Look ma - no hands!
Although this month's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is usually associated with the "geek brigade", global manufacturer John Deere chose it to launch new technology aimed at farmers and growers.
Probably best known for its Tow and Fert system, the company will sell the clever product to farmers, landowners and lifestylers, who will recount many tales of dealing with broken water trough valves, caused by all types of livestock.
In the case of the Springarm, as the name suggests, an integral spring in the float arm deflects rather than breaking, saving water, time, money and frustration. It was conceived by farm manager Ric Awburn while he was standing at an empty trough one evening watching the cows nudging the ballcock and ultimately snapping the arm. He thought, “if only the arm could give a little”.
Fast forward to two years later to a durable and reliable ballcock arm that is easy to install on all types of valves and a savior to all livestock owners.
