Standard vacuum tanker best for the spread of farm slurry

By far the most popular machine for spreading farm slurry is the traditional vacuum tanker with inverted splash plate, and this situation is likely to continue.

These machines can cause a lot of air pollution, particularly if used in unsuitable weather conditions, and if the machine is not switched off quickly enough when the tank is almost empty.

For a cost of about €11,000, a band spreader and chopper attachment can be fitted to most vacuum tankers. Trailing shoe machinery and a six-metre trailing shoe hose unit have become available in recent years. The cost of these machines is generally too high for individual farmers, but they have a definite place for contractors or in partnerships.