increase font size
Hustler has released a maxi-sized, multi-feeder aimed at large-scale farms.
Feeder specialists Hustler has released a maxi-sized multi-feeder aimed at large scale farms in New Zealand and further afield.
The new RX 218 measures 6.7m long, 2.56m wide, it has a 1.3m high body and tips the scales at around 7 tonnes empty.
Offering a capacity of 21.4 cubic metres filled level or 26 cubic metres heaped, the feeder is rated for a load capacity of 20 tonnes. In practical terms, the manufacturer suggests this means 10 round bales of 14 large squares.
Featuring a Tridem axle configuration with rear wheel steering, the layout incorporates heavy-duty leaf springs and tie rods. This keeps the vehicle on track while eliminating 'bounce', with stopping duties falling to hydraulic brakes on all six wheels.
The company also suggests that in other units of this type, fitted with only tandem axles, there is a likelihood of exceeding tractor drawbar ratings as the load moved forwards, with subsequent poor ride quality. By spreading the load over its three axles, there is a much larger footprint through the 500-45R22.5 tyres, leading to a more constant loading and a smoother ride.
Looking at the 'feeding' hardware, the main bod and unloading areas incorporate a heavy-duty porate a heavy-duty Puckboard floor of up to 15mm thickness. This is said to be naturally slippery, tough and durable. The twin-speed pusher plat, running on grease-less slides, brings the load forwards using hydraulic cylinders. The feeding element uses 12,000lb rate chains, running over hardened sprockets, with largers feeder bars for greater strength.
Ease of maintenance is taken care of by a central greasing system that looks after the axle assemblies and hard to reach bearings. The drivelines are fitted with bearings throughout, with all chains kept in check by adjustable tensioners.
Operators benefit from a host of features, including joystick controls, a large frontal viewing area to monitor the position of the load, bolt-on fenders, access platform and ladder and a two-speed parking jack.
The market is in decline in the United States, Canada and Brazil. In Europe, sales are falling in Germany, France and Spain. Turkey is experiencing a sharp decline, whilst the economic strategies and policies implemented by India and China are driving purchases in both countries.
Areare Farms, a dairy operation in the Waikato region spanning multiple properties and milking 760 cows, now has Jenna and her brother Brian Rogers, the third generation of the family business, working alongside their parents Phil and Jackie.
Hamilton-based manufacturer SAM Machinery and Hawke’s Bay’s Tabula have joined forces to offer customers more ways to connect its spreaders with the technology they already use in the cab.
Installing two GEA DairyRobots R9500s marks a major step in the Coubrough family’s journey towards a more automated, future-ready farming operation.
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.
Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.
Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
