J Riley beet harvesting demo: The old and the new

There were no product launches waiting behind covers and no claims of step-change technology. Instead, J Riley‘s latest beet harvesting demonstration, held at Barton Bendish in Norfolk, offered something far more reflective of the current mood in the sector: a practical look at what growers and contractors can realistically run, support and justify in today’s economic climate.

The event attracted visitors from across East Anglia and further afield, including growers and contractors travelling from as far as North Yorkshire and Ireland. For managing director Matt Carse, that willingness to travel underlined why on-farm demonstrations continue to resonate, particularly when compared with the cost and spectacle of large indoor shows. With machines working in the field and time for unhurried conversations, the day was geared toward decision-making rather than display.

While several current-generation Vervaet machines were operating in the field, much of the discussion revolved around a very different exhibit: a fully refurbished 2003 Vervaet 17-T, rebuilt by J Riley‘s workshop team and presented as an example of how older beet harvesters can still play a viable role.

A refurbished 17-T as a statement of intent

The refurbished Vervaet 17-T sat alongside the working machines, and although it did not run on the day, it drew a steady stream of visitors. Many were not looking for nostalgia; instead, inspecting build quality, asking about parts availability and discussing whether refurbishment could be a realistic route forward.

Matt Carse was clear that the machine’s inclusion was intentional. The overhaul was designed to underline the idea that there remains a machine for every scale of operation. Whether a grower or contractor is working with a budget of £50,000 or closer to £500,000, there are still options available.

Although the 17-T did not lift beet on the day, its static presence arguably encouraged more scrutiny rather than less. Visitors spent time examining wear points, discussing rebuild scope and weighing the economics of refurbishment against the cost of new machinery. The conversation was less about outright performance and more about confidence: confidence that an older machine could be kept reliable, supported and productive for years to come.

Matt also pointed out that many of the wearing parts fitted to the refurbished machine were still in production until relatively recently, with overlap into machines built just three years ago. That continuity plays a significant role in keeping older harvesters viable and helps explain why rebuilds continue to appeal in the current market.

Service, parts and experience

A refurbished machine is only as credible as the infrastructure behind it, and much of the confidence surrounding the 17-T stemmed from J Riley’s long-standing emphasis on service and workshop capability. Matt highlighted the depth of experience within the company’s workshop team, with several senior staff having spent decades working on beet harvesters and overseeing summer rebuild programmes designed to extend machine life.

Parts availability remains a central concern, but commonality across generations continues to work in favour of older Vervaet machines. With many components shared across multiple models and production years, stocking parts becomes less speculative and more sustainable. This continuity, combined with in-house expertise, helps reduce the risk often associated with running older equipment.

Taken together, the workshop capability, parts support and accumulated knowledge on display at Barton Bendish reinforced a broader point: longevity in beet harvesting is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate design choices, consistent support and an understanding that progress does not always require replacement.

Modern machines in the field

While the refurbished 17-T drew attention for what it represented, the working demonstrations focused firmly on Vervaet’s current machines, offering a clear contrast between legacy design and modern development. In the field were a Q-616 fitted with a turbine cleaning system, a Q-616 with rollerbed, and a Beet Eater 625 rollerbed machine, alongside a converted chaser unit. 

J Riley service engineer Luke Simpson, who carried out some walk-arounds and in-cab explanations, was keen to stress that modern Vervaet development has focused on versatility and consistency, rather than chasing headline figures. “If you want a good all-round machine that’ll go anywhere, anytime, then this is it,” he said, referring to the turbine-equipped machines. “From yellow clay to blowing sand, that’s where the turbine system really earns its keep.” 

Cleaning performance remains a central differentiator. Luke pointed out that turbine-based systems continue to appeal on heavier soils, particularly where conditions change rapidly. “Those open-ended turbines get rid of the dirt a lot sooner,” he explained. “We’re finding more and more customers ordering them now, depending on soil type.” 

The 625, meanwhile, was positioned as a true “go-anywhere” machine, with design decisions aimed at maintaining forward momentum in difficult conditions. Cab development also featured prominently. The latest machines use the Claas Jaguar-style cab, offering improved visibility, particularly to the rear, and a more refined operator environment. “They’ve always run forage harvester cabs, but this is the next generation,” Luke noted. “It makes a big difference when you’re spending long days in there.” 

Across the line-up, modularity remains a clear theme. Lifter units, row configurations and cleaning systems can be shared across models, allowing machines to be specified more precisely to workload and conditions – a philosophy that mirrors the refurbishment approach highlighted elsewhere on the day.

Operator perspective

Beyond specification and horsepower, much of the most valuable insight came from discussions around operator judgement. Luke, who combines service engineering with demonstration work, described the constant balancing act between lifting cleanly and avoiding unnecessary damage. “You want a bit of soil in the machine,” he explained. “If you take in no soil at all, the beet will find any little gap to disappear into. The soil helps cushion everything and keep it flowing.” 

At the same time, over-cleaning carries its own penalties. Excessive soil intake increases workload on the cleaning system and fuel use, while aggressive topping or scalping risks losing yield. “You’re the man that gets the blame if the sample comes back and it’s not great,” Luke said. “British Sugar will analyse the sample, how clean it is, how much beet is left, and that directly affects what the grower gets paid.” 

That accountability places significant responsibility on operators, particularly in variable conditions. Cleaning intensity, topper settings and forward speed all need to be continually monitored, and adjusted if required. “You’re watching depth, you’re watching soil, and you’re making sure you’re not over-scalping or under-scalping,” Luke added. 

Contractor logic 

For contractors, machine choice is shaped as much by consistency and familiarity as outright performance. Members of the Ulyatt family, who provided the use of their Q-616 harvester for the demonstration, spoke openly about the reasoning behind their long-term commitment to the brand. Operating primarily on silty loam soils in south Lincolnshire, the business has historically favoured turbine-equipped machines, though not without careful evaluation. 

Fleet consistency also plays a role, both operationally and commercially. “If you keep two machines specced the same, it makes life easier,” noted John Ulyatt, of farmers and contractors Pete Ulyatt & Son. “Operators know exactly what they’re getting into, and if you ever change colours or brands, training becomes much more complicated.” 

Operator familiarity, particularly around control layout and setup logic, was another recurring theme. 

While newer machines inevitably bring updates, abrupt changes can slow productivity. “Our operator had an older machine before this, so there was a bit of adjustment,” John said. “But once they’re used to it, that familiarity makes a big difference.” For contracting businesses working at scale, reliability and support trump novelty. Well-maintained machines and predictable performance all feed into resale value and long-term planning.

The route for beet harvesting

Taken as a whole, the Barton Bendish demonstration offered a clear snapshot of where beet harvesting currently sits, and where it may be heading. 

Replacement decisions are not being abandoned, but in some cases they are being delayed, questioned and weighed more carefully than in previous cycles. In that context, refurbishment, rebuilds and long-term support are no longer secondary considerations; they are central to how many businesses are planning ahead.

For J Riley, events like this are less about immediate sales and more about facilitating those conversations. Matt Carse noted that on-farm demonstrations allow for a more engaging experience for both the customer and supplier when compared with major shows. “It’s our target audience,” he said. “People come here to talk properly, not just walk past shiny machines.” 

The presence of both refurbished and current-generation machines reinforced the idea that progress in beet harvesting is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Design improvements, cleaner lifting, improved cab environments and modular specifications all play their part, but so too does the ability to maintain, repair and adapt machines already in the field.

In a sector where margins are tight and workloads intense, longevity is most certainly a strategic advantage.

Read more machinery news.