The contracting business has been running Kverneland spreaders since 2018, when they made the switch from another brand in search of greater precision and control when spreading fertiliser.
The current machine is the their third Kverneland TL GEOSPREAD since making the switch in 2018. While the earlier machines delivered the precision they were looking for, the latest model offers a larger hopper capacity — allowing them to carry close to four tonnes of fertiliser on board.
“We made the move for precision spreading and section control,” Gordon explains. “Accuracy is everything — you don’t want crops lying and you don’t want double spreading.”
That focus on precision has paid off both in the field and for their customers.
Saving Fertiliser with Precision Technology
One of the biggest advantages Gordon highlights is the 1-metre section control available on the TL GEOSPREAD. This allows the spreader to automatically shut off small sections when overlapping areas or working on awkward field shapes.
“With the one-metre section control we’re not getting crop lying in beds when it comes to harvest,” he says.
GEOSPREAD section control automatically adjusts the spreading width in 1-metre sections using GPS, reducing overlap and ensuring fertiliser is applied only where it’s needed.
“We’ve seen savings on fertiliser on the home farm here, and when we’re out contracting a lot of customers have come back and said we’ve saved them tonnes over the year compared to their previous spreading.”
“It’s all about accuracy,” Gordon says. “No fertiliser wasted — saving fertiliser and saving pounds.”
Greater Capacity, More Productivity
For a busy contracting business, output and efficiency are critical. The latest TL GEOSPREAD also brings increased capacity compared to their previous machines.
“Our last machine was running around three tonnes,” Gordon explains, “but with this one we’re just shy of four tonnes.”
That extra capacity has a real impact on productivity throughout the day.
“It means less time travelling the road to fill up and more time spreading in the field,” he says.
Consistent Spread Pattern
Another feature Gordon highlights is the improved spread pattern thanks to the CentreFlow spreading system and eight vanes per disc. Kverneland’s CentreFlow spreading system gently accelerates fertiliser onto the discs before it reaches the vanes, preventing granule break-up and ensuring a consistent and accurate spreading pattern.
“Compared to our previous spreader which only had two vanes, we’re getting a much more even spread,” he says.
“It’s not breaking up the fertiliser as much before it hits the ground, so the spread pattern stays consistent.”
Kverneland’s ExactLine border spreading system ensures fertiliser is applied accurately right up to the field edge without spreading into hedges, ditches or waterways.
With four load cells and a reference sensor, the TL GEOSPREAD continuously weighs fertiliser and automatically adjusts the application rate, ensuring accurate spreading even on slopes and rough terrain.
Easy Operation from the Cab
Despite the advanced technology, Gordon says the spreader remains straightforward to operate.
The ISOBUS control system allows fertiliser settings to be pre-programmed for different products, making changeovers quick and simple during busy spreading seasons.
“We preset most of our fertiliser settings,” he explains. “So when we go into a field we just hit one button and everything is already set for that fertiliser.”
The ability to manage settings digitally also allows operators to quickly adapt when switching tractors or working across different farms.
Reliable Dealer Support
The spreader was supplied by DA Forgie in Limavady, and Gordon says dealer support has been excellent.
“They’re great to deal with and if you ever need anything their mechanic David Elder is always on the end of the phone.”
A Spreader Built for Precision
Having run several generations of the 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 the TL GEOSPREAD,” he says.
“It’s simple to use, very accurate and the features are straightforward. It just does the job.”
For more info on Kverneland Disc Spreaders click here or get in touch with:
Leonard Hovenden: Product Manager Arable & Cropcare – 00353 87 147 5137
Allan Hetherington: Area North – 0044 7826 544 630
Greg Tennyson: Area South - 00353 87 700 9689
