Simba forges link-up
High profile turn-out confirms LAMMAs growing reputation
LAMMA is achieving a growing reputation among manufacturers nationwide, as indicated by the presence of companies such as J Thistlethwaite Engineers.
It travelled down from Leyburn, North Yorks, to use the show as the launch pad for its mobile cow hoof trimming crush, designed to combine animal welfare with fast and efficient one man operation.
Cows are put under less stress as noise levels are reduced through the use of hydraulics to activate the crushs components; mobility comes from mounting the unit on a road legal trailer. Once in the trailer has been correctly sited, the crush is rotated into its working position.
When the animal has entered the unit and its neck secured by the yoke, it is lifted off the ground and supported firmly by a composite rubber belt belly cradle.
Rotating the frame through 45deg allows the operator to secure the front and back legs, the latter to an anchor bar whose position can be adjusted to cater for different sizes of animal. The crush is then rotated further to put it into a position where the trimmer can work comfortably on the hooves with electrically powered tools. Once the cow has been treated the procedure is reversed and the animal released.
Hydraulic power comes from an integral oil reservoir and 110v pump, electrically driven via a transformer from the farms 240v supply.
Thistlethwaite Roll Over hoof trimming crush uses the quietness of hydraulics to reduce stress levels on the animal. Price of a mobile version £6000; static £4000.
Compact loaders join Schaffer range
GERMAN telescopic loader manufacturer Schaffer has added two compact articulated steer models to the range handled by UK importers Websters Wheeled Loaders.
At 5.1m long (engine to front of carriage), 1.6m wide and 2.1m high (17ft x 5ft x 7ft), the machines are the smallest telescopics of their type on the market, maintains Websters.
The 40hp 450T and 48hp 450TS both have a lift capacity of 1.2t to 3.75m (12ft 5in) and 400kg at a forward reach of 2.4m (8ft) – from a centrally mounted boom.
Power on both models comes from a 4-cylinder Kubota Diesel which drives through an all-wheel drive two stage hydrostatic transmission, with electronic gear selection and direction of travel.
Front and rear self-locking differentials are standard and the loaders centre pivot articulated steering gives an outer turning radius, when fitted with a standard bucket, of 3.3m (11ft). Standard operator protection comes from a ROPS frame and the models are available with a cab. *
Moteska trailed and mounted sprayers are now offered with an economy forward speed controller unit from Raven Industries. The system enables the operator to enter the required application rate on an in cab console, which is then maintained irrespective of changes in forward speed – recognised by a wheel-mounted magnet speed sensor – and/or boom section cut off. Application rates can be increased and decreased, on the move, and the console can also be used to display flow rate, distance travelled, speed, total volume applied and area worked. Price of the controller – which can also be retro-fitted – is £975 and brings the price of a 1000 litres capacity/12 boom mounted sprayer up to £8050.
Spud bed former joins line
POTATO growers interested in bed forming equipment now have another potential source of supply in Jones Engineering, which has now added a triple bed former to its product line.
Intended for producers growing the crop on a de-stoning system, the three-point linkage mounted machine is described as being a high output cultivator requiring a relatively low power unit. Output comes from mounting three bed forming units on a single frame. Key to the machines low power requirement, says the firm, lies in the drive line.
Here, the tractors 1000rpm pto input is transferred from a central main gearbox to the three bed forming rotors via individual shafts, with the final drive through chains and sprockets, rather than gears.
Bed widths are either 1.8m (6ft) or 2m (7ft 6in), depending on customer specification, and the tiller folds hydraulically for transport. *
Simba forges link-up
SIMBA International has taken another step to establish its drills and cultivations equipment on the European market.
The firm has linked up with German drill manufacturer Horsch Maschinen in a reciprocal deal under which each will sell the others equipment alongside its own in their respective home markets.
Horschs range of drills effectively extend the Simba range and the companys dealers are now in a position to offer models capable of coping with lighter soil types.
"Our combined product range will give farmers in both countries a comprehensive range of equipment," says Simba sales director Guy Laversha.
As to distribution arrangements, it is planned that both companies product lines will run alongside each other, retaining their identity and – where appropriate – individual dealers. *