Kverneland Group IrelandUser Testimonials

Contents: Page No.

Jim Crosby, Birdhill - Taarup MoCo Combination 3

Michael Boland, Kilrush - Kverneland Competition Winner 4

Neville Rickey, Newtownbutler - Taarup Butterfly MoCo 5

Michael Kelly, Castledermot - Kverneland i-drill Pro 6

Compact Qualidisc Demonstration 7

Clifford Roe, Ballacolla - Kverneland NGS Power Harrow 8

James English, Cahir - Kverneland Trailed Plough 9

Seamus Coogan, Ballymoon - McConnel PA7700T 10

Kildangan Stud, North County Kildare -McConnel SR600 Flexwing 11

Demonstration the new version of the McConnel Discaerator 12

Paul Duggan, Ballyhought - Siloking Diet Feeder 13

Philip Britton, Ballynennan - Taarup Duo Feeder 14

Tom Woods, Midleton - Vicon RO-M Twin Disc Fertiliser Spreader 15

2

2011 Taarup Mo Co Combination covers 2700 Acres ofGrass for Crosby Family.

The Crosby family run a small 45acre farm with some additional con-acre to supplement their own grass.

Jim Crosby, ably assisted by sonsDonal and Mark runs a sizablecontracting business nearDrumconrath in rural Co. Meath. Theycurrently run seven tractors, all fromC.N.H , F.N.H or the Ford stable. Themain chopper is a Claas SelfPropelled. They also make round balesilage using a John Deere round baler.

On the Mower side, the Crosby familyrun two Taarup Mo Cos -- a TA4332T10ft 6in trailed machine along with afront mounted TA3632F—the twocombined giving them a 21ft cut. Bothmachines were purchased in 2011,from Clarke’s in Kells, replacing theirearlier John Deere 1365’s.

Jim looks after all the mowing and hasput 2700 acres through thecombination already in 2011 with a fewacres still to go, even at this late stagein early October. The Crosby’s try tokeep the machinery fresh, usually

changing mowers every five years.They keep a spare Taarup TA4032-now five years old- as a standby in theevent of a breakdown.

“How do you like the front / rearcombination”? I asked Jim. “Theyworked very well all year, with little orno stops. We did have a ram problemin the beginning but this was sorted byClarke’s lads. Some crops were reallyheavy this year, at one stage we had aswath a full 10ft wide, and heavy, goinginto the Harvester, so it was a goodyear to test them.”

How about running costs? “Pretty trouble free year” says Jim.“We usually have to fit skids—anexpensive business, but not with theTaarup. I think our only costs were afew knives and a few conditioner tines”

Manoeuvrability: “How do you findgetting the machines around” Iasked. “It’s just fine” says Jim, “onceyou are turning left into a field it’s easyto steer the rear mower behind you.We’ve had no problem getting the units

around even if it looks long”

In the winter period the Crosby familyrun two hedge cutters, an Arbocut plusa new PA6500T McConnel purchasedthis year as well.

How has your year been? I asked—“Actually “said Donal “it's been a goodyear. We generally have the sameclients year in and year out -- we knowour customers and they know us.

The autumn change was showing onthis cool evening in early October. I leftthe team to get on with the work ofloading some cattle. It’s good to seesatisfied contractors, who obviouslyhave satisfied customers themselves.

For further information on any of themachines please call Paraic McCarthy,Grass Product Specialist at KvernelandGroup Ltd Kilkenny at 087 –9508510,or for further local knowledge from theCrosby’s phone Jim, Donal or MarkCrosby on 086 – 6082529.

Jim Crosby, Birdhill, Drumconrath, Co. Meath.

3

Winner of the Kverneland Competition

Michael Boland from Tullig Cross,Kilrush is a substantial contractor byany standards. Michael was fortunate towin a new Taarup Trailed Mo Co in acompetition jointly sponsored byKverneland Group Ireland and the IrishFarmerʼs Journal in May of 2011.

I called down to see Michael in Octoberand to see how the new Mower hadperformed. We got to talking aboutcontracting in general and of course therole of grass in this largely grass county.Michael was already a Taarup customerwith a TA4332 Auto-swather mower withFront Mower as well. Winning the newmachine (TA4328 –9ft) meant he had achat with his local dealer Whelan’s andexchanged it for a wider model. He alsopurchased another front Mo Co to givehimself two outfits for 2011.

So how did the season go? I asked. “Itwent very well” said Michael, although it’snow all over in one month”. Michael wenton to say that in the past, the silage seasonstarted in May and went on until earlyOctober. “Not so any more” says Michael.“It’s really all over in June now. Farmerswho do a second cut usually make a fewround bales or graze the land. We used todo around 3000 acres, indeed occasionallywell over 3000 acres –now even with newequipment, and more of it, we struggle toget 1500 acres done”.

What about man power? I asked. “Weused to have around 14 guys—almost full

time right through the summer. Six of my2010 crew are now in Australia”-saysMichael. “When things were going well,these young fellows had some work athome on their own farms and were workingsome of the time in construction. Theywelcomed the additional bit of silage work-which could go on over a weekend”. “Sohow are you managing”, I asked. “We havediversified” said Michael. “First of all wepurchased two slurry tankers as mostfarmers want the field mowed, picked upand in the pit followed immediately by slurryapplication. These two jobs now need to bedone at the same time. One tanker is aPiochet 2500 Gal with a trailing shoe andthe other is a Hi Spec 2500 with a nozzleoutlet”.

Diversification:

“When I said we diversified I meant wereally did diversify” says Michael, as Iwondered how adding another layer to analready busy time would help. “We startedlaying football pitches”. “This came aboutalmost by accident” he continued. “We laidout one local pitch—it looked good -- andwe were asked to do another. Now we arecurrently doing six and of course, we willtravel to any job. We now have operationsgoing on in Kilkenny and Galway—I’m onmy way to the job in Galway after we finishour talk”.

“Had you to invest in specialist equipmentfor this kind of work?” I asked. “We boughta D61 Komatsu Dozer with laser levelling

equipment, we already had sufficienttractors in four New Holland’s, twoMassey’s and a Komatsu Shovel but we didneed additional specialist stuff. We boughta Kverneland Stone rake, a stone picker, astone burying machine and of course aplough and power harrow. We also boughta nice trailed blade grader with laserequipment mounted to get a nice levelplaying area. This kind of work is not soseasonal and does spread the work intotimes when we are under less pressure.We now have a team of around eight men-topped up occasionally as the need arises.Getting additional manpower is becomingreally hard to do as the experienced menare just not there anymore”.

Before we left we went through the tractorsand machinery in Michael’s fleet and it isvery impressive. It’s a big investment butMichael reckons he is very lucky -- “wehave a good customer base—and go backyear after year to the same people. Gettingpaid is not a problem although margins aretighter to day. Diesel is a huge factor inrunning our operation as suppliers nowwant payment up front”. Michael reckonsthat only the best dairy men in his localityare doing well, and in fact “only the best willsurvive. The less intensive ones will just getout”

Michael left to visit his Galway site as I tooknote of what he just said. He is really agood example of how to be flexible intoday’s changing world.

Michael Boland, Tullig Cross, Kilrush Co Clare.

Above: Michael Boland

Right: Michael Boland receiving his prize in May2011 from Joseph Whelan.

4

Taarup Butterfly 9 metre TA5090 MoCo cuts 4000acres in its first year!

Newtownbutler is a small town in

County Fermanagh, not far from the

Cavan border, but right in the heart

of Ulster grass country. Neville

Rickey, although a relatively young

man, has been 15 years in the

contracting business. This really is

grass machinery country, as

Nevilleʼs well maintained range of

grass equipment will testify.

Tractor Fleet: Seven: Three Fendt's +

four Deere's, all nice modern tractors

with appropriate grass machinery

behind.

The Fendt 936 with 360 HP handles

the Taarup TA5090 nine metre Butterfly

Mo Co., with BX Swathers attached.

“Its ideal for us” says Neville, with all

the HP needed from time to time on

the hilly country, especially when the

grass is heavy”. “I run the mower

myself, as all the other equipment

depends on its performance”. Bought

in 2010 from Newry Dealer, Alan Milne,

the Taarup Butterfly went to work

around May 10th last year and apart

from one hydraulic pipe break, has not

seen a stop all season. The mower is

currently in the dealer’s workshop in

Newry, for a pre season check over.

Up in front on the Fendt 936, Neville

has a Taarup TA3532F Front mower

(10ft 6ins). “This front mower has the

best suspension I‘ve ever used” says

Neville. “I’ve had other makes in the

past, but they just didn’t stand the

pace.”

For the 2011 season, a new Taarup

TA4332 Trailed Mo Co will be added to

the fleet, along with another new

TA3532F front mower. Together these

will take some of the pressure off at the

busiest time. and “keep two customers

happy at the same time”. The chopper

is a Krone Big X, also new this year,

following four successful seasons with

the previous Big X. “Good reliable

machines”, says Neville—“that’s my

key to successful silage harvesting.”

About half the silage contracted, is

formed immediately into rows, using

Taarup’s BX integrated swather on the

TA5090, with the other half rowed up

after wilting, using a twin rotor Vicon

rake. “It all depends on the farmer’s

wishes at the end of the day” says

Neville.

For further information on the Rickey

operation call Neville at 0044 7779

010714 Mobile.

Taarup Product: Raymond Arnold,

Kverneland Group at 0044 7860

387421 Mobile.

Contractor: Neville Rickey, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh

5

Kverneland i-drill PRO

It was a lovely August morning when Imet Michael, close to Leighlinbridgein Co Carlow. Michael had justfinished up a big baling and wrappingjob and was now starting to reseed 18acres for one of his clients. “Iʼmdouble seeding this field” saysMichael at the request of the owner.“Two bags per acre instead of one”—“itʼs no problem to this i-drill PROmachine” says Michael.

I bought this Kverneland i-drill PRO fromHegarty’s in Tullow in 2008. I had astandard “DA” Drill up to that, and othermakes before. This is undoubtedly thebest machine I’ve ever had. Beingintegrated with the Power Harrow- youknow -- built in the factory as a completemachine, everything fits and holdstogether, because it was designedtogether! It’s also designed for theprofessional user -- easy to adjust-- nomore getting in under the box to set it,and it’s easy to work and clean outafterwards.

It takes a full “big bag” with no problemand I can set the coulters to sow fromnormal cereals to oil seed rape to grassseed as I’m sowing this morning. Itsaccurate to a couple of pounds over

twenty acres –that suits me and it suitsthe farmer client.

“My primary source of income iscontracting, although I have about 45acres of tillage at home myself. I try tokeep small and do the specialist jobs,and do them myself. I will sow around700 acres this year on contract —that’sabout average. I’ve been working this i-drill PRO since 2008. It’s covered over2000 acres so far. I’ve broken oneceramic tip and worn out one set of tineson the Power Harrow –that’s it -- my totalexpenditure –now in it’s fourth year.Some of the land I cover is stony, it takesgood machinery to survive. Ceramic tipson the Drill are to me a must. We simplydon’t ever wear them out. The brokenone hit a big stone the wrong way-- that’sall”.

“I have even used the i-drill to sown intoground following a simple grubber,sowing oil seed rape last year, with goodresults. However as this Eco side of thebusiness is growing a bit, I will look at adisc coulter machine next time. I knowthat Accord now have a new heavy dutydisc type available. I will stick to theKverneland/ Accord as my earlierexperience with other brands turned out

to be costly”.

“The other side of my business is baling.I use a Welger 5x4 Belt baler. This I findsuits most of my customers as I can varythe diameter for them as required. I useall Deutz Fahr Tractors now the Agrotron650 and 600 being my two mainmachines. I also keep an old D8006 -- agreat old run around tractor. It does a lotof the run around jobs. I share a ploughwith a neighbour as neither of us hasenough to do to have one each. Thisworks well as he shares the baler -- wekeep the costs down a little in this way”.

“I’m happy with the business this year”says Michael. “I also think it’s importantto have a good relationship with yourlocal dealer just in case you needsomething out side normal hours”.

Michael can be contacted at : 0599132386 or on Mobile at: 087 2516707.

For further information on the i-drill PROplease call John Mulhall, ProductManager Kverneland Group, Kilkenny on087 2196905 -- or on the web atwww.kvernelandgroup.com

Michael Kelly, Knocknacree, Castledermot, Co. Kildare.

6

The Kverneland Compact Qualidisc:Model: 3 Metre Mounted Machine with Coil Roller.

Kverneland Group Ireland Ltd.,Kilkenny, have just announced thelaunch in Ireland on what looks tobe a promising new addition to theKverneland Tillage programme. “Inessence itʼs an update of the oldfashioned Disc Harrow concept, butwith attitude” said KvernelandProduct Specialist, John Mulhall.

The basic three metre machine hastwo rows of twelve discs, individuallyattached to a 100 x 100mm boxsection frame. Each disc arm ismounted to this box section by a clampwith rubber buffers to provide a flexibleride and yet absorb any shock loads.The concaved 6mm thick hardenednotched discs are mounted on doublerow ball bearings, each on a 35mmaxle. The disc direction is concaved onthe front row and convexed on the rearrow, giving a nice distribution of soilacross the width of the machine.

A nice feature is incorporated into thedesign—as the discs wear, a simple

screw adjustment resets the “cut” tothe optimum depth etc. as wasavailable when the discs were new.The test machine has a spiral coilpacker arrangement fitted, which doesa good job of re-consolidating.

We first tried the machine in fairlytough Co. Meath land with somestones. Setting the depth at aroundthree inches, directly following thecombine in wheat straw stubble, theresults were impressive. The stubblewas well incorporated across the fullwidth providing the right conditions forseed germination. A more aggressivedepth produces a greater depth ofsoil—but obviously needs some morehorse power. Good intensive mixingwas noted on this first pass. Thefarmer owner was impressed with theresult—his comment being “You couldsow directly into that”

The discs are spaced at 30cmsallowing a good flow of materialthrough. The two rows of discs are set

90 cm apart making the lifting jobrelatively easy. The heavy duty frameallows the after fitting of a variety ofpackers- Flexline, Open Roller, Spiralor Actipack. See your local KvernelandDealer for a brochure on the varioustypes offered.

The working depth is easily controlledby the hydraulic cylinders, which havea simple but effective spacer system tolimit the ram stroke.

Finally the Compact Qualidisc is fittedwith parallelogram mounted soildeflectors, which follow the groundcontours and control the soil flow at thesame time. All in all, the results acrossthe field were impressive with a nicelevel seed bed being prepared.

Need more info? Call John ColganKverneland Demonstrator for a Demoon your own farm (087- 2531888) orcontact John Mulhall, ProductSpecialist on 087-2196905.

Kverneland Demonstrator, John Colgan

7

Clifford Roe likes his Heavy Duty Kverneland “S”Power Harrow!

October was still holding out well,weather-wise, when I called to seethe Roe Farm in Ballacolla, Laoise.Rain is forecast and some reductionin the temperature expected overthe next days-this was foremost onson Garryʼs mind as he fitted a newharrow tine on to a coulter.“Stones” he said, “you lose the oddone”.

The Roe’s run an extensive tillage farmin Ballacolla, Laoise and had usedRabe Power Harrows up to last year.“We were up in Hegarty’s and liked thelook of the Kverneland” said Clifford.“We had the “S” Drill on a Rabe PowerHarrow before, but changed this time --really because of the make and look of

the machine.” “We run two ES fivefurrow ploughs and know the quality ofKV gear”

“I think” he said “that you shouldrecommend this model to allcontractors. The lighter “H” Modellooks almost as heavy but we knowfrom experience that in toughconditions like ours, we need thestrongest quality available. This “S”Model has proved just right for us.We’ve done around 500 acres sincewe bought it with no stops at all. Thetines are great -- real heavy duty andeasy to take off if you have to”

“All you need to do is have a look atthe top link attachment point—that’s

heavy duty plating—the whole thing isrugged and holds the drill well. Weuse the John Deere 6830 for thisoperation -- plenty of power and wellmatched to the Power Harrow. Theheavy packer roller leaves a nice finishas well. We’re very happy with our newchoice”.

The Drill has done around 1200 acresso far—“we like it because of the tanksize -- easy to fill with big bags aswell!”

Weather plays such an important rolein everyday farming. I left the Roe’s tofinish off this field. “Still some strawbales to get in” said Garry, that’s thenext job.

Clifford Roe, Ballacolla, Co.Laois

8

James English runs a big tillageenterprise at Ballytrehy, Ballylooby,near Cahir in Co Tipperary. To daythe farm is totally in cereals –approxhalf in winter barley and another 500acres in winter wheat. In addition hemanages to find the time to get inaround 100 acres of spring cornplus another 300 or so forneighbours. All in all, we dosomewhere around the 1600 acreson average.

To get through this acreage, Jamesneeds to have the right equipment. Hisprimary tillage tool is by choice aKverneland trailed PG 7 Furrowplough. He has just traded in his fiveyear old PG plough which was a sixfurrow machine with No 8 bodies. Hehad a demonstration of the No. 28wide bodies last year and decided togo that route in 2012 and to move upto a seven furrow as well.

The PG version is well constructedwith the rear wheel a little past midwaydown the beam. This gives me nice“ins and outs” says James and I getnice tidy headlands.

“I liked the wide furrow left by the No28” says James. “Most of my tractorshave wide profile tyres and this newbody type prevents the furrow wallsbeing collapsed by the tractor tyres.We need to get over work quickly inthe autumn—this combination of theCNH 7060 with around 250 HP plusthe seven furrows is just the right mix.I’ve fitted thrash boards this timeinstead of the more conventionalskimmers I had last time. We are juststarting off to day with the new plough–getting the boards polished andcleaned. The main differences in theplough from my previous model are inthe bigger beefier wheel and itscarrying frame. We modified the last

one—it’s a heavy plough if you have totravel on the roads at speed”.

“I’m delighted to have John Colgandown to set her up” said James. “Johndid the demo last harvest and thatreally made the decision for me toinvest”.

We plough, press and till with a wide5.4 metre Simba and currently sowwith a four metre Horsch Drill. Forharvesting we use a New Holland 8090Combine with a 25ft header.

We bought the new plough from M & SMachinery in Cashel and we have today a fleet of CNH Tractors al from M& S. They are close to us and offergood service if we have any problems.

James can be reached at 0868235216.

James English, Cahir, Co Tipperary.

Kverneland Trailed Plough:2012 Version : 7 Furrow PG Plough with No 28 Bodies.

9

McConnel PA7700T with Revolution Control System

This was my first opportunity to see the2011 version of McConnelʼs PA7700Telescopic Hedge Cutter. This latestversion is fitted with the Companyʼsnew Revolution control system. It wasalso an opportunity to see one of thehedge cutter specialists at work. Theselong reach machines are usually sold totop line Contractors and this was to bethe case with Seamus Coogan.

On approaching the locality where he wasworking, I was impressed by the conditionof the newly cut and trimmed hedges.Coming across a rise, I spotted the JohnDeere and McConnel in the distance. I tooka few photos of the finished work beforedriving to meet Seamus.

Seamus Coogan has been in the HedgeCutting business now for ten years. His firstmachine was also a high spec bracketmounted machine, the well respectedMcConnel PA5000. The PA5000 had theMono Lever Hydraulic control system fitted–in its day, a great, easy to use, troublefree system, and had a five metre reach. Today’s new machine the PA7700T has anincreased seven metre reach and has thenew control system, called Revolution..

“So what’s different” I asked Seamus?

“The first thing I noticed” said Seamus “wasthat the new control box wasprogrammable. I could select the function Iwanted to make proportional, and I couldalso keep an accurate record of the hoursworked on each job. When I finish I just jotdown the hours on the clock and clear thememory for the next job. This is fair to bothme and the customer”. The unit is fitted to aDeere 6810 Tractor—“it’s a goodcombination” Seamus reckons, “looks rightand the tractor has no problem with thereach”. Looking into the cab the controllayout display is easy to read and the joystick lever is close at hand for easyoperation.

“What about the Proportional Hydraulics -how does that work” I asked. Seamusexplained that the joy stick has two rollersat the top. The speed of the hydraulicfunction and the particular function youneed most control of, can be selected bythe driver, and by just rolling the roller youget very fine control of the function youneed. “I’ve done about 350 hours alreadyon this machine” said Seamus “and I find itjust great. Even though it’s a big machinethe layout of the booms make it easy to getinto tight places. Its great to have the extrareach as well” says Seamus “as sometimesI have to let out the main beam to its best

and then I can extend the final hydraulicextension to get at really difficult places. Ican now reach places from the road which Ijust couldn’t do before.” “We are about halfway through the season now and I’m reallyglad I made the change”.

“I bought the unit from Sean Minchin inHegarty’s—we get on well and I know theguys. The tractors are all Deere’s, allbought from Ken Doyle in TempletuohyFarm Machinery”.Seamus also specialises in Silage makingwith a Self Propelled Deere Harvester anduses Deere Mowers. He uses a JCB FarmMaster to put the grass up and has a teamof five usually during the grass campaign.He also does a little ploughing and powerharrowing, mostly for reseeding. ThePlough is a Kverneland ED 85 four furrowand the Power Harrow is a Rabe PKE. 3Metre.

The area of Ballymoon, named afterBallymoon Castle, the ruins of which arejust up the road from Seamus’ house, isapprox four miles east of Bagenalstownwithin sight of Mount Leinster. It’s a reallynice part of the world on a clear winter’sday. Seamus can be contacted at 0876969761.

Seamus Coogan, Ballymoon, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.

10

Winner all Right! McConnel SR6000 Flexwing Mower

The staff at Kildangan Stud, inNorth County Kildare, werepreparing for the busy grassseason ahead. The pristineappearance, evident immediatelyyou enter the stud farm, tells ofthe total care and attention todetail on this impressive farm.

Seamus Moloney, Farm Manager,filled me in on the size and scopeof the farm, and with what theyexpected from their McConnelSR6000 Flexwing Mowers.

“In addition to the stud activities,we also run approx 400 head ofbeef. Until we purchased theMcConnel machine in 2009, thegrass management was a full timejob for one man, during the grass

growing season”. “In total we farmaround 1500 acres here inKildangan.

Tractor driver, Paul O’Toole tells mehe now handles the 1000 acresdevoted to grass, in a much moreorganised way. Coming from theold 12ft machine to “the newMcConnel was great” says Noel.“We try to keep the grass at about6ins at all times. With extensiveuse of paddocks, the ability to foldand go is vital for us. The machineis also very easy to adjust forheight”. It’s a great way to cover alot of ground quickly.

“We cover all the land at leasttwice, so this machine has approx4000 acres cut right now”. Any

problems? “Not one” says Noel—“I’m really happy to go to work withthe McConnel PA6000—it frees meup and allows me to get ahead ofall the other work in the busyseason”.

This McConnel machine was oneof two machines delivered toKildangan and their sistercompany: Ballysheehan Stud, inTipperary, Ireland’s other greatgrass county. The local dealer M/sM & S Machinery Ltd, in Cashel,supplied and set up both machines.Service is important to these largecommercial stud farms. “Good tohave top quality machines and toknow that good factory and localbackup, is there if required” saysSeamus Moloney.

Kildangan Stud, North County Kildare

11

Field Demonstration: Sept 1st 2011.Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow.

The weather remained dry as around 20farmers turned up to see the newMcConnel Discaerator in action nearBagenalstown last week.

“We had the earlier 2010 modelDiscaerator out on test last year and weresuitably impressed”, said KvernelandDemonstrator John Colgan. “However,most Contractors wanted to be able to sowoil seed rape, in the single pass, as well asdoing their deep stubble cultivation. Thisrequired a different roller position, to allowroom for seed pipes etc.”

“The 2011 machine has already been fittedfrom the onset with a Stocks seeder and isready for a new home when we finish offour Demo programme”. McConnel havemade quite a few changes since 2010.

Changes:

“I suppose the biggest change is in the legdesign and release set up. Each leg on the2011 Discaerator is independently pressured by a gas / oil hydraulic ram. If a

rock is encountered each leg can tripindependently” said John. On the 2010machine, each leg was interconnected toits neighbour, all being connected to acentral gas bottle accumulator. This workedfine but had the effect of increasing thepressure on the remaining legs when onewas in the tripped position. This couldcause damage if you were unlucky enoughto encounter two rocks at the same timeand had the horse power!

The other main feature of the McConnel leg is its shape and the fitting of theMcConnel designed, “Slipper” point. Eachleg has a shin piece fitted to protect the legfrom wear. This shin has the effect oflocking the Slipper point in place—no toolsnecessary. The shape of the leg is uniqueas well; it simply doesn’t pull clods to thesurface. Indeed many of the othermachines on the market do suffer from thisproblem. John says “you have to keep onething in mind as you work the Discaerator— you are always moving forward. In thepast people had to back up to relieve ablockage — not so any more — the newleg design looks after the machine’s safety— and you don’t lose any points”

The heavy duty discs are arranged in aspecial way as well. The front row of sixdiscs are spaced at 500mm (approx19inches) and set at a 15 degree angle toforward motion. The rear set of elevendiscs are spaced at 250mm and also offsetthe opposite way at 15 degrees. This set upgives a progressive tilth with the closer rearset redistributing the soil as it passes.Finally the big 800mm rear Ridge Packerdoes the reconsolidation. A choice isoffered if this looks too big for your own setup.

“We are impressed with the new machine”say John. “We’ve done a few Demos at thisstage with good comments coming from allwho see it in action. We have tried the“depth test” ourselves and have achieved14 inches in a compacted field just after thecombine”. “Just what it says on the tin”laughed John as he started another run.

For further information on the McConnelDiscaerator or any McConnel machinescontact John Mulhall, Product Specialist, at087 2196905, or John ColganDemonstrator at 087 2531888.

Test Machine fitted with Stocks Turbo Jet Wizard Oil Seed Rape Seeder.

Demonstration the new 2011 Version of the McConnelDiscaerator to Bagenalstown Tillage Discussion Group.

12

Siloking Taarup 14 cu. Metre Premium Diet Feeder.

The Duggan farm is a busy place,close to the picturesque village ofBlackwater, in Co Wexford. HereJames senior plus sons Patrick andPaul run an extensive farmingenterprise. With around 150 acres ofboth tillage and grass, in the homefarm, it needs to be managed. Inaddition they take on an additional450 acres of hire work as well.

Back to the home farm; “We runaround 100 cows presently,” says Paul,along with followers. “Feeding is animportant operation around here—weneed to get the job done quickly anddone well. We feed a mix of straw plussilage plus maize”.

We bought our Siloking 14 Cube mixerfrom Donohoe’s two years ago, and wehave never looked back. We have hadother machines in the past, but we justdid not get the results from them we

needed. The main reason for buyingthis machine was it looked well builtand strong. We got a demonstrationhere at the farm, and liked what wesaw. The second reason was the frontmounted cross conveyor. “This is a realbenefit” says Paul. We sometimesneed to use up to three fills eachmorning—different mixes for differentlots. The conveyor allows us to feedinto different troughs—either side ofthe machine --a little extra speedplaces the material just where we wantit”. “Mixing time is never more than 15mins—that’s good when you need tomove, to get the day started.”

After two seasons, the machine stilllooks like new. The build, even down tothe crimped side wall of the tank, is topclass, this feature holds the materialmaking it unnecessary to push in therestrictors. The knives do a nicechopping job even without restrictors—

and we can empty the tub after eachfeeding—no residue to go sour. “Itwasn’t the cheapest machine welooked at, but we have made the rightchoice”

Paul has a mixed fleet of machinesfrom John Deere tractors to Kuhnrakes to Kverneland ploughs andMcConnel Hedgecutter. “We buy alllocally, and try to give everyone a turn”says Paul.

The Duggan Farm can be contacted at087 6756917—Paul’s Mobile, forfurther information.

Full details on the Premium 14 Silokingcan be had on the KvernelandWebsite: www.kvernelandgroup.comfollow thee prompts to feeding., orphone Kverneland Product Specialist:-Paraic McCarthy at 087 9508510

Paul Duggan, Ballyhought, Blackwater, Co.Wexford.

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Taarup Duo Feeder

Philip Britton along with his uncle andone other person runs an extensiveoperation at Ballynennan, MullinahoneCo Tipperary. Sliabh na mBan mountainforms a perfect backdrop for this lovelypart of the country. Philip is the son ofHenry Britton who tragically lost his lifein Poland in 2002. The farm formerly inextensive tillage has been transformedinto a dairy operation running around300 cows and some 200 dry-stock. Newmodern buildings supplement theearlier stock houses- but even withmodern buildings stock need to be fed.

Philip had a demonstration of theKverneland Taarup Self Propelled Mixertwo years ago and liked what he saw. Hethen tried out one of the larger 22cu meterTrailed machines in 2010 and liked that somuch that he bought the demonstrator unit.This is a nicely “specked” twin tub machinefitted with Tandem Axles. It has an elevatormounted on the front right corner to feeddirectly into the high troughs in both sheds,and a second outlet on the rear left side.

All the electric controls are operated fromwithin the cab, with a clear weight displayunit mounted close to the driver, locatedoutside, which makes it easy to see whenloading. Philip has been a Diet Feeder manfor many years having gone through fourKeenan machines, before the Kverneland.

“What made you change?” I asked him.“Really it was the speed of mixing and theability to incorporate straw quickly. Therunning costs on the Keenan had alsobecome a problem with a set of knives ataround €2000, which needed constantsharpening. I just had to look at othersystems. The twin auger design of theKverneland machine mixes and cuts veryefficiently and quickly and it does the wholemixing job well. With our animal numbers,we have to get on with the job. Because ofdifferent dietary needs, we need to do sixor seven mixes per day. This we cancomfortably do with the Duo 22 in aroundan hour and a half. Even with difficultmixes, we can easily finish within twohours. After the first day we fitted a set ofauger lifters—weld on plates to give extralift the material—this was a master stroke -making the job of mixing even better.” “Theknives are still razor sharp on theKverneland, even after the first season’swork”.

“We grow most of our own feed-- a mix ofgrass and maize silage. Barley is still grownon the farm providing both grain and strawfor feeding. We currently farm around 600acres with all the silage work beingcontracted out”.

“I work the Feeder myself” said Philip, “andfind the electric controls easy to work.

When I get to the bottom of the tub, I simplyengage the high speed gearbox, the fasterrotation speeds up the flow, and I get a totalclean out of the tubs”. “One thing I will addfor 2011 is an electric variable speed on theelevator. Currently I have to reach out toadjust the oil flow manually—it’s notdifficult, but it’s nice to be able to adjust theflow as you move”.

“I think the Tandem Axle is an absolutenecessity on a machine this size. The largewheels spread the weight well and I get nodamage on yard surfaces. The machineruns smoothly if you have a distance tocover as well. This set up costs a little morebut it is well worth it over the lifetime of themachine.”

“August is one of our quietest months”, headded “it gives us a chance to get ready forthe busy season ahead.” I bought themachine from young Sean Minchen, whoworks for Hegarty’s in Kilkenny. They areclose by if I need them and I find them easypeople to talk to.

Philip can be contacted at 086-8292155.Information on the range of KvernelandTaarup Diet Feeders can be had fromParaic McCarthy, Product Specialist,Kverneland Group, Kilkenny Tel No: 087-9508510 or at www.kvernelandgroup.com.

Philip Britton, Ballynennan

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Tom Woods purchased his ViconRO-M Twin Spreader from FarmPower in Cork, in 2009. Heʼs hadother makes in the past but liked thelook of the new Vicon RO-M and ofcourse knew of the Vicon brand formany years.

“Why did you choose Vicon this timeTom? I asked. “I’ve had a few littleproblems in the past with drives andmachine parts getting rusted up overthe winter on my previous machines, Iliked the design of the RO-M, I likedthe stainless steel components-- theylooked sturdy and serviceable”.

“We use the half ton bags almostexclusively and this machine takesthree bags in comfort. We do about

160 acres of tillage every year on 24metre tramlines. This RO-M machine,when set for 24 metres works reallywell. The other thing I like about it isthat it stays set. Some makes let theadjustments slacken and the controlsthen lose their setting. This can’thappen with the Vicon RO-M, so I’mconfident to let a new driver off andknow the job will be done right”.

“We do quite a bit of grass as well andhere we generally use a 15 meter boutwidth. It’s only a matter of changing acouple of vanes and its reset. I had theborder attachment fitted right at thestart” says Tom. “It’s a simple idea andit allows the driver to control the sidethrow in short ground or if you areclose to a small river or stream”.

“All in all, I’m delighted with themachine, you know even down to thesturdy sieve in the tank—the guy whodesigned this knew his business—it’sstrong and practical, just like the rest ofthe machine”

Would you recommend a Vicon RO-Mto a friend? “Absolutely” says Tom,“we’ve worked it now for two years andnever had stop.

Tom is the second generation ofWood’s to operate as farm contractorsin the Middleton area. He has a niceselection of clean machinery allhoused. “Machines need to be lookedafter to keep them in peak condition”says Tom. It’s easy to see he puts hisown ideas into practice.

Tom Woods, Midleton, Co. Cork.

Vicon RO-M Twin Disc Fertiliser Spreader.

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Kverneland Group Ireland Ltd. Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny IrelandTel : +353 56 7751597 www.kvernelandgroup.com