Friday, 05 October 2018 15:32

Four-way drafter lifts daily output

Written by  Mark Daniel

Te Pari recently released its Racewell HD4, a four-way sheep drafter the company sees progressing the concepts in its HD3 and HD6 units in use in New Zealand and elsewhere.

The sheep handler is said to enhance efficiency by reducing operator and labour requirements, most obviously with its fourth drafting gate. 

Te Pari says the extra versatility should require few changes to existing farm infrastructure -- no more than another fence and gate to split one of the yards. 

Customer feedback at field days and farm visits by sales and technical reps have brought to light the ideas, says Matt Shieffelbien, who has helped develop the HD4.

“I saw that the drafting process often needs to be done twice to separate the lines my clients needed,” he said. 

“With the HD4 it becomes a one-man operation with just one pass to sort weight ranges and to identify stock that may be sick, injured or missing an eartag. Weighing, dagging, vaccinating or drenching and drafting can now be done in the same session with the help of the new, compact multifunction remote.”  

A powered backing hook in the lead-up race is activated by a ‘magic eye’ – working with the main sheep clamp – to automatically hold sheep waiting in the lead-up race for improved flow. 

The control panel of the HD4 has been updated to simplify use and increase reliability. 

A drenching mode turns off the entry gate, allowing for increased output, making drenching faster, easier and less back-breaking. 

A revised layout sees cables running along the sides of the races and a protective panel prevents damage by inquisitive animals.

More like this

Te Pari expands its product line

Oamaru-headquartered Te Pari’s recent acquisition of Vetmarker from Fenemor Innovations includes all trademarks and patents associated with the sheep docking apparatus.

Making livestock handling easier

Proudly carrying the Made in New Zealand badge, Te Pari says the Lenta Cattle Crush range is the result of listening to the needs and feedback of farmers.

Kicking lameness into touch

Lameness in dairy cows can have a significant effect on a businesses' bottom line, with vets suggesting that each case has a cost implication of $400-500, made up of increased labour, vet bills, drugs and of course lost production.

Featured

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter