Northern Irish manufacturer and slurry equipment specialist Slurryquip launched its latest product to the Irish market at this year's Ploughing. Present on both the Slurryquip stand and within the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Area, the new Infinity remote-control engine pump unit offers an alternative to the traditional tractor-mounted PTO driven umbilical pump.

The new mobile unit cuts down on a tractor and labour costs thanks to the Infinity remote-control system that has been in development for over 18 months.

The new Slurryquip solution features a 188hp CAT Stage 5 engine. The firm says it is the only manufacturer offering such a solution that is fitted with a fully emission-compliant Stage V engine.

With the intentions of never losing remote control from the spreader tractor out in the field, the system is able to communicate via GSM, radio or satellite, allowing customers to optionally specify all three or just one communication method.

Slurryquip outlined that range is not an issue, having successfully remotely communicated with the pump unit back at its headquarters in Co Down from as far away as Listowel in Co Kerry during testing.

Being a fully remote solution, operators have the same degree of control as if they were present in the yard, including remote priming of the pump, remote switch-over between recirculation and field spreading and the ability to remotely engage an air compressor for the blowing out of hoses, etc. The opening and closing of gate valves is done via the units own on-board hydraulic system. From the remote-control screen, operators can monitor all vitals, including engine speed, temperature, fuel consumption, etc, and make the necessary setting adjustments.

Customers have the choice of opting for the unit in skid format or trailer mounted along with the option of either a Bauer SX 2000 or Veneroni pump. Pricing starts at £63,000 plus VAT.