NSTS Testing
Fertiliser Spreaders
Whether fertilising crops, orchards or greens, for optimum application and improved yields the entire spread width needs to be as even as possible.
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An SCS tray test will determine the most efficient settings for your combination of machine and product and will flag up any issues that could cause striping.
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As the UK’s leading NSTS testing company our engineers are committed to delivering a high quality service giving you the confidence you need in your machinery to deliver the best outcomes, both economic and environmental.
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SCS operates under the National Fertiliser Spreader Testing Scheme, part of the NSTS. This keeps the assurance inspector happy but means all tests are subject to the NSTS certification fee.
1
MOT-Style Test
A thorough examination of the machine and all working parts to ensure it’s working correctly before the tray test.
Includes check of the tractor PTO accuracy.
2
Fertiliser Analysis
A check of the fertiliser’s characteristics including bulk density, crush strength and size. These will determine how the product spreads and can alert the operator to issues such as variation between batches.
3
Full Width Tray Test
The spread pattern is assessed by driving through a set of trays with the spreader running. The material is collected and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) calculated. This gives a figure of accuracy for that pattern. Adjustment of the spreader set up will then be made to ensure the best pattern possible is achieved.
4
NSTS Report
All the test data is captured on our engineers iPad including photographic evidence of the test outcome, the settings to be used for that combination, and the conditions of the day. Where initial tests show inaccurate applications an estimated financial loss is provided. The final report detailing all of the findings is emailed to the owner and uploaded to the NSTS scheme database. SCS reports meet assurance scheme standards.
Sprayers
This comprehensive test covers all the application components of the sprayer to ensure the machine is working correctly and efficiently with further considerations of safety for the sprayer operator and the environment.
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We test sprayers from knap sack, weed wipers and Amistar applicators up to the widest self-propelled sprayers.
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SCS operates under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. This keeps the assurance inspector happy but means all tests are subject to the NSTS certification fee.
Slug Pelleters
NSTS testing of slug pellet applicators is a requirement of both law & farm assurance. The machine must be NSTS tested by its fifth birthday then every six years.
SCS operates under the national slug pelleter testing scheme, part of the NSTS. This keeps the assurance inspector happy but means all tests are subject to the NSTS certification fee.
1
MOT-Style Test
A thorough examination of the machine and all working parts to ensure it’s working correctly before the tray test.
2
Pellet Analysis
A check of the pellet characteristics including bulk density, crush strength and size. These will influence how the product spreads.
3
Full Width Tray Test
The spread pattern is assessed by driving through a set of trays with the pelleter running The pellets are then counted and the number each side recorded. The NSTS allows 15% difference between each side of the spreader. Additional to the NSTS test, SCS will ensure the pellets are distributed evenly across the whole width either side. Adjustment of the spreader set up will be made to ensure the best pattern possible is achieved.
4
NSTS Report
All the test data is captured on the engineers iPad including the number of pellets counted at each metre of the spread width. The final report detailing all of the findings is emailed to the owner and uploaded to the NSTS scheme database. SCS reports meet assurance scheme standards.
Granular Applicators
This comprehensive test covers all application components of the granular applicator to ensure the machine is working correctly.
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SCS tests all types of granular applicator (pneumatic /placement), for all products - most commonly Nemathorin and Avadex.
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The test can comprise of a static output test, or a patternation tray test to ensure that the correct amount of product is applied evenly across the spread width.
SCS operates under the national granular testing scheme, part of the NSTS. This keeps the assurance inspector happy but means all tests are subject to the NSTS certification fee.