ONE of the first Coolamon chaser bin/spreader combinations has been delivered to a northern Wheatbelt farmer.
According to Purcher International Geraldton dealer principal Steve Purcher, the model was a SC3523, so designated to describe its 35 tonne capacity as a chaser bin and its 23t capacity as a spreader.
"This model provides the obvious efficiencies for a farmer at harvest and during the year," Mr Purcher said.
"It is very well built and has a lot of features that farmers are looking for."
Riverina, New South Wales, manufacturer Coolamon introduced the new model last year after reaching an agreement with NSW manufacturer Hazeag, for manufacturing and marketing rights.
The new Coolamon was developed on the back of 40 years of contracting and design experience by Hazeag principal Richard Hazelton, who developed two variable-sized cones with bolt-on spinner blades, as a signature design of the new Coolamon models.
The agreement between Hazeag and Coolamon has resulted in a unit capable of spreading 50 metres for single super, 36m for urea and a 12m-plus coverage of lime.
According to Coolamon, the variable-sized cones, combined with the spread pattern and width, makes them a very competitive model, which also is ideal for granulated products such poultry manure and feedlot waste.
The spinners are polyurethane with rounded backs, creating a negative pressure at the centre of the disc and pulling the product into the middle before throwing it out.
The spinners run a proven bearing system perfected by Mr Hazleton over 40 years of industry experience.
Regardless of the product density, there is no need to change the rear spinner assembly to accommodate it.
The variable-sized cones are changed in a few seconds to customise the rear of the machine to suit any product.
The one metre wide cleated belt, coupled with the open design of the steer assembly, means manure or lime is not being pushed through small holes potentially creating blockages.
In chaser mode, it is a simple flick of a handle to reverse the belt drive forward for chasing and rearward for spreading - both front and rear belt rollers (stainless steel) are on the same hydraulic drives.
The heavily-built SC3523 is designed with dual walking beam steerable axles, on three metre centres, for smooth turning and minimal bounce in operation, eliminating hitch stress and jerking.
The model also comes standard with a Topcon controller but is ISOBUS-compatible, to accept other popular displays.