increase font size
EZ-Feed takes some detail from the well-known Combi series to cut a clean fresh look with the Hustler green and white colour scheme.
Since Hustler Equipment took over Robertson Engineering in 2016, it has developed and improved well established products, incorporating the latest manufacturing and material technologies.
The last to see the designers' pen and the engineers' input is the SF Range of silage wagons, that now makes way for the EZ-Feed series. Recently launched in 11 and 13 cubic metre models, with bigger capacities due in the not too distant future, the EZ takes some detail from the well-known Combi series to cut a clean fresh look with the Hustler green and white colour scheme.
Featuring walking beam and tandem axle running gear, the units are designed for those feeding clamp silages, with the company drawing attention to the fact that EZ-Feed is the first wagon in NZ to feature 100% roller drive chains throughout.
This sees twins 12,000lb rated roller chains and box section bars used in the bed floor, beater/elevator and discharge conveyor. Chains and sprockets are covered to prevent any build up of feed material, said to offer an extended service life.
The driveline features a sealed reduction gearbox powering the bed floor, alongside a directly driven elevator and discharge conveyor. All drives feature sealed bearings with trash shields, with a centralised greasing point for the axles and any hard to reach nipples.
The Twin Feed discharge conveyor allows left or right-side discharge for greater versatility, with five positions for the discharge floor to allow easy set up for feeding into troughs, via the one metre wide conveyor.
As standard, the machine only requires one double-acting remote valve from the tractor hydraulics, with an on-board load sensing system taking care of the load on the elevator and discharge conveyor to ensure there are not blockages.
Sure to win praise from users, the upper edge of the bin is fitted with rotationally moulded "greed boards" that help increase capacity and stop spills and are said to be virtually indestructible. They also remove the potential for splinters or large pieces of wood entering the ration, a problem often seen if wooden items are damaged by the loader.
Supplied "scales-ready", the Hustler Feedlink weighing and feed management system connects wirelessly with a mobile phone or tablet in the cab to monitor weights of materials being loaded, and programmed to set discharge weights for different mobs of animals.
Several neat features improve the operability of the machine, including full-length, heavy-duty steel mudguards, the auto-release, removeable tailgate that protects against loads inadvertently being pushed rearwards, a swivel eye drawbar and a substantial parking jack. Options include the weigh system, an access ladder, improved lighting and extremity markers, hydraulics brakes, crash bar protection for the discharge conveyor and oversize tyres.
While feeding dairy animals in New Zealand is largely centred around feed trailers, mixer wagons or baleage, one wonders whether there is a place for robotic feeders, particularly in South Island locations, where cows are housed during winter or full time.
Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range of transport solutions, from their base in Bavaria.
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
It seems that tractor manufacturers will go to great efforts to promote the versatility and durability of their offerings, a recent example being a Massey Ferguson with an 8S tractor entered into the Morocco Desert Challenge.
As if there wasn’t enough choice in the New Zealand ute market, LDV New Zealand is expanding its offering, by showcasing the all-new Terron 9 Elite at Fieldays.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
OPINION: Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its…
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content…
