Sunday, 31 July 2016 10:07

Shake it and help grass grow

Written by 
The McConnell Shakaerato. The McConnell Shakaerato.

Thinking about subsoilers, few farmers in New Zealand and beyond will be unaware of the McConnell Shakaerator; after all it's been around for 35 years.

It differs from traditional subsoilers in using vibration to reduce draught requirement, meaning a smaller tractor can be used, and a smaller fuel bill to complete the job.

In practice an eccentric weight is mounted under the machine's headstock and connected to the tractor's PTO. The resultant vibration allows the low draught legs to penetrate easily and in doing so improve vertical drainage, ease compaction and help promote vigorous grass root growth.

Ideal in typical NZ situations for removing pugging created by overwintered stock, the machines are also said to be ideal for removing the tractor 'pans' typically found 200-250mm below the surface. Depending on the selection of a 24 or 30 inch length leg, working depths of up to a maximum of 350-400mm can be achieved respectively.

Easily optioned to suit specific tasks, the grassland version is supplied with individual spring-loaded disc assemblies which slice through the surface mat to allow the subsoiler legs into work without creating any bulldozing of the sward.

At the rear of the machine a full width large diameter smooth roller offers incremental depth control, as well as helping to reinstate the surface after the machine has passed through, ensuring the pasture is brought back into production pronto.

Dependent on soil type the units can be equipped with standard or long-life points, and the 2.5m frame can be equipped with two-five leg assemblies dependent on terrain and available power.

www.agriquip.co.nz 

More like this

Major line-up for Agriquip

Irish manufacturer Major Equipment Intl Ltd has appointed Taranaki-based AgriQuip as its distributor of Major branded products in New Zealand.

Major deal for AgriQuip

New Plymouth-based AgriQuip has been appointed as the exclusive importer and distributor of the Major Equipment brand, with the aim of distributing a selection of products from the company’s range of grasscutting equipment.

Tornado kicks up a storm

Designed to keep things clean and tidy onfarm or in a warehouse, Italian-made Tornado vacuum systems from Agriquip come in three models.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

Funding boost for red meat

Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).

Otago's supreme winner

Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.

Editorial: Wake up Wellington

OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter