In 2001, to stay ahead of the competition, and to keep sugar beet lifting profitable in the future,

Vervaet introduced the "Beet Eater", the first 9-row ,tanker sugarbeetharvester in the world.

Capacity has proven to be at least 50% more then the conventional 6-row machines. While lifting speeds of 6,5 Km/h in a 55 ton/Ha crop ensure fast, efficient lifting of beet. making 5 acres (2 Ha.) per hour easy.

New constructions (Patent applied for) have been developed, unique for sugar beet harvesters. On the Agribex agricultural show in Brussels, we won the prestigious "gouden aar"

Let us go through the machine from the front to the rear.

After the leaf is cut of by the flails, an auger transports the leaf to the right hand side, where it is dropped onto and spread by a disc-type leaf spreader.

The leaf spreader has been increased by about 35%, to handle the extra leaves.

This lifter can bend down a little more then horizontal,so when the land is not flat, it can still maintain a shallow lifting depth.Each side of the lifter has it's own depth control,as well as the middle section,which has a left and right depth control, like the conventional 6-rows.

Both side-sections are also provided with an automatic rowfinder. They can move left and right for about 15 cm (6 inches) on top of the 8 cm which each element could move already, solving the problem of beet being drilled with 6 or 12 row drills.

It is possible to lift only 6 rows, simply by lifting up the right hand side section.

The shares are driven separately, by hydraulic motors, instead of v-belts

Behind the lifting shares are 3 turbines (1,35 meter on the sides and 1,85 meter in the middle)

Due to the ideal turbine configuration, the beet flow is just perfect and the length of topper + lifter are nearly the same as the 6-row 17-Tonner.

Hydraulic 45-50 cm (18-20 inch) row-width adjustment from the cab is optional.

Other row widths are possible on request.

1) 1,65 m.
2) 1,55 m.
3) 1,55 m.
4) 1,45 m.
5) 1,65 m.

The gates next to the turbines are adjustable from the cab, and mounted in rubber silent-blocs for beet-friendly treatment,and less maintenance.

Abstract from: http://www.j-rileybeet.co.uk/field_tests.html

Tank capacity is 25 tonnes.The discharge elevator is situated behind the front wheels making it possible to lower the tank floor about 30 cm compared to other systems, effectively lowering the centre of gravity.

The discharge elevator is 1,70 m wide and unloads the entire tank in approximately 40 seconds.

Because of the working width of 4,5 meter, we can use the same area to drive on. We accomplished this by extending the front wheels each by 50 cm.

Consequently the machine drives one wheel per track.

Also the stability of the machine is greatly improved with the wide front axle.

For those who don't favour full land coverage; it is also possible to lift with the front axle kept narrow, leaving about 1 meter of ground un-touched.

All 4 front wheels are mounted on hydraulic cylinders,which are coupled so their weight is spread 50-50. Also it makes the wheels follow the surface perfectly.

It is possible to lift the machine up 10 cm should the machine get stuck ,or lower it 10 cm for low bridges etc.

All 6 wheels are driven and steered ,which gives a short turning circle of only 8 meter, despite of its size.

The new Michelin radial tyres are 800-70 x 38 and have a 2,10 m. diameter.

There are other wide tyre options, because of the wide working width.

We chose the Deutz V-8 , 16 litre ,
400 kW (standard)
440 kW (optional)

The engine is mounted cross-ways at the back for two reasons.

1) Weight distribution

2) Accesability for maintenance

There are two 550 litre fuel tanks for long working days