Increased demand for triple auger mixers

Over the past year, BvL has seen a considerable increase in UK sales of its larger V-Mix Plus triple auger mixers, due to the bene ts they o er in terms of ration mix consistency and reduced operating cost.

Powerful mixing augers with adjustable knives ensure thorough mixing of all types of feed, including bales. Gentle mixing, consistent ration quality.

The patented EDS discharge system provides an extremely consistent, uninterrupted loose ow of forage to both sides if necessary, even without the optional cross conveyors or elevators.

North: Paul McUrich - 07810 040100 / paulmcurich@gmail.com

South: John Molton - 07947 719985 / john.molton@bvl-group.de www.bvl-farmtechnology.com

Over three times as many were sold in 2022 compared to the previous year. This includes a recent order for the largest triple auger machine in the BvL range – the 46m3 V-Mix Plus, which will be one of the largest trailed diet feeders working on-farm in the UK.

“For consistent yield and milk quality you need a consistent ration mix. Cows don’t like change,” explains BvL specialist John Molton. “It is not uncommon to see a 17 or 20m3 diet feeder being replaced by a 30+m3 triple auger machine. Not only does it save a lot of time, but because they are perhaps only doing three mixes instead of six, overall ration consistency is improved considerably. Also by maybe only needing one mix instead of two for a group of cows, again group ration consistency is improved.”

He adds that operating cost for a triple auger machine will be considerably less than for a similar sized twin auger. “If, for instance, you compare a 32m3 twin auger machine with a similar sized triple auger, because the hopper on the triple is lower and longer, it will be considerably easier to drive, so for the same size of machine you will use less fuel and it will not be as hard on the tractor. You could easily drive the triple auger with a 150hp tractor, but for the twin you would probably need something bigger due to the depth of material that needs to be moved.”

As on all BvL feeders, at the heart of the Triple-Auger 30-3S feeder on display are the powerful mixing augers, with Hardox leading edges and adjustable knives. The mixing chamber incorporates mixing wedges for a thorough and consistent mix, while the patented EDS (Exact Dosing System) ensures an even forage discharge.

Large diet feeders can be particularly hard on tractor drive trains, especially when starting and during the early stages of the mix. To reduce load on the tractor and make the V-Mix easier to drive, BvL o ers a Powershift gearbox which incorporates a reduction gear with integral hydraulic clutch. This allows the V-Mix to be started in a low gear and for PTO speed to be increased under load up to full mixing speed, so reducing strain on the complete drive train.

BvL also recently introduced the Dairy Feeder Go app, the new entrylevel version of the cloud-based BvL V-Connect Dairy Feeder system. This will be free for customers ordering a new machine.

The cloud-based Dairy Feeder system makes it “extremely easy” to share and view ration mixes and herd information, and for the TMR mix to be uploaded to the V-Mix diet feeder control terminal, so the ration can be accurately replicated mix after mix.

For more information, contact Paul McUrich, BvL’s specialist for Scotland and northern England, or John Molton who covers the south of England. Alternatively visit www.bvl-farmtechnology.com FG

In 2011, Belgian agricultural machinery manufacturer Joskin presented a “completely new machine concept that revolutionised the world of agricultural transport” –the Drakkar.

The Drakkar has a unique, highspeed unloading system using a hermetic conveyor belt coupled with a mobile front wall. This system allows a safe unloading without tipping, even in sheds or low places, without compressing the transported material. Whatever the type of product, the emptying speed of the

Drakkar is optimised to be less than one minute, Joskin reckons.

It can be used to transport all types of goods (silage, grain, pulp, beets, potatoes, vegetables, etc.) which ensures maximum pro tability for the farmer.

The hermetic, shock-absorbing and self-cleaning conveyor belt is pulled to a reel at the rear of the machine by two powerful hydraulic motors. Since the oor is ribbed and perforated, there is no suction e ect, allowing the belt to slide easily and without tensile stress.

When unloading, the front wall is pulled by the conveyor belt towards the rear of the body. It accompanies the material without compressing it for a complete emptying in one phase, and without residues. It does not exert any pressure on the material. It is therefore a ‘pulling’ system, not a ‘pushing’ system, with all the advantages that this o ers: no compaction of the goods transported, continuous unloading and no pressure on the side walls, Joskin concludes. FG

The Güttler Greenseeder 600 has been available in the UK for several years, but with an increasing focus on grassland and the continued success of the Greenmaster 300, it has found a place in many livestock and arable farming enterprises.

The Greenseeder 600 has the important working elements of the 300 model, says UK distributer Wox Agri Services, including the patented ripper board tine, 12.0mm sprung tines with “exceptional adjustment” to cope with the perilous conditions when working with grass swards.

The Güttler Greenside is the answer to small seeding situations, Wox reckons, with the classic Prisma ring pro le roller giving instant seed-to-soil contact. Seeding grains in an arable rotation is well within the machine’s work scope.

Meanwhile the Güttler Greenmaster’s standard equipment includes a harrowflex with ripper board, two rows of 12.0mm tines, 410-litre hopper with hydraulic fan and 16 outlets. Small seeds are easily catered for with the standard feed rolls supplied and 1kg/ha can be achieved. Fitting the grass seed roll can cover seed rates up to 40kg/ha. Add the blue feed roll, adjust the spreader plates and seeding up to 150kg of grain/ ha is easily done, Wox says. Follow this up with the easily detachable master rollers with full pendular movement and seeds are pressed in just as the ‘sheep’s’ hoof would wish them to be pressed in! FG

AgVantage UK says it understands the importance of quality in farming machinery – which is why it imports only the best equipment, from brands such as Holaras and Dezeure.

Dezeure prides itself on the manufacturing of specialist trailers and is quickly becoming the go-to specialist for maize and silage operations, AgVantage reckons. Its world-class trailers are built with the highest quality materials and o er industry-leading features, not known to many standard trailer manufacturers, the company added. Dezeure trailers are designed to handle large loads, while still o ering superior manoeuvrability. Plus, they're made with durable materials that can withstand the toughest conditions.

Holaras is well known for its high-quality silage and onion handling equipment. Holaras’ leading products are built to last and can easily stand up to the rigorous demands of a farm. “With Holaras, you'll get reliable performance, along with great e ciency from the products, helping your operations to run smoother than ever,” AgVantage says.

Not only are both brands leaders in their elds, AgVantage UK also o ers full back up for their products. This means that the all-round support from all of the brands combined provides second-to none customer care, the company concludes. FG

Two dairy farming families in Ireland are reaping the bene ts of the 2300 Alpine Major tanker with 7.5m trailing shoe system, which allows them to use their resources wisely.

Victor and Rita Jennings milk 160 Holstein Friesians in the hills of West Cork, Ireland. While they have 190 acres of grassland, land availability adjacent to the parlour limits the family’s ability to expand the herd. Adopting a zerograzing system gives them the best yield performance. A 2300 Alpine Major tanker with 7.5m trailing shoe slurry application system allows the family to use their resources wisely.

The Major Alpine range of tankers are designed for undulating ground. The dropped commercial axles lower the centre of gravity by 14 inches, lower than LGP class tankers. Combined with larger wheel recesses for greater stability on hills and high road speeds, the Alpine tanker is safe and solid, the manufacturer says.