The new range of Bunce Epoke AST S3800 salt spreaders still use the same Epoke metering principal etc., as the very popular ‘SIRIUS’ S3500 range’ but also have one or two new features which include a slightly lighter overall weight to maximise the payload, a larger access door to the rear compartment to facilitate maintenance, a wider belt (so less salt is likely to drop from the belt to the chassis) etc. At the moment both models are available, but it is expected that after the 2009/2010 season the ‘Sirius’ units will gradually be phased out in favour of the ‘AST’

Both these models are available as either demountable or permanently mounted units & are available in hopper sizes from 3m³ – 9m³ and can be powered by the vehicle hydraulics, an auxiliary Diesel engine or a 5th wheel drive. All of the ‘Sirius’ & ‘AST’ spreaders can be fitted with Pre-wetting systems if required.

These units have a number of unique features over any other units available on the UK market. These differences give the customer benefits which we believe will, in the life of the gritter, save time, money and salt

The spreaders use the unique ‘Epoke unloaded belt metering system’ which has a rubber base along the full length of the hopper which has spring fingers which press the rubber against a full length metering roller which is equipped with interchangeable cams. Above the metering roller, within the hopper, is a full length driven agitator shaft. As the metering roller rotates it positively forces out a set volume of salt which then drops onto an otherwise unloaded conveyor belt which is suspended under the hopper and which then carries the salt to the chute and spinner.

The benefits that accrue from the above features are:-

I. The conveyor belt is completely separate from the hopper, therefore the belt does not carry any of the static load of the material. This means that the conveyor belt can quickly and easily be removed for maintenance even when the hopper is full of salt. This makes it a truly removable belt cartridge, unlike spreaders where the belt forms the bottom of the hopper . It also means that because the belt is under less strain it is less likely to break, so less time is spent on maintenance.

II. The unique positive Epoke metering system ensures a very accurate, consistent spread which saves salt and thus saves money as well as reducing the damaging effect on the environment. Some customers have testified to a 20 - 30% salt saving which more than compensates for any higher initial purchasing price.

III. The metering system empties the hopper from the entire length at the same time. This means that the centre of gravity stays in almost the same plane relative to the axles and so keeps all necessary weight on the steering axles. Because of the Epoke system we do not have a rear tailgate as other systems do. Rear tailgate spreaders supplied by other companies usually empty from the front of the hopper first which causes the centre of gravity of the hopper to move backwards as the spreader empties.

IV. There is a driven agitator system above the metering roller. This breaks up all the lumps in the salt so that the system is far less likely to block than conventional systems. This means that the spreader can consistently spread the correct amount of salt throughout the route, regardless of the type of salt being used.

V. The spread is fully road speed related and when the width of spread is changed the metering system automatically speeds up or slows down in order to maintain the same density of spread over the changed width (This is called width/density compensation). This ensures that the driver is less likely to make an error in the spread rates and so the correct amount is always being spread.

VI. The Bunce Epoke spreaders can be quickly and easily calibrated by your own workshop personnel in just a few minutes using a bag and some scales. We know that our competitors charge a high price for calibrating their machines so this feature will reduce your ‘ongoing cost of ownership’.