Veenhuis Machines B.V. in Raalte, the Netherlands, has introduced a new development in the field of slurry tanks: the Optifill tank. The Optifill tank is equipped with 2 variable chambers, allowing users to select from two volume sizes. This prevents the load from rocking when the tank is not filled completely and thereby causing unstable handling performance of the vehicle. This development has made Veenhuis a unique player in the market and the first tank offering this option has now been sold.

All countries impose a maximum limit in respect of the total weight of vehicles, including trailer, for the purposes of road transport. This similarly applies to agricultural vehicles. The maximum permitted weight, however, imposes a restriction on the loading capacity and therefore also on the capacity of machines, including for example on slurry tanks. The Premium Optifill tank offers a solution to this problem.

The Optifill tank has two variable chambers that enable the user to reduce the volume of the tank in situations where a maximum total weight applies, such as in the case of road transport. In situations where this limitation does not apply, for example off-road, the user can utilise the tank to its full capacity.
This method allows the user to operate with the best possible capacity, thereby preventing unstable and hazardous handling performance as a result of load rocking.

The variable chamber consists of two partition walls in the centre of the tank. The central tank comprises a venting line with a shut-off valve in the top of the tank. When this line is closed off, the air cannot be removed from the chamber and this remains empty. When the full tank volume is being utilised, the shut-off valve is opened so that the air can be replaced with slurry. The central chamber has been situated in the chamber such that it in no way influences the handling performance of the vehicle, irrespective of whether it is full or empty.