Machinery and Equipment: The manure spreader that can shred cars
Top Gear Assistant Producer Dave Morgan made contact with the GT Bunning and Sons Ltd manufacturer of rear discharge manure spreaders, asking if they would be interested in taking part in an episode of Top Gear with one of their larger spreaders.
The company’s response was a rapid Yes.
The timing was perfect for the Norfolk-based manufacturer, because they had a Bunning Lowlander Widebody 380HD in the factory, being prepared for export.
Before completion however, the shipping was cancelled, so they went ahead and finished assembly ready for the Top Gear test that lay before them.
The 380HD is their flagship machine, built in the UK.
However, Bunning will shortly also start building it in the USA, as they expand in the North American market.
The massive muck spreader weighs in at 14,500kg, with a carrying capacity of 40,000kg.
It is a tri-axle machine with a 48,000kg suspension.
The augers are made from heat treated boron steel, exclusive to Bunning.
The giant machine runs on 600/55 R26.5 tyres as standard.
It features a heavy duty sprung drawbar and a steering axle.
Bunning prides itself on the machine’s strength and reliability.
Top Gear was going to test this to the full. Presenter Matt Le Blanc first teased the machine with some watermelons, and then with a garden shed!
The main course however, was a Volvo car.
The episode showed the green manure spreading beast spit out the car bit by bit, to the amusement of the ex-Friends star presenter.
GT Bunning and Sons have thanked the BBC and Top Gear for the unique chance to showcase the Lowlander Widebody 380HD in action.
