Breeding the Ultimate Robot-Ready Jersey Herd
In the beautiful, scenic expanse of Invercargill, Joanne (Jo) Crack of Southern Star Farms is redefining what it means to run a modern, self-sufficient dairy operation.
For the time being, the line will be two models: the Lely Hibiscus 745 CD Vario with a 7.40m working width and the Lely Hibiscus 915 CD Vario with an 8.90m working width. Both rakes have a comprehensive specification and stand out due to their compact and rugged construction.
The rotors of both models have a universally jointed suspension to the chassis whereby the cross-shaped pivot point is configured before the rotors. Consequently, the pivot point can be positioned as low as possible so that the rotors have a smoother action as well as following ground contours more effectively.
The new units are engineered so that the suspension of the front wheels to the front of the rotor carriage can swivel as well as pivot. The wheels are positioned very close to the tines to allow a very accurate working height adjustment. Swivelling eliminates damage to the sward as a result of 'wriggling' wheels in sharp bends. The rear wheels of the carriage of the Lely Hibiscus 915 CD feature tandem axles instead of a single axle to ensure optimum stability; these tandem axles are optional for the 745 model.
As standard, both rakes feature hydraulic working width adjustment. During the raking operation, the working width and, hence, the swath width can be adjusted by means of a double-acting spool valve. The spool valve for pushing the arms in and out is also used to lower the machine for transport.
Several operations - folding the machine, adjusting the working width as well as the exceptionally ample and fast headland manoeuvres - are set up in such a way that they can all be controlled through a double-acting spool valve. There are no more ropes for folding out the rake as the machine locks and unlocks itself.
Lely says due to the compact construction of these models, road transport is made easy.
The width of the Hibiscus745 CD Vario is no more than 2.50m and this - combined with the steered rear wheels - provides a major benefit when driving on narrow roads and when negotiating narrow passageways. On the 915 CD model, the tine arms can be removed to achieve a transport/storage height of 3.65m; transport height is 4.30m with the tine arms fitted.
Lely says after a decade of developing cam rakes, the two new Hibiscus models are a fine example of Lely innovation.
"These surprising rakes are the concrete result of a constant quest for improvement aimed at harvesting the best quality forage. Both rakes have everything it takes to ensure the cleanest possible delivery of optimal swaths under all circumstances," it says.
