Improved Spreader To Be Developed

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31031, 11 April 1966, Page 1

Improved Spreader To Be Developed

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, April 10.

A revolutionary fertiliser distributor for aerial top-dressing will be developed in New Zealand by James Aviation, Ltd.

Mr 0. G. James, a principal of the firm, said the new equipment, which was invented in Czechoslovakia, represented the “first major break-through in the aerial spread of granulated material.” He saw it demonstrated at the recent world agricultural aviation conference in Arnhem, Holland. He said his company would start development work on the new spreader immediately, with a view to its use on the DC3 topdressing aircraft.

“I feel that this new equipment will give a wider, more even spread of granulated material and thus overcome the major criticism levelled at topdressing operations in

this country at present,” he said.

Mr James said the equipment was the only type which New Zealand could hope to take advantage of in an effort to improve topdressing operations, particularly with heavier aircraft. The major advantage of the equipment is that it gives a swathe up to three times the present width, with a more even spread of material. A disadvantage is that a secondary motor is required to drive the rotary unit and. for this reason, its use will be restricted at first to larger aircraft. Mr James is confident that further development will enable the spreader to be used on lighter aircraft, such as the Fletcher.