Grabbing bales made quick and easy
Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for users who need strength, efficiency, and soft handling in their daily tasks.
Anyone who has been round baling and released a completed bale on a slope will remember the feeling of dread as the bale gathers speed and rolls off down the hillside, hopefully to be stopped by the hedgerow or the paddock levelling out.
In some cases, that dread is shared by passing motorists as the bales clear the boundary and roll across a road. Yep, been there, done that.
German manufacturer Krone has developed a clamp for its VariPack and VariPack Plus Series balers to prevent bales from rolling down slopes.
The speed of bale ejection with the VariPack, with the rear door opening and closing in less than five seconds, allowing operators to achieve high daily outputs, is viewed as a big plus.
Unfortunately, the drawback is that bales can roll away quickly if the operator is not paying attention. The hydraulically operated clamp is designed to prevent this by securing the bale and removing its momentum as it leaves the chamber.
In operation and before the tailgate opens, the bale clamp is closed hydraulically so that the round bale is braked and fixed in place within in the clamp, before being opened in a controlled manner to set the bale down safely.
Presented as an option at the Agritechnica 2023 Event, the system has been met with great interest, especially from customers operating in the mountainous areas in southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. Krone is now offering the bale clamp as an option for all Vari- Pack and VariPack Plusmachines, with a retrofit kit available on request for existing machines.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: Is it the beginning of the end for Greenpeace?
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.