BlackBird trailing shoe system, the complete product range

BlackBird® trailing shoe system for precise slurry application
Complete solution with multiple model variants and maximum application accuracy

Problem: Conventional slurry application is inefficient and harmful to the environment—surface spreading leads to feed contamination, nutrient losses, high ammonia emissions, soil compaction caused by frequent passes, and noncompliance with modern fertilizer laws. Farmers suffer in yield, feed quality and soil.

Solution: The BlackBird trailing shoe applicators appliy slurry precisely and close to the soil at the base of plants—minimizing nutrient losses, reducing ammonia emissions, saving trips thanks to working widths of up to 30 m, lowering maintenance costs through QuickService, and meeting nutrient losses, fast plant availability as well as all requirements of modern fertilizer laws. Available in 4 models (7.5–30 m) for every farm—from small-scale to large-scale operations.

New: Available in basic GreenLine and advanced RedLine.

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FAQ

What is the BlackBird trailing shoe, and what is it used for?

The BlackBird is a trailing shoe slurry applicator from Vogelsang-BeTEC designed for precise, close-to-the-ground slurry spreading in agriculture. It is mounted on slurry tankers and is used for distributing cattle, pig, or biogas slurry directly beneath the plant roots—not on the surface. The system minimizes nutrient losses and feed contamination, reduces environmental impact through ammonia emissions, and enables precise fertilizer planning in accordance with modern fertilizer regulations. The BlackBird is available in four main models with working widths ranging from 7.5 to 30 meters and is designed for farmers, organic farms, and contracting firms.

Which BlackBird model is right for my operation?

BlackBird Single (7.5–12 m) is ideal for small-scale operations and retrofitting, with a weight starting at 870 kg. BlackBirdLight (12–15 m) offers a lightweight retrofitting option (1,400 kg max.) for standard tankers. BlackBirdPro (12–18 m) is the DLG-certified professional solution for high-throughput agriculture. 7.5 - 18 m BlackBird applicators are available in either basic GreenLine or advanced RedLine versions.BlackBirdMax (30 m) offers maximum efficiency with 30 m of working width.

What does DLG certification mean, and is it important?

The DLG (German Agricultural Society) is an independent testing organization. The BlackBird Pro with ExaCut ECQ received a “Very Good” rating in the categories “Functionality/Work Quality” and “Handling/Service.” This confirms that the trailing shoe linkage offers maximum application accuracy, minimal approach wedges (2 seconds until slurry application begins), and optimal maintainability—a significant factor in building trust for purchasing decisions.

How does the BlackBird reduce nutrient losses?

The BlackBird reduces nutrient losses through precise, close-to-the-ground application directly beneath plants, which minimizes leaching and evaporation. The PrecisionFlow nozzle slows the slurry flow rate for gentle placement, the 2-second slurry flow (Pro) prevents start-up bands with excessive concentration, and the optimized hose routing ensures uniform distribution—together, these features ensure maximum nutrient availability for plants and reduced environmental impact.

Can the BlackBird be combined with Precision Farming systems (e.g., GPS, Section Control)?

Yes. The BlackBird with Comfort Flow Control (CFC) is SectionControl-compatible, enabling fully automatic, GPS-controlled part-width section cut-off. This reduces overlaps and gaps during spreading and minimizes nutrient waste—particularly valuable on large-scale operations and where a high degree of automation is required.

Is the BlackBird suitable for contract farming operations?

Yes, the BlackBird is ideally designed for contract farming. The combination of high output (up to 30 m working width), flexibility (variable working widths), DLG-certified reliability, and minimal maintenance time (ExaCut ECQ: max. 20 min.) makes it highly efficient for inter-farm use. 

Why choose the BlackBird trailing shoe?

The BlackBird trailing shoe applicator solves the biggest problems associated with conventional liquid manure spreading: nutrient losses, feed contamination, ammonia emissions, soil compaction, high operating costs, and lack of compliance. These advantages show how you can maximize yields, protect the environment, and reduce operating costs with precise, close-to-the-ground spreading.

  • Yield stability through precise nutrient placement: You eliminate start-up zones and under- or over-applied areas through close-to-the-ground PrecisionFlow application—which means more uniform yields across the entire field without yield losses at field edges. The DLG-certified application accuracy and the 2-second slurry flow (no slurry blockage during startup) guarantee that every square meter receives an optimal application.
  • Fewer ammonia emissions and full compliance with fertilizer regulations: Close-to-the-ground spreading drastically reduces ammonia volatilization. You automatically meet emission limits and modern fertilizer regulations without the stress of government inspections or the risk of fines. With the optional Comfort Flow Control (CFC), you can digitally document your spreading and provide verifiable proof of compliance.
  • Fewer tramlines = lower soil compaction & diesel savings: With working widths of up to 30 m, the number of passes is reduced. You drive less, compact the soil less, and save significantly on diesel and labor time. Greater productivity with a smaller footprint is ideal for large farms and contracting firms that need both efficiency and soil health.
  • Less maintenance time—maximum 20 minutes per service: The ExaCut ECQ slurry macerator (DLG-certified) requires only QuickService and is therefore faster to service than conventional systems—robust plastic skids and UV-resistant hoses also significantly reduce the cost of wear parts. This saves time, money, and reduces the risk of downtime—especially valuable for contracting firms with multiple machines.
  • Flexible retrofitting to any tank + future-proof design: BlackBird Single/Light are designed for universal retrofitting—an integrated holding and security device, 3- and 4-point options, and EasyPack pre-assembly enable easy DIY installation on various tank trailers without custom modifications. In addition, the BlackBird Pro/Max is SectionControl-compatible—you’re investing in a solution that grows with your tractor’s electronics and future Precision Farming requirements.

Model Overview

BlackBird Single

Working width 7.5–12 m
The lightest and most compact trailing shoe slurry applicator for small areas and retrofitting: With a weight of 870–1,050 kg, it fits almost any tanker trailer and requires little storage space. Ideal for small farms, part-time operations, and as an entry-level solution for gaining initial experience with precise slurry spreading.

New: RedLine and GreenLine version!

BlackBird Light

Working width 12–15 m
The versatile mid-weight slurry applicator with two ExaCut ECM slurry macerators for standard tank trailers: Compact, robust, and low-service, with a weight of 1,325–1,400 kg. Ideal for medium-sized farms and contract operators who want to manage large areas cost-effectively.


New: RedLine and GreenLine version!

BlackBird Pro

Working width 12–18 m
The professional solution with a DLG “Very Good” certification for precise slurry spreading in modern agriculture: A 2-second slurry flow, hydraulic stone trap, and optimal ground contour following guarantee the highest application accuracy and compliance. Perfect for yield-oriented operations, Precision Farming, contractors.

New: RedLine and GreenLine version!

BlackBird Max

Working width 30 m
The high-performance solution for large-scale operations and contract farming businesses: With a working width of 30 m the BlackBird Max maximizes output while minimizing soil disturbance. Hydraulic height and pendulum compensation for each boom ensures perfect spreading even on slopes.


New: RedLine and GreenLine version!

For 21 - 24 m check XTrail.

Working width comparison

 BlackBird Single BlackBird Light BlackBird Pro BlackBird Max 
 RedLineGreenLineRedLineGreenLineRedLineGreenLineRedLine 
Working width (m)7.5 | 9 | 10.5 | 127.5 | 9 | 10.5 | 1212 | 1512 | 15 | 1812 | 15 | 1812 | 15 | 1830 
Transport width (m)2.552.552.992.992.992.992.99 
Hose distance (cm)25252525252525 
Distributor heads1 ExaCut ECL1 OptiCut2 ExaCut ECM2 OptiCut2 ExaCut ECM2 OptiCut4 ExaCut ECM 
Trailing shoePremiumStandardPremiumStandardPremiumStandardPremium 
Terrain adjustmentYesYesYesYesYesYesYes 

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