Umbilical slurry systems are a great option for farmers and contractors wanting to get a whole lot of spreading done in one go. They’re a handy option leading up to winter when you want to empty your effluent pond/tank, and in high rainfall areas with softer ground since they have a lighter tare weight to a slurry tanker.
Although umbilical slurry systems are great for getting in and spreading a few million litres of effluent at once, they do require a little more time and effort in setting up and will require the use of at least a couple of tractors and staff. You’ll also be spreading a thicker application so it’s important to select an appropriate applicator for your situation.
Dribble Bars/Dropper Booms
Dribble bars or dropper booms are one of the most popular options for umbilical slurry systems. Not only do they look cool, but there’s a variety of sizing options to accommodate different operations. We recommend Tramspread dribble bars which offer 6, 12 and 24 metre options, all of which offer a high efficiency work rate, minimal soil compaction, and no damage to field gaps or muddy roads. Since effluent is applied close to the ground, there is very little wind drift or volitisation to worry about, so more nutrients are making it into the soil in a controlled application.
The downside to dribble bars can be that the application is VERY controlled, and due to the regimented distribution effluent, hot spots have been known to occur in some instances when large amounts are applied at once. They’re also not the fastest method of applying effluent, and you’re best to select a larger dribble bar if you’re looking to get the job done faster. However larger will mean a heavier tare weight.
If you’re applying thicker effluent, you’ll want to make sure your dribble bar has a macerator to reduce the likelihood of any blockages. Tramspread 12 and 24 metre dribble bars come with Exacut macerators, and the 6 metre is available with or without one.
For farmers and contractors who have both an umbilical system and a slurry tanker, Tramspread dribble bars can be easily unbolted from an umbilical frame and fixed to a slurry tanker.
Nevada RainWave™
Being much smaller in size than a dribble bar, the RainWave may not have the wow factor in looks, but it does in performance. This is why it’s the standard applicator on Nevada slurry tankers.
The RainWave has been developed as a good overall effluent spreading solution, providing speed, control, an even spread pattern, wide spreading distribution and producing larger effluent droplets that minimise wind drift and volitisation. The 3 point linkage system is also very light on the tractor, making it an excellent choice over softer soils. If you’re looking to empty and spread your effluent pond fast with a low application depth, the RainWave applicator is your best bet with the ability to spread over 1,500,000 litres in one day.
The simplicity of the RainWave makes it a very economical option, and the compact design means there’s no issues with getting through farm gates or spreading over hilly or uneven ground. They’re also really easy to operate, requiring very little skill.
Although the RainWave has low volitisation and wind drift, it is not as low as a dribble bar that distributes the effluent very close to the ground. Your tractor may get a little dirtier than with a dribble bar as well.
Disc Injectors & Trailing Shoes
Disc injectors and trailing shoes are usually only recommended for applications close to urban life where odour control is critical. With either option wind drift and volitisation is not an issue due to effluent being distributed either below the foliage or directly into the ground, and this also greatly reduces any smell.
Unfortunately, the positives also come with a few negatives. Disc injectors and trailing shoes come at a high capital cost, have a high tare weight, and require some good skills to operate. They usually also require a higher amount of maintenance.