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.
As with any chain harrow the aim of the machine is to promote new grass growth by removing old thatch and moss, so increasing air movement and water infiltration, alongside allowing sunlight to provide vitamin D to the young plants.
Post grazing, chain harrowing is also useful to break up and spread any manure “pats” or clumps, while also moving any large piles of manure that might smother grasses, leading to bare areas that then become prone to growing weeds. There is also the benefit of utilising the nutrient values of the organic material, helping to reduce the overall cost of artificial fertilisers.
Offering a working width of 6.3 metres, effectively covering 13 square metres of ground, the LM 630 weighs in at around 360kg, the LM360 harrow features a 3-piece folding frame manufactured from S355 carbon steel-said to be 30% stronger than standard steels-incorporating six strengthening straps across the frame. Folded hydraulically, mechanical transport locks offer safe travel and remove any shock loading to the hydraulic system.
At the front of the harrows, a folded, 8mm thick, levelling bar creates a smoothing effect that is followed by the four row harrows that incorporate cast agitators for a longer service life. At either extremity of the harrow, heavy-duty, interchangeable skids protect the main harrow frames from any rocks, stones or foreign objects.
