The Dutch-made Hydro Trike is available as two main models – the standard three-wheel machine and the five-wheel Hydro Trike XL, which supports an additional axle, and this higher-capacity version is now available in the UK equipped as a manure spreader. Built specifically for the vehicle, the 20cu.m. capacity Panien spreader body uses two heavy-duty floor traces which are driven from both sides and can be reversed to clear blockages. Two beaters are used and the two large-diameter discs are capable of spreading material evenly to 24m. A border deflector is used when spreading headlands. Application rate is controlled automatically by Vervaet’s own Tri-Control colour touch screen computer, which also displays important machine and spreader data from engine rpm and hydraulic system pressure to the slurry door. Powered by a 12.9 litre DAF engine, which produces 465hp at just 1400pm, when full power isn’t required engine speed is further reduced to 1250rpm for additional fuel savings. Drive is hydro-mechanical, infinitely variable within two ranges and provides a top speed of 40km/hr. Tyre equipment is a 1000mm wide front tyre and 1050mm rear tyres, and pressures can be altered between field and road work on-the-move using the central tyre inflation system fitted as standard. The additional axle on the XL is fitted with 750mm wide tyres, can be extended so that each wheel follows a different track whilst in work, which also provides increased stability on slopes. The load on this axle is automatically varied according to the payload, although this can also be set manually if required. A steering axle to minimise scuffing, it also features hydraulic suspension for a smooth ride on the road and in field. The combination of these features allows the vehicle to maintain an even ground pressure over the full 4.50m width without any overlap, and it is still able to turn on the headland and swing straight back into the next pass. Although perhaps not so well-known in the UK, the Hydro Trike is a popular machine on the Continent. First introduced for 1991 as a self-propelled slurry injector, there are currently over 600 machines out in fields across Europe. It is possible to fit the multipurpose vehicle with a 19,000lit slurry tank and injector, 25-tonne beet chaser body, 17cu.m. lime spreader and a variety of other bespoke equipment. British importer J Riley Beet Harvesters is planning a demo-tour of the Hydro Trike XL and its manure spreader body this summer when customers will have the opportunity to try the machine out for themselves.