November 2013
19
Harvest Preparation Heavy metal monsters clash It’s a tradition born on the state fairgrounds of Iowa and the Midwest — a gladiatorial sport which sees tons of heavy machinery take to the paddock in a no-holds-barred, kill-or-bekilled slugfest. Machines which were once used to take in the harvest reap a whole new crop of twisted metal in combine harvester demolition derbies, thrilling the crowd with their outlandish colour schemes and monster-truck antics.
felled by a slashed tyre and limping out of the race. The Ellesmere Motor Racing/ Cochrane’s machine put up a plucky fight against its bigger rivals, but a huge impact threw a vital drive belt, sending it reeling from the fray.
the field, and its bulk saw it win through into the final two, until a series of bone-rattling knocks took out some vital internal linkages, ending its bid for glory. Battered but still rolling, the Warrens Equine Centre machine, piloted by Chris Warren, took a victory lap (with no small amount of
The Ellesmere Engineering harvester was the big boy of
noise and smoke), taking out the title of New Zealand’s toughest agricultural machine. Patrons enjoyed the spectacle immensely, taking in not just the heavyweight bout but also a thrilling undercard of MX racing, and demand for a rematch next year is running high. With the value of
harvesters ‘put out to pasture’ being little more than their scrap value in any case, this rural twist on the good old demo derby is sure to grow — perhaps never
reaching the heights of madness seen in US competitions, but nevertheless proving that Canterbury farmers play as hard as they work!
Local Business Serving The Local Area Available For: • Hay - Medium Square, round, conventional. Baling. Mower Conditioning. Wrapping. Baleage. • All Heading and windrowing requirements • All Forms of Agriculture work
The first such event on Kiwi soil was recently held in Canterbury, as the Ellesmere Raceway Club hosted a knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out combine derby of its own. The field of six contenders was whittled down to four even before the flag dropped, as the logistics of prepping and transporting these mighty machines took its toll. But when racing began the action was fast and furious.
• Direct Drilling • Giant Discing • Ploughing • All forms of cultivation work • Power Harrow • Air seeding etc
First to fall was the Nain Electrical/ Kennett’s Farm Machinery — a furious looking machine in its warpaint, but
Nigel Fletcher 03 314 4565 (H) or 0274 321 581 (Bus.)
Whatever the Season
... there’s a Bailey Trailer that meets your needs
Combine Harvester Spares
KA SE E D MU E (1984) LTD T Sealy Street, Temuka Ph/Fa x: (03) 615 7913
For all your seed, dressing, drying & mixing requirements
Baling Twine (Poly & Sisal) Bailey Trailers — lift off sides, bulk or flatdeck. Rated Number One in UK — four now sold in Malvern area
• Certified Store • Certified Weighbridge • 2 Cimbria Dressing Plants • Enlist your 2014 Dressing requirements
Stockfood Manufacturers
Tools and lots of other stuff
• Calf Meals/Nuts High-Low Protein • All Purpose Meal eg. Hen, Pig, Goat • Sheep Nuts
• Rolled Barley with molasses • Dairy Meals • Feed Grain eg Barley Wheat Peas
FREEPHONE 0800 615 7913
91 Horndon Street, Darfield Phone 03 318 8229
Greig Bailey 0274 499 062
Moisture Problems? Trusted Brands for 50 years TIMARU » CHCH » MACKENZIE » OAMARU
Call on MacKenzie Supply Services 2012 Ltd for all your bulk freight this season. Carting up to 26 tonne, from seed and grain to fertiliser and palm kernel. Protimeter Grainmaster
Dickey_John Dickey_John Mini GAC GAC 2500 Plus
Delmhorst F2000 Hay Meter
Rotoscreen Koster Dry Mater analyser
0800 213 343
www.moisturemeters.co.nz
Servicing throughout Canterbury, South Canterbury, North Otago, Dunedin and the MacKenzie Country, MacKenzie Supply Services will work with enthusiasm and pride to ensure your satisfaction. Each one of our 30-strong team is innovative and committed to go that extra mile to ensure all customers receive only the best.
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Ph 03 615 6282 or 0800 10 50 10