increase font size
Causing a stir…….Pondstir is a heavy-duty, shore-based stirrer designed to mix and mix the liquid and solid factions of effluent ponds or storage towers.
The Pondstir from Dannevirke-based Metalform, as its name suggests, is a heavy-duty, shore-based stirrer designed to agitate and incorporate the liquid and solid factions of effluent ponds or storage towers.
The result is a homogenous mix that cna be moved efficiently by effluent pumps or vacuum tankers.
Built extensively from high-grade galvanised steel, the design features a triangular pedestal that is bolted to a concrete pad at the edge of the pond. Cleverly, the unit is supplied with pre-formed ground anchor boxing forms of a 2 cubic metre capacity, needing a flat level site and the obligatory load of around 5 tonnes concrete.
A deep, square-section support tube, of 10 metre or 12.5 metre length, carries a large propeller, surrounded by a heavy-duty shroud, not unlike an empty oil drum with sloping sides. The interaction between the propeller and the shroud is designed to increase the velocity of the liquid, while at the same time creating a vortex that keeps solids in suspension, and helps reduce the build-up of silted areas within the pond.
Depth control and operating angle is achieved using an integral foot at the business-end of the machine, alongside a chain/racket system at the pedestal. As part of the design, the impellor is driven by a 4 or 7.5kW motor housed in a fully sealed unit at the working end, removing the need for a complicated driveline associated with shore-mounted power plants.
The manufacturer suggests that the ease of installation, combined with superior performance and minimal servicing requirements, makes effluent agitation a cost-effective solution on most farms given the $15,000 - $20,000 price tag, depending on specification.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Power tool manufacturer Makita has released details of its new cordless GP001G 40vMax XGT grease gun, designed as a practical and precise solution for lubrication of the largest machinery.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
OPINION: There could hardly be a more appropriate theme for a conference than the one chosen by the red meat sector - Navigating Volatility.
When Northland leather worker Vernon Suckling started making horse saddles 50 years ago, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles were unheard of.
Alliance Group has confirmed that eligible farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive up to $20 million later this year, following the strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats.
With a general election under five weeks away, Rural News is asking major political parties about their policies and positions on key issues facing the primary sector. We will run their responses to each question over the next four weeks. The ACT Party and the Greens didn't respond in time.
The red meat sector is in great heart.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
