A Leinster farmer sent us in a timely labour-saving tip. It is a half-tonne fertiliser bag lift that can be attached to the front loader of the tractor. Fertiliser season is upon us, or will be if the weather starts to improve.

With calving and lambing under way, many farmers are in a hurry so sometimes shortcuts are taken. Sometimes the shortcuts can cost us dearly.

According to the farmer, after feeding cattle all winter with the silage grab, the level of wear of the tines can be underestimated. Often one fork on the grab is used to lift a half-tonne bag of fertiliser up into the air and balance it over the spreader. Someone then places half his body under the swinging bag to cut it.

Dangerous

A half-tonne bag hanging from a loader is not safe, but add uneven or rough ground conditions and the result could be a very dangerous shortcut.

The farmer said: “With a few lengths of heavy box iron and a quick attach frame you can have a safe shortcut.” This frame is designed to allow for quick and safe handling of half-tonne bags of fertiliser. The main centre shaft allows for long reach so bags can be picked from pallets inside other pallets. The long reach also allows for filling tall spreaders on wheeled frames.

The oversized hook makes it easy to pick up the bag without having to leave the seat of the tractor and also prevents the bag slipping off during handling. The side frames prevent the dreaded “swing” when carrying the bag.

The frames restrict movement of the bag and maintains the centre of gravity over the centre of the front axle.