Equipment that was common overseas is now appearing more frequently here.
As with any capital purchase there are some key considerations to take into account.
Shear grabs
Shear grabs offer efficiency by cutting silage stack faces cleanly, minimising wastage and spoilage. There are a number of options available and these machines continue to develop.
There are some key things to consider when looking at shear grabs:
Some grabs can pick up more fine material which might otherwise be blown away or has to be picked up separately. This type of grab may be worth considering if it saves time and increases labour and feed efficiency.
Think about the feed types that the machine is capable of handling. If a variety of feeds are used onfarm then this should be reflected in the choice of grab.
Maintenance is important. Operating a sharp shear grab can ensure clean cutting without putting increased pressure on the grab and tractor. Blunt shear grabs will not only overload the tractor but also require extra opening and closing to cut the silage, taking longer and leaving an untidy stack face. Regular sharpening with a hand file or oilstone is recommended. It is best to check the operator’s manual for the recommended sharpening technique but generally, using an angle grinder is not advisable because if it heats the metal too much it will lose the temper. Different machines have different sharpening requirements, which is something else to be aware of when considering a purchase.
Selecting a grab that not only meets the feed requirements but also the machinery available is important. The grab linkage, durability and capacity need to be consistent with the machine available to operate it. Hydraulic requirements vary between shear grabs, with some needing a simpler circuit than others.
Feed wagons
As the range of feeds used on some dairy farms continues to evolve, so too do the wagons available to handle that feed. Most farms have a universal feeder of some description, while an increasing number are going a step further and investing in mixer wagons. These are capable of mixing and feeding a range of supplements together.
As with any equipment, the key to investment decisions comes back to what the business needs and what can be justified in terms of capital expenditure on machinery. Machines that are nice to have but sit idle too often can pose a depreciation drag on the business.
The range of feed wagons used on New Zealand farms continues to evolve.
Universal feeders are useful for a range of supplementary feeds and as they are found on many farms, the following maintenance tips are relevant to helping prolong their life and ensure smooth operation. A number of these tips are also relevant to mixer wagons.
There are two main types of universal feeders:
1 – Wagons which use a chain and hydraulic motor to move the backing gate
2 – Chainless machines which use a large hydraulic ram to move the gate.
Chains on feeders can stretch and bend if they are not well looked after, and sprockets and cogs wear out. Chainless feeders don’t have these components and so in theory are simpler and potentially cheaper to maintain.
Braces on the backing door should be checked occasionally for any signs of cracking because they are subject to a large amount of force from the ram.
If a feeder is used behind more than one tractor then it is important to check the hydraulic oil in each machine is compatible. It is also important to make sure oil is not contaminated. If oil is contaminated it can then be passed to the other machine and the next tractor the feeder is used with.
Some universal stock feeders have brakes which need to be correctly adjusted regularly. If the machine has been sitting for an extended period then it is important to check that the brakes are free. Working in wet, muddy conditions can be hard on brakes, making these checks particularly important.
In winter feeders can spend time on roads between properties. If a feeder is taken on the road it needs to have working lights and a safety chain.
Wheel bearings should be greased regularly and checked annually for signs of wear
Tandem axle pivots have bushes which can wear out – these need to be checked for signs of excessive wear annually too.
The towing eye needs to be in good condition.
Slurry tankers
Slurry tankers are becoming more common on New Zealand dairy farms. Tankers offer a way to spread effluent on paddocks a greater distance from effluent ponds than would otherwise be possible.
They can either spread effluent or use injectors which place effluent underground, or in a small, shallow furrow. Tankers with injectors have the benefit of reducing odour issues. Run-off is also minimised when slurry is injected rather than spread, reducing the risk of effluent entering waterways.
There are different types of injector systems available, from tines which work up to about 20cm depth, with rollers to fill the furrows, down to narrow shoes which run at a shallow depth and leave a small open channel. It is important to consider the horsepower available to operate the tanker, the degree of run-off risk, the ground conditions the tanker will face, the durability of the injectors and the amount of use the machine will get. Some injectors are only suitable for pasture while others can work in more challenging conditions and stubble paddocks.
Tank capacity is a key consideration. Larger capacity tanks can be more efficient in terms of refilling but are also heavier, especially when full. If a machine is likely to be used in challenging ground conditions then think about flotation and available horsepower.
Maximising machinery efficiency
Machinery is one of the biggest investments in any farm business. It is important to consider how to increase the efficiency of the investment in machinery, while ensuring safe, sound, cost-effective use and maintenance.
The range of equipment available to dairy farmers is continuously growing. The machines operating on many farms today are a long way from what a typical dairy farmer had in their shed in the 1990s.
In order to get the best return on investment in machinery, it is worth considering:
Serviceability – Plenty of sales representatives will queue up to sell a tractor. What needs to be carefully considered, as well as upfront cost, is the level of ongoing service available for each machine locally. Well-maintained machines operate the most cost effectively. Regular maintenance, to the manufacturer’s recommended standards and intervals, is key.
Replacement plans – When is the most economical point to trade-in for a replacement machine and how well will a particular machine hold value? This requires careful planning to maximise capital efficiency.
Ownership options – How much work will a machine do and what level of investment is justified? A machine that sits in a shed depreciating is a cost. Some machines are better sourced through a local contractor, depending on quality and reliability. Machinery syndicate options can also be a sound investment, depending on the needs of the group and the ability to work together. To achieve the most efficient capital investment possible for a particular business situation, all these options need to be considered carefully.
Targeting machinery that meets the business’ needs – available horsepower and the specific farm system requirements are key elements in any machinery purchase decision.
