In the early days of self-propelled forage harvesters, power seemed to be 350-400hp and they chopped a lot of grass or maize.
Today's SPFH can be running engines from 600-1000hp and the output can make the man on the silage clamp cry.
Over the years we have seen telehandlers called in to replace the tractor mounted buck rake, while the high-end operators have largely moved to commercial grade loading shovels that can move high volumes of chopped grass, but need matching with equally high capacity attachments
Recently introduced by importer Ag Attachments, the Albutt range of folding forks look well able to take on the task.
Consisting of two models with overall widths of 4.27 and 4.88m, they offer capacities of 8.0 and 9.3cu m and can move up to 7.5cu m of material in one push. Over-dimensioned
high grade steels throughout are strong and durable and keep tare weights down.
The units have 1.65m long Hardox tines mounted in a 200 x 100 x 10mm carrier beam, and built to withstand the loads from commercial loaders. Side spillage is controlled by four conventional tines.
Hydraulic folding via double acting brings the transport width down to 2.97m; a locking mechanism makes for safe transport between jobs.
During operation the hydraulic cylinders are protected from upward shock loads to the wing sections by a hydraulic accumulator system which allows the wings to float over uneven ground and protects the loader headstock from the same forces.
The units are supplied with quick hitch brackets, and tine guards and lighting kits are options.
www.agattach.co.nz