Shearing legend hooked on CanAm
Sir David Fagan, world-renowned competitive sheep shearer with 642 shearing titles worldwide and a knighthood to his name, now runs beef and dairy operations near Te Kuiti with wife Wendy and son Jack.
The Albutt Folding Push-Off buck-rake is the flagship machine of the well-known UK makers extensive range. It is distributed in NZ by Hamilton-based Ag Attachments.
Designed for use with high-capacity loading shovels or high horsepower tractors, it comes with a three-point linkage or loader brackets. The machine opens to a full 4.27m working width and closes to a transport width of just 2.74m.
Robustly constructed, weighing in at 2,200 kg, the unit offers a 7.82 cubic metre capacity – meaning it can shift large loads quickly. Featuring dual-sided, 1,650mm long Hardox tines, the machine incorporates a hydraulic accumulator to absorb shock loads. It also has anti-collision valves to stop the wings and push-off coming together, while a high-flow divider prevents any gate twists – all controlled by one hydraulic service.
Many large capacity forks require constant “flicking” to discharge the load. However, the Albutt’s full-width push-off system allows the operator to accurately control the discharge and deposit a shallow, even layer as it moves across the clamp.
To ensure a positive movement, an integral “Z” linkage combines with nylon rollers and gate support guides to ensure a long service life.
The machine features a 1,735mm high backplate, infilled with heavy-duty weldmesh – meaning the driver is always afforded excellent forward visibility.
