Hi-Spec has added a second Xcel rear discharge muckspreader to its range, and it offers significantly more carrying capacity than before.

The new 2050 is good for 20t of material, representing a 66% improvement on the existing 12t Xcel 1250 – at least where soil conditions allow for a heavier load.

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Design-wise it’s very similar to its sibling, not least at the rear where the firm’s “chain and disc” spreading assembly is once again employed.

This comprises rotor-mounted chains armed with Hardox flails, which are contained within a full-width deflector hood.

The arrangement is said to do a decent job of breaking up hard, dense manure, while allowing solid objects that could potentially damage a vertical beater to pass through.

Material is then flung up to 12m left and right by a pair of gearbox-driven spreading discs.

These are fitted with two vanes as standard, but for lighter, dryer material such as chicken litter, six-vane setups are available. Shear-bolts provide overload protection.

Other features include angled side panels that widen towards the rear to increase internal capacity and reduce the risk of bridging, and there’s the option of adding 4in plastic trim around the wall lips to protect the panels during loading.

As part of the standard spec, buyers get a hydraulic drawbar, centralised greasing banks, and a tandem steering axle paired with 710/50 R26.5 tyres and air brakes.