increase font size
EZ-Feed takes some detail from the well-known Combi series to cut a clean fresh look with the Hustler green and white colour scheme.
Since Hustler Equipment took over Robertson Engineering in 2016, it has developed and improved well established products, incorporating the latest manufacturing and material technologies.
The last to see the designers' pen and the engineers' input is the SF Range of silage wagons, that now makes way for the EZ-Feed series. Recently launched in 11 and 13 cubic metre models, with bigger capacities due in the not too distant future, the EZ takes some detail from the well-known Combi series to cut a clean fresh look with the Hustler green and white colour scheme.
Featuring walking beam and tandem axle running gear, the units are designed for those feeding clamp silages, with the company drawing attention to the fact that EZ-Feed is the first wagon in NZ to feature 100% roller drive chains throughout.
This sees twins 12,000lb rated roller chains and box section bars used in the bed floor, beater/elevator and discharge conveyor. Chains and sprockets are covered to prevent any build up of feed material, said to offer an extended service life.
The driveline features a sealed reduction gearbox powering the bed floor, alongside a directly driven elevator and discharge conveyor. All drives feature sealed bearings with trash shields, with a centralised greasing point for the axles and any hard to reach nipples.
The Twin Feed discharge conveyor allows left or right-side discharge for greater versatility, with five positions for the discharge floor to allow easy set up for feeding into troughs, via the one metre wide conveyor.
As standard, the machine only requires one double-acting remote valve from the tractor hydraulics, with an on-board load sensing system taking care of the load on the elevator and discharge conveyor to ensure there are not blockages.
Sure to win praise from users, the upper edge of the bin is fitted with rotationally moulded "greed boards" that help increase capacity and stop spills and are said to be virtually indestructible. They also remove the potential for splinters or large pieces of wood entering the ration, a problem often seen if wooden items are damaged by the loader.
Supplied "scales-ready", the Hustler Feedlink weighing and feed management system connects wirelessly with a mobile phone or tablet in the cab to monitor weights of materials being loaded, and programmed to set discharge weights for different mobs of animals.
Several neat features improve the operability of the machine, including full-length, heavy-duty steel mudguards, the auto-release, removeable tailgate that protects against loads inadvertently being pushed rearwards, a swivel eye drawbar and a substantial parking jack. Options include the weigh system, an access ladder, improved lighting and extremity markers, hydraulics brakes, crash bar protection for the discharge conveyor and oversize tyres.
While Nokia is more likely recognised for mobile devices, a major investment of €70m (NZ$126m) by global farm machinery brand AGCO at its facility in Linnavuori, in Nokia, will see the plant establish a new laboratory for testing combustion engines running on alternative fuels, alongside a range of electric solutions, including hybrids, fuel cells and high-voltage battery technology.
Evan Paxton and his family at Riverview Farms, Dargaville, are one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of kumara.
There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally created in 1948 to deal with the population boom after the Second World War.
Think of a RAM 1500 or a Chevrolet Silverado and compare them to a Ranger or a Hilux: One is obviously a truck, and the other is a ute.
With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.
