Lemken Polaris 14/3000 fertiliser spreader: Is a star born?

Bar the subtle change in colour, the Lemken Polaris 14 is identical to a Sulky X40+ Econov, the flagship line from the French fertiliser spreader maker. Incidentally, Lemken also markets the Spica (DX20) and Tauri (DX30) models.

Cumbersome transport wheels

The 3,000-litre capacity Polaris 14/3000 has Cat II lower links, with a choice of two height positions for attaching the lift arms. We think they are both too low, making it a bit awkward when hitching up. However, the flipside is that these positions do provide extra clearance when top dressing later in the season.

The optional transport wheels (£790) are of little help in increasing the coupling height. These, too, could do with improving, as each wheel has to be separately manoeuvred into its work position, with fiddly lynch pins not helping matters. The latter are not made from stainless steel so start to rust as soon as they encounter the first load.

The test machine had a curtain along the front to stop mud being flung from the tyres onto the spreading discs. You need to roll up