionality and quality of work” measures the quality of distribution across rows on level ground and the spreading performance at application start (V pattern). This test module is carried out on the test stand and simulates the application of two types of slurry at two different rates. In the second test module “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”, the test persons execute typical machine functions and frequent service and maintenance jobs. These operations are timed and described in terms of ease and tools required.
Other criteria were not tested.
Assessment in brief
In both test modules, the 15 m VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with two VOGELSANG ExaCut exact distributors met all the criteria stipulated by the DLG test framework.
DLG test module “Functionality and quality of work”
In all cross distribution tests, the machine achieved the best DLG score (+ +) *. At application start, it never took longer than 2 seconds until all outlets were spreading slurry. This prompt delivery suggests that the full spading width is achieved very quickly.
DLG test module “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”In this DLG test, four experienced operators carried out typical functions and repetitive maintenance jobs while the test engineers timed these operations and described the ease at which these were carried out. The system can be classified as very user-friendly. Stand-out details are the excellent accessibility to all grease points and both distributors as well as the simplified and fast exchange of the macerator blades inside the distributor.
The product
Description and technical data
Trailing shoe applicato
Das VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator is marketed in 12 m and 15 m work widths. The hoses on both versions are spaced at 25 cm intervals. The DLG test was carried out using the 15 m boom. The boom is attached either directly to the slurry tank or to a 4-point linkage. Folded into transport position, it measures 2.95 m. It has an integral catch mechanism and there is a passive anti-yaw damping system in the central frame. The shoes are formed to long spouts that have a pointed wear strip for effective soil penetration. Section control is either mechanical or hydraulic. In transport position, the boom is folded up which prevents slurry leaking through the shoes.
The distributor
The VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ exact distributor is available with 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 outlets. The hose diameter is DN 40. The DLG test was carried out using the 15 m boom with 30 outlets. The machine is designed for simplified routine maintenance. This QuickService principle provides for a large ExaCut ECQ service door that gives convenient access to all elements inside the distributor that may need servicing and frees operators from removing neither the distributor nor its lid. This way, routine maintenance is carried out very quickly.
The method
DLG test module “Functionality and quality of work”
Accuracy of cattle and pig slurry lateral distribution
The accuracy of cattle and pig slurry application across rows at two different rates on level ground is measured on the test stand to DIN EN 13740-2 standards. In this test, slurry is applied during a specified period of time and collected into trays that are placed under each outlet and then weighed. These weighing results are used to determine the mean deviation (MD) and the coefficient of variation (CoV). The smaller these two parameters, the more accurate is the distribution across rows.
Slurry types applied in the test
The types of slurry that were used to carry out the test are characterised by dry matter content, ability to flow and density.
The dry matter content is determined gravimetrically in a lab. This is done by sampling the slurry as it is being applied in the test.
Its ability to flow is measured by means of a fluid meter. This is filled with slurry to a standardised volume. Then the fluid meter is emptied and the time this takes is measured. This parameter is used for computing the ability to flow of the liquid.
The density is determined by taking multiple samples and filling these into a measuring cup. Then the density of each individual sample is determined by using the volume filled into the cup and the weight of this particular sample. These two parameters are used to compute the average density of the slurry.
the ability to flow of the slurry
DLG test module “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”
In this test module, the following typical machine functions and repetitive service jobs are carried out by experienced operators. Each operation is timed with a stopwatch:
- Changing from transport into work position
- Changing from work into transport position
- Lubricating all grease points:
The number and accessibility of grease points is noted down and the time required for servicing these is measured. The operator uses a grease gun that is stored on a table next to the machine. Each grease point receives two shots of grease. After all nipples are serviced, the grease gun is placed back on the table trolley next to the machine. - Inspecting the distributors for solid matter:
The tools for maintaining the distributor are provided on a table next to the machine. The test persons open the service unit and inspect the distributor for fibrous or solid matter. Then they close the unit again as required. - Replacing the macerator blades inside the distributor:
The tools that would be required for maintaining the distributor are provided on a table next to the machine. At the beginning, the test persons are given a brief instruction. Timing starts the moment the test person takes the tool and stop as the person places the tool back on the table.
Each maintenance job is carried out by several test persons while a DLG engineer takes the timing. At the end, all timings are averaged. Each step and each maintenance job are described in terms of accessibility, ease of operation and tools required.
Detailed account of the test results
(equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
(equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
(equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
(equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
The test was carried out with a 15 m VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with two VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ exact distributors.
The applicator has 60 outlet spouts that are spaced at 25 cm intervals. Each of the two distributors has 30 outlets with 40 mm ID hoses. The boom was mounted by a 4-point linkage directly to the tank. The required oil flow was about 35 l/min. The tanker was a 22 m³ trial tanker of VOGELSANG. This had a VOGELSANG VX186-368Q lobe pump. The pump is powered by the tractor’s pto.
The application rate was controlled by the pto speed.
The test tractor was a FENDT 828 Vario.
Distribution across rows applying cattle and pig slurry
The distribution across rows was measured on the test stand on level ground. Table 2 shows the results for both types of slurry and various application rates. The testers found that the deviations were very small ranging between 1.1 % and 2.2 %. All results reflect a “very good” (+ +) score according to the DLG assessment scheme. The figures 6 to 9 show the results in cattle slurry and pig slurry and both application rates.
Table 2: Results on level ground – distribution of cattle and pig slurry across rows
| Type of slurry | Pto speed [rpm] | Flow rate [l/min] | Application rate at 8 km/h [m³/ha] | Coefficient of variation [%] | Mean deviation [%] | Evaluation* |
| Cattle | 840 | 7,300 | 36.5 | 1.8 | 1.8 | + + |
| Cattle | 420 | 3,900 | 20.0 | 2.8 | 2.2 | + + |
| Pig | 840 | 7,300 | 36.5 | 1.4 | 1.1 | + + |
| Pig | 420 | 3,900 | 20.0 | 2.1 | 1.8 | + + |
* Assessment scheme for mean deviation + + = ≤ 5%, + = ≤ 10 %, o = ≤ 15 %
Performance at application start
Table 3 lists the number of seconds that passed before all distributor outlets were supplying slurry. The higher the flow rates the sooner did the liquid arrive at the outlets. On the whole, all outlets were supplied very fast, which means the full application width was attained very quickly (short V pattern) after the application was started.
Table 3: Time (seconds) taken until slurry flows through all distributor outlets
| Test | Seconds |
|---|---|
| Cattle slurry, 7,300 l/min | 0.9 |
| Cattle slurry, 3,900 l/min | 1.8 |
| Pig slurry, 7,300 l/min | 1.0 |
| Pig slurry, 3,900 l/min | 2.0 |
Table 4: The slurry characteristics
| Data | Cattle slurry | Pig slurry |
|---|---|---|
| DM content [%] | 7.4 | 6.6 |
| Ability to flow [s] | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| Density [kg/d] | 0.9 | 0.9 |
Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance
The following typical functions and routine maintenance jobs were carried out by four experienced operators. Table 6 summarises the results.
Changing from transport into work position
Changing from transport to work position is done from the cab-based operator terminal. The first step is to unlock the boom from this terminal. In a second step, the boom is unfolded also from the terminal. This is done by the two booms folding out before they are lowered into work position. The folding rate is restricted by safety requirements and standards.
The testers timed 38 seconds for the changeover.
Changing from work into transport position
Moving the boom from work to transport position is also done from the cab-based operator terminal. As a first step, the booms fold to the vertical and then fold in. Their catches lock automatically into their transport positions (see fig. 10). Like the unfolding rate, the folding rate is also restricted by safety requirements and standards. The testers timed 44 seconds for the changeover.
Servicing all grease points
There are eight grease points that require regular attention on the VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with two VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ exact distributors: three nipples are on each boom and one on each distributor. All grease points are easily accessible and serviced with the operator in a standing position and the booms folded out yet not lowered into work. It took the testers 132 to 176 seconds to service all grease points, which involved opening and closing the caps on the nipples.
Inspecting the distributors for fibrous material
Inspecting the distributors for fibrous and solid matter can also be carried out easily and from a standing position with the boom unfolded yet not lowered into work. The material is collected in a dip inside the distributor and drained through a hose. As a first step, the operator releases and opens the lock, which is done without the need of tools.
The material can then flow through the rubber hose (see figures 11 and 12).
Inspecting the traps for fibrous material took 20 to 29 seconds on average.
Replacing the macerator blades inside the distributor
To replace the macerator blades inside the distributor, the operator carries out the following steps:
- Remove the hose from the trap
- Remove four 17 mm screws from the distributor door, then remove the door
- Fold down the O-ring on the service door (fig. 13)
- Release the eccentric adjuster (6 mm socket heads) to release the blades
- Remove the main (13 mm) screws from the deflector cap (fig. 14)
- Remove the deflector cap and the O-ring (fig. 15)
- Remove 3 retaining screws (8 mm socket heads) from the rotor adapter
- Remove 3 screws (6 mm socket heads) from the rotary union
- Push out the rotary union using a lever
- Remove the rotor that carries the blades (approx. 16 kg) (fig. 16)
- Lever out the left and right macerator rings and remove them (fig. 17)
- Clean the seats of the rings
- Fit two new macerator rings
- Remove the two macerator blades from the rotor (fig. 18)
- Fit new blades and grease the O-ring
- Re-install the rotor with the new blades in place
- Push in the rotary union and screw it down
- Re-install the rotor adapter and bolt it down
- Refit the O-ring and the deflector cap and screw it down
- Tighten the eccentric adjuster
- Close the service door and screw it down
- Close the hose on the trap
None of these steps requires a special tool to be carried out. Blade replacement and all other service and maintenance jobs described above are straightforward and executed from a standing position with the boom unfolded yet not lowered. The stand-out details here are that no hoses need removing from the distributor in order to swap the macerator blades and that all elements are removed and replaced conveniently through the service door. This advantage enabled the testers to swap the macerator blades on one distributor in less than 20 minutes.
Table 5 shows the individual results from the DLG test.
Table 5: Operation and service times
| Machine functions / servicing | Test person | Measured* and averaged time* | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Changing from transport into work position | [s] | 38* | ||||
| Changing from work into transport position | [s] | 44* | ||||
| Servicing all 8 grease points | [s] | 132 | 176 | 165 | 146 | 155** |
| Inspecting both distributors for fibrous material | [s] | 20 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 26** |
| Replacing the blades in one distributor | [min:s] | 19:02 | 16:30 | 17:34 | 21:07 | 18:33** |
Summary
In the test applying cattle and pig slurry, the 15 m VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with two VOGELSANG ExaCut exact distributors delivered indeed excellent distribution results. The averaged deviations that describe the quality of distribution were clearly less than 2 % in three out of four test runs, which means that all test results were assessed as “very good” (+ +). The time measurements reveal only a very short delay before slurry flows through the distributor outlets. This means that the applicator achieves its full working width very quickly after application start.
The VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ also produced convincing results in the DLG test module “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”. Access to all service points is excellent and most services are carried out standing. The various operations are straightforward and require no specialist tools. Swapping the macerator blades inside the distributor is relatively quickly.
Based on these test results, the VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ is awarded the DLG APPROVED quality mark in the test modules “Functionality and quality of work” and “Handling, ease of operation, service and maintenance”.
Manufacturer and Test implementation
Test implementation
DLG TestService GmbH,
Gross-Umstadt location, Germany
The tests are conducted on behalf of DLG e.V.
DLG test framework
Slurry applicators (dated 05/2018)
Department
Agriculture
Division head
Dr. Ulrich Rubenschuh*
Test engineer(s)
Dr. Ulrich Rubenschuh*
The DLG panel of experts
Prof. Hans W. Griepentrog, University of Hohenheim
Prof. Nils Fölster, University of Osnabrück
Prof. Bernd Scheufler, Hochschule Osnabrück
Dr. Harm Drücker, Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony
Dr. Horst Cielejewski, Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia
Dr. Fabian Lichti, State Institute of Agriculture Bavaria
Peter Seeger (farmer), Otzberg
Frank Reith (farmer), Groß-Umstadt
Sven Schneider (farmer and contractor), Brensbach
* Author
Contact
DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 64823 Groß-Umstadt Germany • Tel.: +49(0)69 24 788-611 • tech@DLG.org