Bauer is re-launching its high-specification tankers in Britain by supplying contractors and large farm operators direct at more favourable prices but with service and parts support still available nationwide through Bauer dealers.
“The market for large tankers with specialist application equipment is very competitive with a number of players involved,” says Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager. “Dealing direct with the professional operators most likely to use our machines will enable us to ensure we provide the right features and specification for their needs, at prices competitive with other high-quality products.”
Bauer tankers available in sizes from 10.5cu m to 24cu m – 10,500-litres to 24,000-litres – are unique in the UK and Ireland for having a hand-made polyester tank mounted on a galvanised steel chassis. The heart-shaped tank cross section results in a low centre of gravity for good stability in hilly fields and on the road, while indents provide ample space for wide and large diameter flotation tyres to minimise soil compaction.
Using polyester rather than steel saves a significant amount of weight over a quality-spec steel tanker – as much as 3 tonnes with the 24cu m model. It also provides a container impervious to corrosion.
“That is particularly relevant to farms and contractors involved in handling biogas plant digestate, which can be more corrosive than regular livestock slurry,” notes Adrian Tindall. “Together with the corrosion-resistant galvanised chassis, it means these tankers clean up really well and can look like new even after a lot of use, which results in strong re-sale values.”
The tankers are available with Bauer spiral or centrifugal high capacity pumps giving fast filling and spreading rates. A front-mounted filling arm is available for quick turnarounds at the slurry store and a cleaner working experience for the operator.
Application options include a double nozzle spray boom for surface spreading up to 27m wide, and a dribble hose applicator in widths from 9m to 30m with a macerating distributor, hydraulic drip stop and hydraulic folding.
A drag shoe applicator with working widths of 5.3m to 21m provides in-crop application of slurry or digestate directly on to the ground; a disc injector in 5.2m to 8m widths places liquid beneath the surface for minimum losses through evaporation and quick resumption of pasture grazing; and a spring tine cultivator injector is available for incorporating slurry or digestate into seedbeds.
Chassis options include a cranked single axle for smaller tankers in the range to give an extra-low centre of gravity; rear-steer tandem axles with leaf spring or air suspension – the latter is standard on the triple axle 24cu m model – and four-point rear linkage for a mounted applicator.
“With all those options, each tanker is specced and priced individually,” notes Adrian Tindall. “But an 18.5cu m tandem axle machine with 15m dribble bar will be about £70,000; and an auto loading system will add around £6000.”
