increase font size
Irish manufacturer Hispec still uses that original concept, with a few additions to bring the spreader bang up to date.
There can't be many rural people who aren't familiar with the Howard Rota spreader, which revolutionised manure and slurry handling back in the late 1950s.
An old saying that goes back even further says, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", which is probaby the reason that Irish manuacturer Hispec still uses that original concept, with a few additions to bring it up to date.
The Hispec Side Spreader is available in two models: the 800 SS and 1000 SS, offering capacities of 8 and 10 cubic yards (5.75 and 7.3 cubic metres), with a power requirement of 80 and 100hp respectively.
By design, the central barrel makes the machine multi-purpose, offering the ability to deal with liquid slurry, semi-solid or well-rotted manures.
It features a heavy-duty chassis that supports the 5mm thick, 1,525mm diameter body that in turn is capped off with a hydraulically actuated 3mm thick steel lid.
Through the centre of the body, a 168mm diameter rotor incorporates machined shafts at end, supported by 65mm diameter rotor bearings mounted externally to remove the risk of effluent contamination.
In turn, the central rotor carries 12mm case-hardened chains, each fitted with a single piece flail head for an extended service life.
The driveline features a simple step-down reduction with a twin sprocket layout transmitted by a heavy-duty chain, resulting in a rotor speed of 229 rpm, said to be capable of delivering an even spread over an 8-metre width.
Standard equipment includes large tyre equipment, a drawbar ring hitch and hydraulic brakes, while a central greasing system is fitted to the model 1000 SS. Both models are treated with an anti-corrosion primer and finished with a twin-pack enamel topcoat for an extended service life.
Research suggests that up to 90% of the nutrient value in effluent can be retained if the material is used efficiently, with additional benefits being gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Imagine transforming your dairy farm’s waste into a goldmine of savings and productivity.
Watermetrics was formed as a water data collector and currently supplies and services modern technology such as flow meters, soil moisture and EC probes, weather stations, hydrostatic and ultrasonic level sensors nationwide.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
OPINION: Normally farmer good organisations are happy to use the media to get their message across to politicians and the consumers.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political divide for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger who passed away, aged 90.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
