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.
Research suggests that 100 cows, milked over a 270-day season, will produce a volume of effluent equivalent to 590kg of nitrogen, 70kg of phosphorous and 540kg of potassium, meaning that well utilised material can help reduce the dependence on bought-in products.
Otorohanga-based Giltrap Engineering offers a range of slurry tankers with capacities from 5000 to 20,000 litres, running on tandem or triple-axle layouts depending on size, with corresponding axles sized from 60 to 130mm and dependent on specification utilising 10-stud commercial wheels.
Tank diameters vary depending on capacity, but all feature high-grade rolled steel of 6mm wall thickness, or 8mm in the case of the largest unit, with domed end panels to create integrity. The vessel is carried on an integrated heavy-duty chassis and drawbar assembly, with a large range of options to suit individual situations. These include braking systems, various tyre equipment, sprung/steering axles, suspended drawbars or mudguards. For those looking for proof of placement information, options include flow pumps and GPS coverage maps accessed through an easy-to-use touch-screen system.
The heart of the machine centres around a high-end Battioni- Pagani rotary vane vacuum pump with capacities of 6500 to 12,000 litres per minute, depending on model. The vacuum/pressure system is protected by a double moisture trap, with relief valves in each circuit, with a sight glass to monitor filing, while the use of brass and galvanised fittings throughout give effective corrosion protection.
Separate filling points allow the machines to operate in situations where there might be access issues, with the option of an autofill set up allows users to fill the tank without leaving the tractor seat, helping to promote cleanliness and more importantly, safety.
Detail design sees inspection hatches on the side and top of the tank for easy access for maintenance or cleaning, while up to three integral tank baffles prevents “surge” as the tank empties or fills.
Machines are supplied with 150 or 200mm lightweight, sectional filling hoses, in lengths of up to 8m. A high-quality paint finish externally, complemented by an epoxy paint coating inside the tank, should help the machine look good over an extended working life.
