Harvesting leeks with Tracks: one year later

Collecting harvest in every situation

In the summer of 2017, Mathieu Verrue from Belgium purchased a Fendt 722 Vario with Zuidberg Tracks. Verrue uses this investment for harvesting fresh leeks in the variable weather conditions of Northwest-Europe. Recently, a year after purchase, Zuidberg visited Verrue a for a short review on his experiences.

Verrue operates in Kuurne, near to the French border in West-Flanders. Kuurne, as most of West-Flanders, is known for its sandy loam soil. Verrue’s main cultivation is leek, but he also grows cauliflower and strawberries. Verrue has multiple plots, some of which are over 10 kilometres apart.

The decision for purchase

Because of issues with his tracked automatic leek harvester on tracks, Verrue looked for an alternative. After renting a tractor on tracks he decided to switch to a Fendt 722 Vario on Zuidberg Tracks.

“In other track systems a lot of mud still remains inside of the metal construction after use. Having visited Zuidberg, I saw that their construction is much more open. I found that to be an advantage.” 

By using tracks, Verrue not only prevents heavy soil compaction, but also has better traction and more ease in harvesting.

The application

Mathieu Verrue makes the most use of his tracks in the wet seasons.

“In winter, the soil can get very wet and soggy. This unfortunately leads to rutting. In December 2017 we had a lot of rainfall. Because of my tracks I could harvest daily. I was very glad because I could offer fresh products every day. Not being able to harvest simply wasn’t a problem anymore”.

Zuidberg tracks are mounted straight to the tractor’s frame. This makes a solid, compact construction which is highly reliable.

Another advance Verrue mentions is the flexibility. Before, his automatic harvesting machine would have half a year downtime outside of the leek harvest season. By re-mounting the wheels after harvest, Verrue makes optimal use of his investment.

“It takes me 6 hours to de-mount the tracks. Re-mounting the tracks takes me 3 hours. In summer I have a great tractor on tires for other activities, and in winter he’s mounted on tracks. I never regretted my purchase.”

“Everything is just so much more efficient.”

Want to know more about Verrue’s experiences with Zuidberg Tracks? In the following weeks, we will publish video interviews with Mathieu Verrue and other Zuidberg Track customers. Find out more on our website and all social media.

Want to experience the mounting of tracks with your own eyes? Watch this video!