Accurate manure application is becoming a necessity in today’s demanding environmental and economic climates. Between rising fertilizer prices, heavier governmental regulations and the push for transparency in food production, tracking each nutrient application has never been more important.
To meet the growers’ need for managed and increased transparency of manure application, Arts’ Way now offers a Digi-Star® NT460 nutrient management system as an option to its largest Roda V-series spreader, the V-180.
Working in tandem with the spreader, the Digi-Star® NT460 system uses on-the-go weight reading combined with travel speed and GPS coordinates to calculate and store the application for any field location.
“We understand the importance of lowering overhead costs in all facets of crop production,” said Brian Crouch, Director of Sales at Art’s Way. “Making available a GPS-based management system in one of our most popular manure spreaders meets growers’ need to maximize efficiency as well gives them the confidence that they are complying with ever increasing regulations for protecting the environment.”
The NT460 system has five main components: a GPS receiver, a scale system, an indicator, a USB drive and nutrient tracker software.
The GPS gathers information from satellites to track position and speed of the manure spreader. The information is stored in the indicator. The scale system uses load cells customized to the V-180 spreader that measure the weight and application rate of the manure. The system compares weight and GPS information for detailed feedback.
The indicator displays actual tons per acre and stores information from the GPS and load cells for future use. Operators can set rate tolerances and analyze data in the field if necessary. So growers can see and react to application rates in real time, the indicator has a large readable display and intuitive operation.
With the indicator’s new, patent pending AutoLog™ automatic start/stop function, there is no need to remember to push the Start/Stop button when unloading the V-180 spreader. With the use of a magnetic switch and new software, it is done automatically.
The USB drive on the indicator is used to easily transfer data between the field and a computer. Nutrient Tracker software is an easy-to-use computer program that stores and maps application data for monitoring and management. With the software, growers can easily manage manure application and store or print data, including highly-accurate maps and graphs. They can record the percentage of nitrogen and phosphorous application as well as provide accurate billing for custom application. Data can be exported in multiple formats, including Excel and SHP files.
“The system can reduce costs by minimizing supplemental fertilizer required,” Crouch said. “Furthermore, as farms have converged with expanding residential or protected areas, the DNR, USDA and the EPA have stepped up their interest in monitoring manure applications. With this system a responsible grower can show data of proper application.”
The Roda V-180 from Art’s Way is a dual-axel spreader with an 18-foot box and a 468 cubic-foot capacity.
“The V-180 is one of the most rugged, reliable and productive spreaders on the market,” Crouch said. “It meets producers’ needs for greater capacity, strength and technological enhancements.”
Twin vertical beaters on the V-180 rotate at 420 RPM for uniform spreading of all types of manure. Beaters are easily removable for stockpiling in the off-season. Case-hardened teeth are optional.
“The vertical beaters lift the manure up to ensure very even distribution when compared to similar spreaders,” Crouch said.
The V-180’s double apron boasts dual drive, variable speed and is reversible.
“A reversible apron is very convenient when something other than manure comes in contact with the beaters.” Crouch said.
A hinged slop gate provides for uniform unloading of peaked loads. The gate is hydraulically controlled with driver selectable positioning and is designed to use for both manure and forage. The floor of the V180 spreaders is 1/2 inch of solid virgin poly UHMW for durability, ease of unloading and longer life.
“This floor surface signifi¬cantly reduces friction and keeps loads moving easier,” Crouch said.
Tandem axels on the V-180 spreader improve weight distribution and reduce soil compaction. An installation kit is available to easily convert the box from a pull-type to a truck-mounted model.
The spreader features chemically etched metal to remove all mill scale and contaminants, ensuring better paint adhesion. It has component primer and top-coat for a long-lasting finish.
Based in Armstrong, IA, Art’s Way has been a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialized agricultural equipment for more than half a century. For more information about the Roda V-180 spreader with the Digi-Star® NT460 nutrient management system contact your nearest Art’s Way dealer at 712-864-3131, or visit the Art’s Way website: www.artsway-mfg.com.
