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.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.
AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.1 million in Australian company Rumin8 to accelerate development of its methane-reducing products for cattle and bring them to New Zealand.
Farmers want more direct, accurate information about both fuel and fertiliser supply.
A bull on a freight plane sounds like the start of a joke, but for Ian Bryant, it is a fond memory of days gone by.
