increase font size
The Cross machine uses an auger in the bottom of the hopper to push the beet laterally into a rotor on the side of the machine where it is chopped.
Fodder beet continues to play an important part in dairy rations, with typical yields of 15-18 tonnes of DM per hectare, or in some areas not limited by lack of moisture, yields of up to 25 tonnes/ha can be achieved by May/June.
Typically harvested, cleaned and then stockpiled, utilisation can be addressed with bulk chopping before feeding, or on an as required, daily basis.
The Cross Engineering Beet Bucket Chopper is designed for use with front-end loaders, telehandlers or loading shovels, with all machines supplied with an integral three-point linkage as standard, meaning they can also be mounted to the rear of non-loader equipped tractor.
Unlike many machines in the market that use an auger system to push the beet through a die, the Cross machine uses an auger in the bottom of the hopper to push the beet laterally into a rotor on the side of the machine where it is chopped.
Working in conjunction with an infinitely adjustable gate, the beet is chopped to a consistent size, meaning there are no longer any large lumps of material that might cause a choking hazard.
In addition, the configuration means the machine is able to deal with any stones in the sample as it also incorporates a stone trap that can be hydraulically release, alongside a shearbolt system to protect the machine if there are any jams.
A range of models, designated 400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000, sees the number signalling the hopper width in millimetres, with the manufacturer suggesting the ideal machine is one that is slightly wider than the tractor/load track width, meaning no discharged beet is driven over.
Offering hopper capacities of 2500 to 3000kg, the recommended horsepower runs from 60 to 140, with outputs claimed from 30 per hour. Using a simple scoop, crowd and chop sequence, the machines are driven hydraulically, meaning there is no need for a PTO connection, so also lends itself to easy attachment and demounting.
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.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
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.
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.
