The first Holmer Terra Variant systems tractor sugar beet chaser has been sold in the UK to Wickham Beet Harvesters of Bredfield near Woodbridge. The new machine, replaces a Holmer Terra Transport, bought by the forward looking Wickham Beet group two years ago.
The extreme wet conditions experienced last year produced considerable market interest in alternatives to tractor and trailer beet carting. The Wickham Beet Harvester group praised the performance of their existing Holmer Terra Transport, a converted harvester, during 2012, describing the machine as ‘vital to their harvesting operation’ during the difficult conditions of that season.
Their new Holmer Terra Variant TVWA offers many advantages including a maximum speed of 40km/h, greater manoeuvrability and improved operator comfort. Mechanical axles with differential locks drive the four equal size 1050 x 32 flotation wheels, and 4-wheel steering plus crab operation combine to provide outstanding agility in the field in all conditions with minimal soil impact.
Power is provided by a Mercedes-Benz V6 428hp engine, driving through a Twin Disc gearbox with 12-forward, and 4-reverse gears. The purpose built Holmer demountable sugar beet tank’s capacity is 35 cubic metres; dual moving floors converge, meeting the discharge elevator from both sides for fast unloading.
A multi-purpose systems tractor, the Terra Variant can quickly change operation; demountable bodies are available for slurry injection, cultivation and other functions. At the rear, a 3-point linkage with powerful hydraulic services is standard equipment.
The Wickham Beet Group has also ordered a brand new Holmer Terra Dos T3 Eco, the group’s fifth Holmer harvester, for 2013, to work together with the Terra Variant.
New and factory refurbished Holmer Terra Variant sugar beet chaser machines are available from £170,000.
In the UK, sales, service and parts for Holmer products is provided Standen-Reflex of Ely, Cambridgeshire.
