Monday, 02 July 2018 11:30

High-end hoof health care

Written by  Mark Daniel
The Hoofman aka Johan Buys (left) and Fred Hoekstra, Veehof Ltd. The Hoofman aka Johan Buys (left) and Fred Hoekstra, Veehof Ltd.

Good hoof health in dairy herds can raise yield by $500 per animal per lactation but an appropriate cattle crush is required to keep the animal and the technician safe.

Ashburton handling specialist Veehof used Fieldays to show its latest heavy-duty crush, the WOPA SA61 RS, already sold to Waikato trimming specialist The Hoofman, aka Johan Buys.

The RS (Rapid Set-up) unit has a hydraulic drawbar that, unlike on previous machines, remains attached to the unit but swings out of the work zone laterally. 

Likewise, the crush has steel ‘drive wheels’ in its lower chassis that allow sole operators to manoeuvre it into tight spaces, especially in older, less open-plan yard layouts. 

An integral battery system offers up to 20 minutes run time in which one-off or minor jobs can be done without the need for connection to mains power.

Liftable floor panels in the base of the crush allow thorough cleaning before it is to a new property, and side access gates on both sides of the rear pen hurdles allow easy, safe access to the rear of the unit. 

Larger pumps help reduce cycle times, and a remote-control function allows the operator to activate the crush from up to 20m away -- ideal for technicians operating alone.

Already commissioned by The Hoofman prior to the event, the unit is confirmed as lighter, stronger, quicker to set-up and, importantly in the current climate, much easier to clean. 

Featured

Contract milkers hit hard by drought crisis

Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter