Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
The machine also deals with crops including straw, hay, chopped silage and vegetable waste. The company suggests it also offers a more convenient option for those farmers that have a front end loader to load the wagon. This is rather than the more typical units with rear lifting forks, which because of their length, typically are around three metres longer and can be more difficult to manoeuvre and lift bales.
Offered in three models – the TX 605, TX 805 and TX 1005 can handle loads of up to 8000, 12,000 and 15,000kg respectively. This means these bale feeders can handle 4 to 6, 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 rounds, depending on size – or 3 to 4, 4 to 5 or 5 to 7 large square bales.
Featuring the same hydraulic pushing blade as the Combi range, the bales are moved forward to the discharge area and 1650mm wide discharge conveyor.
The configuration means there is no need for floor chains, resulting in reduced maintenance and more precise control of how much material is deposited in the feed windrow.
The machines’ adjustable sides means they are capable of dealing with round bales of up to 6 feet in diameter and squares of up to 5 feet long. Meanwhile, the bale feeders’ compact overall dimensions offer improved manoeuvrability, with the manufacturer also claiming the highest bale capacity on the market.
Carried on heavy-duty axles and utilising tandem walking beams or tandem suspended undercarriages, Hustler points out the use of heavyduty, self-aligning bearings and protected shafts helps durability and prevention contamination. The bearings are also positioned outside the feed chamber.
The floor of the TX series is manufactured from 15mm thick Puck Board, which helps reduce bale friction and impart durability and is offered with a 10-year warranty.
Gearboxes are powered hydraulically with the machines needing two double-acting flows.
The drives feature 6-tooth sprockets manufactured from HardLine steel – the same material used for bulldozer blades. Meanwhile, their small diameter means less torque in the driveline and lower oil flow requirements.
The bale feeders are said to offer excellent visibility from the driver’s seat. Ease of use is complemented by a centralised greasing system for the axle assemblies and built-in chain tensioners for the discharge elevators that are also easily adjusted.
A range of options includes Hustler’s FeedLink weighing and management system – that can be fitted during manufacture or at a later date – hydraulic braking, high-visibility kit, oversize tyre equipment and a hydraulic parking jack.
