Yuma, Arizona (NAPSI) - When it comes to farm machinery, fertilizer application equipment may not capture as much attention as powerful tractors and big combines, but they are just as important to the success of American agriculture. Self-propelled and pull-type fertilizer spreaders, as well as tenders, play an essential role in applying nutrients to maximize crop production and help farmers meet global food demand.
Although some farmers have their own tenders and spreaders, most are stocked by agriculture retailers to serve their fertilizer customers. Spreaders pulled by tractors, known as pull-type spreaders, can be rented to farmers to do their own applications, or retailers can perform that service for them. For bigger fields, larger self-propelled spreaders or sprayers can be utilized.
Durability, Efficiency and Accuracy
Applying fertilizer is a demanding job, which is why today's application equipment must be both durable and dependable in the field. For example, Willmar, a leading fertilizer application equipment brand, offers 16- and 24-ton side-shooting tenders that deliver fertilizer to spreaders in the field. These large tenders can move up to two tons of fertilizer per minute, equipped with multiple hoppers that carry a variety of product and steeped, sloped sides and large-diameter auger for quick dispensing.
The company's pull-type spreaders, such as the Super 500 and 800 models, are designed to provide accuracy and flexibility in their application spread pattern and at different application rates.
Engineered to Meet Today's Demand
Since 1963, when a group of businessmen started Willmar Manufacturing, producing a pull-type spreader with six employees and a small rented shop at the Willmar, Minn., airport, it has grown to be recognized as a leading brand of tenders and pull-type spreaders. The brand is now part of AGCO, which recently moved Willmar's production to a 172,000 square-foot fabrication facility.
The move enabled Willmar production to shift from a seasonal to full-time basis to keep pace with growing demand for fertilizer application equipment. The new facility also provides the necessary space to build larger models, for which demand also continues to increase.
And, as always, machine durability is key. Another benefit of the new facility is the powder painting process. After the paint is applied, equipment goes through a quick cure oven that bonds the powder paint to the steel for a high-quality, durable finish.
