Vogelsang 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"

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Test report 7030

Vogelsang 15 m BlackBird trailing shoe applicator with ExaCut ECQ exact distributors

The approval

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 applicator

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.

Fig. 2: VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator
Fig. 2: VOGELSANG BlackBird trailing shoe applicator
Fig. 3: VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ exact distributor
Fig. 3: VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ exact distributor

The method

Table 1: Assessment of distribution across rows

Mean deviationDLG score
≤ 5 %++
≤ 10 %+
≤ 15 %o
Fig. 4: The DLG test stand for measuring the distribution across rows
Fig. 4: The DLG test stand for measuring the distribution across rows
Fig. 5: The fluid meter for determining the ability to flow of the slurry
Fig. 5: The fluid meter for determining the ability to flow of the slurry

The test results in detail

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.

Fig. 6: Cross distribution of cattle slurry on level ground at a 7,300 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 6: Cross distribution of cattle slurry on level ground at a 7,300 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 8: Cross distribution of pig slurry on level ground at a 7,300 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 8: Cross distribution of pig slurry on level ground at a 7,300 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 36.5 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 7: Cross distribution of cattle slurry on level ground at a 3,900 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 7: Cross distribution of cattle slurry on level ground at a 3,900 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 9: Cross distribution of pig slurry on level ground at a 3,900 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)
Fig. 9: Cross distribution of pig slurry on level ground at a 3,900 l/min flow rate (equates an application rate of 20 m³/ha at 8 km/h ground speed)

Table 2: Results on level ground – distribution of cattle and pig slurry across rows

Type of slurryPto speed
[rpm]
Flow rate
[l/min]
Application rate at 8 km/h
[m³/ha]
Coefficient of variation
[%]
Mean deviation
[%]
Evaluation*
Cattle8407,30036.51.81.8+ +
Cattle4203,90020.02.82.2+ +
Pig8407,30036.51.41.1+ +
Pig4203,90020.02.11.8+ +

*    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

TestSeconds
Cattle slurry, 7,300 l/min0.9
Cattle slurry, 3,900 l/min1.8
Pig slurry, 7,300 l/min1.0
Pig slurry, 3,900 l/min2.0


Table 4: The slurry characteristics

DataCattle slurryPig slurry
DM content [%]7.46.6
Ability to flow [s]6.87.0
Density [kg/d]0.90.9

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 personMeasured* and
averaged time*
  1234 
Changing from transport into work position[s]    38*
Changing from work into transport position[s]    44*
Servicing all 8 grease points[s]132176165146155**
Inspecting both distributors for fibrous material[s]2028292626**
Replacing the blades in one distributor[min:s]19:0216:3017:3421:0718:33**

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

Manufacturer and applicant

Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG
Holthöge 10-14
49632 Essen/Oldenburg, Germany

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 us

DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 • 64823 Groß-Umstadt • Tel: +49 69 24 788-600 • tech@DLG.org