The company, run by agricultural contractor Gareth Cairns, produced the 25,000 litre (5,500 gallons) capacity tanker in response to a request from British-based farm contractors D&A Percival & Son.

Garth Cairns said that the 25,000 litre tanker was a challenge to create since its design and engineering is so advanced.

“It is probably the lowest tanker on the market, featuring a 9 metre transfer boom for transferring the slurry across drains and ditches,” Cairns said.

The machine uses a SlurryKat power filling system that uses a centrifugal type pump to give fast loading. The machine is first primed with the Jurop vacuum pump and then the hydraulically driven SlurryKat centrifugal pumps kicks in.

Garth Cairns claimed that the system can fill and empty the 25,000 litre tanker in less than three minutes for 4% dry matter dairy-type slurry. This was measured from a standard 2.4 metre (8ft) deep slurry tank. He claims that its double Vac Flow ensures 100% fill-up every time, even on uneven ground or slopes.

The new 25000L tanker also incorporates a new hydra-touch-tech control system. This means that all aspects of the tanker operation are controlled, adjusted and monitored by a touch screen system within the cab.

The machine is claimed to have a smooth ride, using a built-in anti-surge system for pulse free road transport even in the rough ground conditions, according to the company.

The big tanker uses front and rear steering axles for maneuverability, even in tight gates and farm yards. The machine runs on six 600/65 R23 tyres which minimise the compaction in the field, while the front and rear steering axles minimise surface damage.

The giant tanker is fitted with air brakes on all axles. The system includes a load sensing device and ABS brakes for graduated stopping depending on the load. It includes a sprung drawbar which is linked to a standard eye hitch.

SlurryKat claims a list price of €57,000 plus VAT for the base machine. There are a host of options available, including dribble bars, self-filling systems and the long unloading arm shown in the photograph.

Garth Cairns said that he has more interest for the machine in Europe than here in Ireland. SlurryKat is based at Waringstown, Craigavon, Co Armagh, and the company can be contacted on the web at www.slurrykat.com for more details.