Midlands Machinery Show

The Midlands Machinery Show Special Feature from Farmers Guide November 2019 Issue. Reinventing the wheel Visitors to Agricast’s stand at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show (20-21st November) will be the

The Midlands Machinery Show Special Feature from Farmers Guide November 2019 Issue.

Reinventing the wheel

Visitors to Agricast’s stand at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show (20-21st November) will be the first to see the company’s new PRR-610-LW wheel and range of subsoiler points. Following the successful launch of the 610 and 710 Press Roll Rings at last year’s show, the company has developed a lighter version of the wheel. 

The new PRR-610-LW is designed for use on Simba SL and DTX machines, which use 276mm diameter steel tubes. Agricast says it is fully compatible with original parts and offers greater durability than the original equivalent part.

“When we reinvented the wheel last year with the introduction of the 610 and 710 Press Roll Rings there was incredible interest in them,” explained general manager William Robinson. “We hope to create the same amount of buzz at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show when we introduce people to the PRR-610-LW.

“We’ve worked very hard to engineer a new wheel that offers exceptional value for money combined with the highest quality and longevity. We have also been hard at work developing a new range of Pro-Lift Points which offer exceptional durability through the use of Tungsten Carbide and hard facing.”

Agricast’s new Heavy Duty Pro-Lift Points will make their show debut at the November event alongside the PRR-610-LW. The stronger and longer lasting part was developed because farmers were reporting faster wear on standard points, due to harsher weather conditions. The new point, which is designed to fit Simba Pro Lift legs, is substantially broader on the front end and over a kilo heavier than Agricast’s range of standard points.

“Last year’s weather was challenging for many farmers and conditions this year have been no different in some areas of the UK,” Mr Robinson added. “We heard over and over again that the dry conditions were increasing wear on points, so we decided to do something about it.

“We’ve taken our standard point, which is an extremely popular part, and added extensive Tungsten Carbide and hard facing to it. We’ve also made the point slightly wider and heavier. The result is a replacement part that has proved incredibly resilient in tests. We hope it will be a popular choice.”

As well as the new point and press roll ring, Agricast will once again be showcasing its High Strength Wheel. Since unveiling the wheel at last year’s Midlands Machinery Show, it has sold over 1,000 of the 24-inch, 8-spoke super strong wheels. The 1,000th wheel arrived in New South Wales, Australia, just before the show.

As well as being stronger than alternatives, Agricast said it is significantly cheaper than comparable wheels and will fit most leading machines – including Cousins, Dal-Bo, HE-VA, Twose and Simba/Great Plains.

“We’ve been really pleased with the way our High Strength Wheel has been received,” Mr Robinson noted. “We developed this new eight-spoke design to offer farmers, contractors and manufacturers a stronger ring at a more competitive price point compared to Ductile Steel. 

“We spent a lot of time on the computer designing this new ring to ensure that it’s as strong as it can be. We undertook load analysis and extensive testing to ensure it is robust and long-lasting. Unlike other rings on the market, the key advantage of the Agricast High Strength Wheel is that the wearing edge of the ring still contains plenty of metal compared to its rivals.”

Established in 1987 and based on the family’s Lincolnshire farm, Agricast is the UK’s leading Cambridge roll ring specialist and also supplies a wide range of press rings, disc blades and subsoiler wear parts. The company also offers bespoke alterations and fabrication services.

Visit Agricast on Stand 27 at the Midlands Machinery Show (20th and 21st November), in the George Stephenson Exhibition Hall, Newark Showground. 

“Fantastic results” from moisture monitoring system

The ability to accurately and automatically check moisture content of wet grain while it passes through a grain drying plant has long been the challenge for grain dryer suppliers.

After many years of research and development, BDC Systems Limited – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – now has its own system, which became commercially available this spring.

Using bespoke sampling units designed and developed by the company, grain is taken from both the incoming (wet) elevator and outgoing (dry) elevators on a plant. These samples are then processed through a multi-chamber duct, incorporating a Sinar moisture probe specifically designed for this application. Live readings showing the moisture content of both samples in a percentage format are displayed on a screen, along with a graph showing the moisture trend. Historical data is also stored in the system’s memory for future reference.

Due to a change in staffing arrangements at R Caudwell (Produce) Ltd, based in Ludborough near Grimsby, assistant farm manager Mark Storr was looking for a way to increase the efficiency of the existing grain drying plant. BDC Systems was able to supply a new control panel with integrated Moisture Monitoring System and remote access.

Mr Storr said: “I found myself in the situation where the grain dryer required more of my attention during the harvest period, and I can’t be in two places at once.

“BDC Systems in conjunction with its dealer Peacock and Binnington was able to engineer me a solution that allows me to remotely monitor and adjust my dryer from anywhere with a 4G signal. And the fact that I can keep track of the moisture content of the grain entering and leaving my dryer means I can leave it for extended periods, freeing me up to do other jobs.”

BDC’s technical manager and head of product development, Matt Grainge, commented: “Following extensive on-site testing at several plants around the country over the past few years, it’s very pleasing that this system is proving itself a valuable tool in the real world. We are even more excited about the next phase where this information is used to predictively control the dryer; we have had some fantastic results
this harvest.”

Much of the product development was carried out with the assistance of Benny Smith of Manor Road Farm in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Mr Smith commented: “After three years of development work at my grain store, the BDC Moisture Monitoring System has now become a valuable tool during the harvest season.

“I can instantly see any changes in grain moisture going in to the dryer or coming out, and react accordingly. It’s easy to operate and the information is easy to see at a glance. This is what I have been waiting for!”

Another of the test sites was Kensham Farms near High Wycombe. Owner Charlie Edgely said he was hugely impressed: “It’s absolutely fantastic. It saved precious time during harvest because at a glance I could see which way the incoming and outgoing grain moistures were trending and I could make adjustments to the dryer accordingly.

“Previously, wet samples were taken from the intake pit and dry samples had to be taken from the final destination bunker, which could be awkward and time consuming. Everything is now really convenient: we have the sampling point next to the grain store office and the control screen in the office next to the other grain store control panels.” 

Drying silos bring advantages over on-floor system

A Buckinghamshire farming business has reported many benefits from its latest investment in a grain drying silo system including easier management.

The Carington Estate’s first drying silo was erected in 2016 and a further silo system has recently been installed at another of its farms.

The new 42ft diameter Sukup Europe stirring drying silos have a storage capacity of 592t. They are filled and emptied through a Skandia I-Line conveyor system with drive-over intake pit. The silos have a powder-coated paint finish to the wall sheets to blend in with the many trees that surround the site.

Chris Singer, farm manager at the 1,675ha farming business said that compared to the business’s on-floor drying stores the silos have a smaller footprint and are vermin proof. “With the intake pit systems that we have installed it is quicker, easier and tidier to fill and in some situations this means that we can run one less tractor and trailer and there is no reliance on a telehandler for loading or unloading,” he added.

“We have experienced grain compaction and restricted airflow when pushing up damp grain with a grain pusher in our floor stores but this is not an issue in the silos. With the stirrers operating from an early stage of the filling process, drying and conditioning is quicker and cheaper.

“The silos are easier to manage, require less power for drying and also have tax advantages over buildings.”

A further fourth silo is due to be erected at the original site this autumn.

Sukup Europe will be exhibiting at the Midlands Machinery Show 2019.

Growth for rear discharge spreader range

Machinery company Harry West has announced that it will increase its product line up, following the successful introduction of the West Maelstrom rear discharge spreader.

The range has been increased with the addition of optional items to give four new capacity machines.

Maelstrom 8 is now available in the following sizes: Maelstrom 8, 8m³; Maelstrom 8 c/w timber extensions, 10m³; and Maelstorm 8 c/w galvanised extensions, 12m³.

The Maelstrom 14 will also be available in the following sizes: Maelstrom 14, 14m³; Maelstrom 14 c/w timber extensions, 16m³; and Maelstrom 14 c/w galvanised extensions, 18m³.

New L-Line spreaders ‘offer improved performance’

A new range of tractor mounted twin disc fertiliser broadcasters has been launched for the small-to-medium-scale grassland or arable farmer. Keith Rennie Machinery (KRM Ltd) says the new line improves spreading performance and ease of use.

The new L-line consists of 2 models with capacities to match 600kg big bag sizes. The L15 has a basic capacity of 700 litres (approx one bag), which can be increased by adding easy bolt-on extensions to 1,600 litres (approx 2 bags plus a spare), and offers spread widths from 12-18m. The L20 also has a base capacity of 700 litres (approximately one bag), which can be increased to 2,050 litres (approx three bags plus spare) and offers spread widths from 12-24m.

According to KRM, the L15 and L20 have an overall hopper width of 2.1m for safe transport on narrow roads, or where access is limited. Both models feature a redesigned chassis to ensure all surfaces are angled to prevent fertiliser being trapped. The modern curved hopper design, without sharp corners, prevents fertiliser lodging and allows easy cleaning. Warning reflectors are built in to the front and rear corners for extra road safety.

At the heart of the new M-Line is KRM’s proven Trend spread unit with two large diameter discs, which rotate toward the centre to gently accelerate fertiliser – giving a wide four double overlap spread pattern. This ensures an accurate and even application with ‘tolerance’, so variations in product, cross winds or driver error have little effect, with less risk of striping.

For headland spreading, the disc direction is reversed so that fertiliser runs on the shorter back of the Trend vane to give a precise level spread with sharp cut-off to the field border. To meet environmental and crop assurance standards, the operator can adjust the headland spread from the tractor seat, simply by adjusting the Pto speed.

Ease of cleaning has been a priority in the development of the new L-Line spreaders, so that washing down is easy, quick and thorough. All protection guards can be pivoted out of position, without tools, to give clear access for cleaning. In addition, special washer access ports have been provided in the frame to allow complete cleaning of all parts of the chassis frame and spreading mechanism. Extensive use of stainless steel and a plasticised powder paint finish ensure long life protection. Both models include a quick release flap in each disc to allow quick and easy emptying of the hopper contents.

Comprehensive standard equipment on the L15 and L20 models includes hydraulic on/off control, fine mesh screens to remove lumps, disc drive with sealed maintenance-free clutch protection and a quick setting calibration kit for precise rate.

The L20 also includes a folding hopper cover to protect the contents and fully sealed LED road lighting. A three-position outlet system allows for precise control of the application rate, from a Micro setting for slug pellets to Min for fine seeds such as cover crops and Std for fertiliser rates up to 300kg/min.

Options include in-cab electronic control using the Calibrator Icon, NAVIcom Tablet control or Isobus, which can be linked to GPS systems for headland auto on/off, section control and variable rate application following pre-prepared maps.

In addition, the L20W model includes weigh cell technology, which continuously monitors, assesses and adjusts the regulating mechanism while ‘on-the-move’. Combined with Intelligent Control, which incorporates an inclinometer and accelerometer, the application rate accuracy is within+/- one per cent, even on slopes or in uneven field conditions.

Prices for the new KRM L-line twin disc spreaders, which are available for immediate delivery, range from £3,980 for the L15 and from £6,830 for the L20. 

Complete silo solutions from new partnership

Perry of Oakley Ltd., the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of grain handling and drying equipment, has teamed up with SiloMaster, to help offer customers a complete handling, drying and storage solution of the highest quality.

Perry of Oakley manufactures a complete range of chain and flight conveyors, elevators, augers, belt conveyors, twin trace conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners and much more, to complement the range of in-house designed and manufactured continuous mixed flow dryers and belt dryers. Capacities range from just 8tph all the way through to 1,200tph (based on wheat at 750kg/m³), meaning solutions can be provided for small farms to commercial grain stores.

SiloMaster has developed a new range of flat-bottom and hopper-bottom silos, that Perry of Oakley has some exclusive rights to. The silos will be designed and manufactured to the highest specification, using quality materials, with an ethos of “on-time, right the first time!”. The new silos will proudly adorn both the Perry and SiloMaster logos, as a symbol of both companies co-operating together.

The partnership between the two companies will allow them to offer a complete solution, supporting other dealers, tailored to individual requirements from concept, to layout and design, through to manufacture, supply, installation and on-going support. 

Growth sees Network spreading nationwide

RTKF Net was established 10 years ago in the heart of East Anglia. Initially the company grew slowly, concentrating in the region. Over the past five years the company has grown rapidly to spread across the whole of England and developed its technology in order to work with all GPS and tractor manufacturers.

As a direct result of this expansion, for the first time, RTKF Net will be exhibiting at the Midlands Machinery show. This will provide an opportunity to show the most recent developments of the RTK network for visitors to see the latest technology in mapping and steering solutions for the farm.

Regardless of the size of the farm, from 100 to 10,000ha, Precision Farming is at the heart of all modern farming techniques and machinery. From Controlled Traffic Farming to Zero Tillage, 100hp to 600hp tractors, precision is the key to driving down costs, increasing efficiency and ever better yields. Central to these modern farming systems and equipment is accurate GPS, allowing farms to operate at the highest efficiencies and to the tightest margins. For the past 10 years RTKF Net, formerly RTK Farming, has been developing the largest independently-owned network of GPS base stations across England. Consequently, it offers the most reliable and robust RTK GPS signal for farmers and the new technology they are embracing.

The team at RTKF Net is dedicated to the support of its customers. Providing remote customer support; diagnosing GPS signal issues remotely and getting you up and running as quickly as possible. 

Vertical rotor straw spreader joins range

Lucas G has expanded its range of straw bedding solutions with a telehandler mounted bale spike and straw spreader called the Distor PIC. This machine is suitable for spreading round and square bales directly inside livestock buildings and can also be used in compact poultry sheds for daily bedding. Adding a vertical rotor spreader means the company now offers the most comprehensive range of straw bedding machinery on the market.

The range includes two models, DP 90 and 120, referring to the height of its rotors to process bales of 90 or 120cm height. The bale spike has two 0.9m tines with 1.3m spacing and incorporates an automatic coupling which makes loading a quick and simple process. Bales can be loaded straight from a stack even inside low buildings and do not need to be double-handled. To achieve an even and consistent bed for animals, the Distor features an over-load protection system as standard which regulates the throughput of material: if too much is fed into the rotors, the bed automatically stops to allow the rotors to process material efficiently without clumps.

The sensitivity is adjustable according to the quality of straw being spread and, in combination with blades on the rotors, means the Distor will cope with the toughest bales. The spread pattern is adjustable from 1.8-6.0m or up to 9.0m with an optional rear deflector. Other options include electrically-controlled side deflectors. 

A celebration of British engineering

On the back of another successful year for irrigation equipment, Jones Engineering will be exhibiting one of their British-made irrigators at the Midlands Machinery Show. These are proving more and more popular every year as customers who have bought them realise how easy they are to use, with the low pressure loss turbine, British computer, all-hydraulic turntable, legs and jack, and the drop-down gearbox for pulling out.

Jones Engineering will be supporting and exhibiting at the Midlands Machinery show at Newark, Stand 0S–S2, promoting British engineering. Based at Westwoodside near Doncaster, Jones Engineering will be pleased to welcome you to view some of their range of vegetable and irrigation machinery and answer any questions you might have.

Novel wheel guard system protects road users

Machinery company Agriweld Ltd has launched a new wheel guard variweight (WGV), which is intended to protect other road vehicles from the devastating effects of tractor front tyres in the event of a collision. Agriweld says it is the UK’s first agricultural manufacturer to offer this system.

It can be purchased as a ‘Complete System’ with up to 1,000kg centre weight, wheel guards and two vari-pods of 100-500kg – giving a maximum weight of 2,000kg. Or, it can be purchased as a ‘Starter System’ of up to 1,000kg centre weight with wheel guards and the option of purchasing the vari-pods at a later date if required. In addition, there is an optional bolt-in, bale wrap storage point (within the vari-pod space).

Price is available upon request and includes: colour choice (special or limited edition colours may incur an extra charge); personalised front name plate (detailed logos may incur extra charge); centre marker rod; fixed pole light kit to include front-facing white LEDs and fixed amber side-facing LEDs; toolbox lid stay; choice of standard yellow and black or chapter 8 hi-vis chevron stickers; and 12 months’ warranty from date of dispatch/collection.

Further options include: Front facing, amber flashing LEDs; fixed white LEDs and backlit name plate; limited edition colours; grease gun holder and laser cut company logo name plates. Individual bespoke options are available on request.