Why the Krol family chooses HARDI TWIN for potato farming, year after year
Meet the Krol family
Meet Dennis Krol from Krol Aardappelen VOF in the Netherlands. The Krol family have been long loyal customers of HARDI for many years, and the self-propelled HARDI ALPHA TITANIUM line is their fourth HARDI ALPHA sprayer.
They primarily grow potatoes, as the name of the company suggests, Krol Aadappeten VOF (Krol Potatoes VOF). The arable farming operation spans approximately 700 hectares, with crop rotation such as sugar beets and onions.
Why TWIN?
Dennis points out that the weather has been getting more extreme in recent years, making it tougher to grow potatoes. That’s why, on a farm as large as Krol’s, it is crucial to ensure that when the weather conditions are good, you can do as much work as possible.
“We are very satisfied with our HARDI sprayers due to the TWIN FORCE air support. You can achieve the desired result with less water, and you are less dependent on weather conditions. If there is a bit of wind, you can still spray effectively with air support and penetrate the crop well.” Says Dennis Krol.
“You can achieve the desired result with less water, and you are less dependent on weather conditions.” Dennis Krol
TWIN for better capacity, coverage and penetration
Dennis also shares that his family has been using the TWIN system to improve capacity, coverage, and penetration. Previously, they had known the TWIN system as to save on chemical usage and cost. Now, their goal with using the TWIN has shifted from cost savings to better effectiveness, improved results, and increased capacity.
Dennis further explains when the potato plants begin to close the rows, and you need to target small weeds underneath, you can increase the air pressure on the TWIN system and direct it into the potatoes. This helps improve penetration and coverage, ensuring the best results.
Learn more about HARDI TWINExperience with the HARDI ALPHA TITANIUM line
Dennis explains that they have been using HARDI for several years and the ALPHA TITANIUM line is their fourth HARDI sprayer. When asked to compare between the different models, Dennis shared that the tank size on the ALPHA TITANIUM line is larger. This helped them save up on filling up once a day.
Dennis further shares, “The boom is much more stable. The chassis and suspension are indeed better. So, everything where the sprayer itself bounces, the boom no longer needs to be corrected.”
The ALPHA TITANIUM line offers improved pneumatic floating suspension (FloatRide) rather than standard coil springs. This gives better stability, balance and comfort, even at high spraying speeds.
Learn more about ALPHA TITANIUM line
Rising costs, sustainability and the future of farming
Where do you want to go as the new generation?
Dennis highlights two major challenges facing farmers in the Netherlands: the loss of farmlands and increasing restrictions. This means farmers must ensure they get the maximum yield and result as effectively as possible.
Dennis also notes that the focus should be on increasing profits by reducing costs. “The main goal is to produce higher yields without compromising on the quality. This must be the number 1 priority.” says Dennis.
Dennis recommends HARDI
“I’d recommend TWIN air support to everyone, especially on windy days. The product still reaches the right place, and you can blow it towards the crop. You can reduce the water usage, increase the driving speed and the capacity.” Says Dennis.
Read more about HARDI TWIN
