Lely order book 'slightly better'
Dairy automation company Lely reported a 3.4% decline in total turnover last year but notes that sales are picking up.
Offered in six models, the G-Max 9, 11, 13, 16, 21 and 25 machines mirror their cubic capacities, at its heart using a heavyduty bin featuring stainless steel panels resistant to the corrosion and wear encountered with silages.
All wagons are built “scale-ready” featuring a double chassis with mounting points, allowing retro-fitment of load cells that allow wireless weighing for feed management.
Complementing the stainless-steel bin construction, a new ecofriendly HDPE plastic floor offers reduced friction and improved load sliding properties, with excellent UV resistance. Twin heavyduty floor chains-of 13mm section on the G-Max 13 or larger models offer a 22-tonne breaking strain for each chain, with improved performance over roller chains in harsh conditions, alongside minimal maintenance, other than occasional tensioning.
Both the floor and the elevator elements feature a gearbox transmission, able to handle heavy loads, alongside a smooth torque loading.
Meanwhile, cast iron bushes are fitted to high load shafts, with stainless-steel chain tensioners fitted for durability and wear resistance and the removal of any seizure risk from rusting. Further detail sees large diameter, high tensile steel chain sprockets, delivering maximum chain wrap and reduced wear, while centralised remote greasing banks help to simplify routine maintenance.
The newly designed belt discharge conveyor, increased from 900mm to 1200mm wide, allows increased feed rates and ease of feeding, particularly when using round or large square bales. At the same time, load sensing hydraulics ensure an even feed rate is maintained. The standard manual control system can be upgraded to a wireless and automated control, linked to the optional weighing system.
The heavy-duty, walking beam axles, replaceable, self-lubricating Vesconite pivot bushes and oversized stub axles with sealed hubs offer excellent terrain following and minimal maintenance.
Up front, a sleek, narrow drawbar aids manoeuvrability, incorporating a flange-mounted, swivel tow eye, which can be upgraded to a K80 ball hitch if required. Strong angled steel mudguards keep things clean and ensure any spilled feed slides off at the loading site, before getting carried onto roads or tracks.
Mesh front bulkhead and rear tailgate screens improve visibility during loading and use, with the latter also incorporating tail lights, crash locks for load reversing, while a ladder offers safe access into the bin as required.
A range of options includes wireless weighing, a chain and slat discharge conveyor, hydraulic side shift of up to 200mm and conveyor extensions for delivery into bunkers, troughs or feed rings. For those travelling any distance, upgrades to tyres, braking systems, suspension and steering axle options will help achieve smooth travel, safe stopping and reduce tyre scuffing and chassis fatigue.
