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

Feds back Fast-Track Approval Bill

Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.

Machinery builder in liquidation

In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.

Two hemispheres tied together through cows

One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.

National

Ploughing Champs success

Sean Leslie and Casey Tilson from Middlemarch, with horses Beau and Dough, took out the Rural News Horse Plough award…

Farmers oppose work visa changes

Farmers are crying foul over changes announced by the Government this week to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

Machinery & Products

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Crazy

OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament…

More!

OPINION: As this old mutt suggested in the last issue, MPI looks a very good candidate for some serious public…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter