When choosing between a slurry tanker and an umbilical system, there’s quite a few things to consider. Often the decision simply comes down to the dairy farm’s situational needs, but we do find there are a few misconceptions about both slurry tanker and drag hose spreading systems which can get in the way of making the best decision. So what should you be considering when deciding between a slurry tanker and umbilical system?
Application
Typically an umbilical system is thought to have a dropper boom/dribble bar applicator, however the range of applicators for umbilical drag hose systems is much the same as slurry tankers. With either system, we typically recommend a RainWave™ applicator due to their speed, low pressure & volitisation, minimal wind drift, high nutrient impact and they’re lightweight. For a thorough review of the most common applicator options click here.
Cost
You may be surprised to know that in comparing a slurry tanker and umbilical system with the same applicator, the costs will be much the same. Although a slurry tanker looks like a larger investment, with the umbilical system, there’s the cost of the applicator, pump, hose and hose reeler to take into account…and these add up.
Soil Compaction/Damage To Paddocks
A common misconception with slurry tankers is that they will cause damage to paddocks due to their size/weight. In most cases this is not true, in fact they cause less damage than your typical tractor. However, if you have fragile soil, like peat, that can’t take the weight of a slurry tanker, then an umbilical system would be the logical choice.
Labour
Cutting straight to the chase, slurry tankers are a 1 man (or lady), 1 machine operation, where a drag hose umbilical system typically involves 2 or 3 tractors and more than one person to operate. So your labour costs are definitely less with a slurry tanker.
'It’s [slurry tanker] a perfect one farm, one man operation.'
- Joe Ulenburg, Contractor
Speed/Time
Providing you have a big pond (a few million litres) and large paddocks, an umbilical system will be faster because it provides continuous pumping. However, a drag hose system requires more planning, often requiring a few days to be set aside to complete the job all at once. So this system is ideal for farmers wanting to empty their pond and spread large quantities fast.
On the other hand, provided you have a good applicator, a slurry tanker is by no means slow. In fact farmers who previously only used travelling irrigators are often surprised at how fast the operation is - just read the success stories of Bruce & Lyn Baggot, or Paul Bavin. Slurry tankers involve very little set up time, so they are ideal for farmers who need more flexibility to spread when time is available. Slurry tankers allow farmers to follow cow rotation and keep up with effluent availability.
'My Rainwave™ [umbilical system] lowers my pond super fast! it makes better use of my pond nutrients with less mess and odour…why would I choose anything else?’
- Dairy Farmer
‘That RainWave is a huge advantage over other tankers. It’s [tanker] exceeded our expectations. We were surprised how fast it loaded. We envisioned it [spreading] being a chore, but it’s a fast, easy job.’
– Lyn Baggott