increase font size
Vogelsang BlackBird Trailing Shoe
The long-standing DLG test organisation has awarded it’s “approved” quality mark to the Vogelsang 15-m BlackBird trailing shoe applicator.
Manufactured at the company’s base in Essen, Germany, the 15m BlackBird features two of the manufacturers ExaCut ECQ precision distributors, the unit will carry the test mark for five years.
Tested according to the DLG test framework for both cattle and pig slurry application technologies, the results summary noted that the applicator presented good distribution quality.
The product showed excellent distribution quality for both slurries at both flow rates, with the mean deviation well below 2%, earning the highest possible DLG rating (++) in all test results.
At start up, the time in seconds is measured until slurry flows from all outlets, meaning shorter times, resulting in a quicker full working width being reached. The tested BlackBird applicator reached full distribution in a maximum of 2 seconds.
The test inspectors rated accessibility of the maintenance points as excellent, with all tasks performed in an upright posture.
Operation and maintenance were rated as good, with simple steps and no need for special tools.
Replacing the cutting tools in the distribution head can also be done in a comparatively short amount of time.
Available with working widths of 12 or 15-metres, both with a 25cm hose spacing, units can be folded to a transport width of 2.95 metres. The system allows direct mounting via 4-point linkage, incorporating an integrated catch device and a passive levelling system in the centre frame.
The elongated trailing shoe design is beakshaped, with pointed wear edge for better soil penetration and section control which is either mechanical or hydraulic. The VOGELSANG ExaCut ECQ precision distributor is available with 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 outlets, using 40mm diameter distribution hoses.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.
