The MURA-GmbH is a subsidiary of Machinenring Waldshut e.V. in the south of the Black Forest. In spring 2003 the company bought a Terra Gator 2104 with a liquid manure system. This machine will be used on hilly terrain and in the most difficult circumstances.
Ag Chem Europe is speaking with Joachim Tröndle, the manager of MURA-GmbH and Torsten Banholzer, the driver of the Terra Gator 2104.

“Mister Tröndle, for some time you are offering your customers the possibility to spread liquid manure with means of a self-propelled machine. Why did you decide to purchase a self-propelled machine?”

“In order to convince our customers of new techniques, we had to make use of a very decisive machine that was able to apply rates very accurately and that could keep the damage of the soil to a mimimum. Only a self-propelled machine can comply with these requirements.”

“How many customers make use of this machine with the liquid manure system and how much liquid manure is being spread on a yearly basis?”

“This year about 30 companies have made use of our service. That is on average 1300m3 a year for per company. This year the self-propelled machine has spread 38.000 m3 in all.”

“What do you charge your customers for the spreading activities with the self-propelled machine?”

“The base price is € 2,10 / m3. VAT excl. per company per year. This includes the use of the self-propelled machine, the mounted bodies, three transportation tanks and the filling station. At the company in question we first fill up the tank. An additional fee of € 12/hour is charged for the driver as well as € 17/ha to € 15/ha for the use of the Grubber and the Zunidrill.”

“The Terra Gator 2104 is already the second machine you purchased. Why did you sell the former Vredo machine and purchase the Terra Gator 2104 as its successor?”

“Because of its light weight we purchased the rather expensive self-propelled Vredo machine. However this poor machine wasn’t suited for the job on difficult and steep terrain.
The 12 m3 tank that was recommended by Vredo was far too big for this vehicle. Over again we were confronted with technical shortcomings which caused several days of standstill. Our customers threatened to leave. Futhermore the support of the manufacturer was inadequate. That decided us to go for the Terra Gator 2104.”

“Why did you choose this type of Terra Gator?”

“In comparison with other available machines, the total concept of this Terra Gator appealed to us. The clear display, the user-friendlyness, and the robust technique complied with our specific requirements of a self-propelled machine. Its perfect manoeuvrability is unique. Furthermore the maintenance of the drive of the JD-engine and the Powershift transmission is very easy.

“Mister Banholzer, you are the driver of the Terra Gator 2104 and you are responsible for the maintenance of the machine. What is the capacity of this self-propelled machine according to you?”

"On average we achieve an application rate of 80m3/ha at a fuel consumption of 18 l/hour.
The reach lies between the 50-100m3/ha and whereas the fuelconsumption lies between the 15-25 l/hour. Especially during the spreading activities with the drop hose, the amount of m3 is being reduced because of the transport capacity of the supply tanks. In comparison with the Vredo, the capacity of the Terra Gator is about 40% higher.”

“What do you think of the reliability of the Terra Gator since spring 2003?”

“If I look back the machine has demonstrated to be execptionally reliable. The liquid manure system has never been clogged up.The failures that occurred, haven’t caused any standstill. Only a plate of the application-control had to be replaced as well as the sight gage of the tank. Furthermore we had to clean the fuel-injection pump, that was all.”

“As the driver you are the obvious person to judge this machine. What do you think of the operation and the driver’s seat of the self-propelled machine?”

“The operation is simple and is displayed in a clear way. After a short training period you are able to operate all functions. In general I think the driver’s seat is very comfortable which enables you to work and relax at the same time.”

“Is there still a certain aspect that needs to be adapted or changed regarding the Terra Gator 2104?”

Yes, there is still one aspect concerning the liquid manure system. This system is trouble-free.
As I don’t reek of manure, my girl-friend thinks that I haven’t worked at all!!!”

Ag Chem Europe would like to thank MURA GmbH for this interview. 

MURA GmbH, Waldshut, Germany