Tuesday, 04 February 2025 15:55

West tackles all manures

Written by  Mark Daniel
The West Dual Muck Spreader can spread liquid slurries or heavy, solid farmyard manures. The West Dual Muck Spreader can spread liquid slurries or heavy, solid farmyard manures.

Depending on your perspective, dairy farming brings with it the joys or problem of dealing with animal waste, be it liquid slurries or more solid manures.

With the growing cost of synthetic fertilisers slashing bottom lines, the use of natural manures can help augment soil fertility and make a positive financial impact.

FarmChief imports and distributes the UKbuilt West Dual Muck Spreader, a watertight, side-discharge machine that offers the benefits of being able to spread liquid slurries or heavy, solid farmyard manures and all grades of product in between.

Featuring a heavy-duty tub design, the five-model range offers capacities of 5.9 to 13.6 cubic metres, with tare weights of three to five tonnes, with horsepower requirements of around 70 to 130hp.

At the forward end of the rotor, close-coupled impellors ensure a smooth flow of material to a side-mounted, underslung, rigid impellor, rotating at 500rpm, that creates an even spread. During operation, a mechanically driven, continuously oscillating side plate helps stop any bridging or stopping of material as it moves forward. Designed to disperse the material in a fine spread pattern of up to 21m, depending on material, the discharge rotor features reversible and replaceable tips to ensure a long service life.

At the discharge point, a hydraulically adjustable guillotine door allows accurate control of spreading rate, while the spreading rotor is complemented by a spring-loaded lower housing to pass without damaging the machine.

The main driveline is protected from overload by a shear-bolt on the input shaft.

A low centre of gravity and large flotation tyres mean the load is spread evenly, helping to reduce ground compaction in the paddock, while also improving the towing experience on both the road and on rolling country. Given the overall weight of the loaded unit, hydraulic brakes are fitted standard for safe stopping a control.

Visit Farmchief at site number 8.

More like this

Maintaining raceways the easy way

Farm races or laneways are central to moving animals, people and machinery around the farm. In the case of dairy farms, their maintenance is paramount as cows may walk considerable distances two or even three times a day.

The ultimate in stock handling

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. Machinery and Products editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Combi Clamp Limited, catching up with Managing Director Wayne Coffey.

Telehandler’s value on the rise

The practicalities of dairy farming centre around looking after animals well, and a whole bunch of logistics – largely lifting and loading.

Silage cover reduces wastage

Waikato farmer Dave Muggeridge was fed up with water seeping in through his maize silage cover and spoiling feed.

Featured

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

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