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

Global wool marketplace to launch

Wools of New Zealand will soon launch the international version of an online global wool marketplace designed to bring farmers and manufacturers closer together.

Tough times - Roche

The Ministry for Primary Industries' (MP) head of their On-Farm Support Team, Dr John Roche, says the declaration of a drought or adverse event is a recognition that things are tough in a region such as Taranaki.

National

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

O Canada

OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.

Plant-based fad

OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter