Fencing smarts from the Emerald Isle
While a leading New Zealand brand seems to have a stranglehold on the local electric fencing market, a company from the Green Isle seems to be making significant inroads, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
The company was formed that year by Emile van der Merve, its CoffeeKlip winning an award for simplicity in the fitting of vertical wire battens on fences.
SmartRigger components reflect this ethos, says van der Merve, who designed the product.
“The insulator design is robust and will stay on the fencepost for many years.
“And the spring loaded design of the SmartRigger will allow it to deflect in horizontal and vertical planes when rubbed against by cattle.”
The spring-loaded outriggers are attached to wooden or concrete posts by a single screw or masonry anchor.
The base of the unit is a heavy duty plastic boss with an integral chamber that takes the screw or anchor fixing (included with the outrigger and fitted to the post with an 8mm screw setter).
After securing to the post, the chamber is capped with a sealing plug to keep out dust and insects, and moisture so as to minimise corrosion.
Available in 15cmm, 23cm and 30cm lengths the outriggers vary in stiffness. The shorter units best suit tough conditions and sloping ground, while 30cm SmartRiggers are preferred for easier, more level terrain. A 50cm unit is being trialled for use with electrical tapes.
They can be mounted on the side or top of a post to increase the overall fence height. Installation of the hot wire is simple: feed the hot wire through the end hoop, then push and twist the coil spring assembly onto the insulator boss.
Prices range from $2.50 to $3.50, depending on the length.
The range is complemented by a 100cm SmartWand designed to prevent stock from pacing along boundaries and damaging fence lines.
A five-year warranty applies.
