Modified Massey tractor makes cleaning poultry sheds easier

A fleet of specially modified Massey Ferguson compact tractors has made the task of cleaning out poultry houses a faster and more efficient operation for specialist hygiene and cleansing contractor, Ryan Poultry Services.

Bob Gooderham, who runs Ryan Poultry Services near Norwich, explained that cleaning out poultry sheds is a dusty and cramped job.

“Poultry is reared in very low buildings to maximise heat economy, so we need tractors that can work comfortably in areas where headroom is limited,” he said

The business runs two 19.5hp MF 1519s, two 22hp Massey Ferguson 1523s and a 28hp 1528, all engaged on poultry house cleaning and bedding operations. A 38hp Massey 1540 tractor is dedicated primarily to building fumigation using a mounted orchard-type mist sprayer.

All were modified for the job, which included the fitting of wide-core radiators to prevent blocking and overheating in dusty working environments and fitting special seats on turntables to enable the driver to sit at an angle and duck down easily to steering wheel level to dodge overhead beams and light fittings.

“The tractors are robust, economical to run and cope well with the harsh conditions,” said Mr Gooderham. “They enable cleaning contracts to be completed effectively with much reduced manual effort in what is a very challenging working environment.”