This week sees the Irish Farmers Journal machinery team look into winter feeding equipment.

At the moment, grass growth is good- there is still barley to be harvested and straw to bale. The occasional pit of silage is also being made.

The feeding of livestock across all livestock farming systems is a really big part of the winter months. The quality of feed and time involved are essential to ensure that the farm remains productive.

Labour is a big issue, especially for the part-time farmer.

Darren looks at the options for handling bales I catch up with a dairy farmer who has invested in a new Keenan feeder to buffer feed the cows on his farm.

This week we also have part two of the value tractors in the 90-100hp class, ideal for winter feeding on livestock farms

Fastparts introduces new Hayknife

Farmhand’s parts division Fastparts unveiled its latest product, the Hayknife, ahead of the winter feeding season.

Stephen Scrivener from Farmhand says the idea behind the Hayknife is to eliminate the common problem of misplacing your knife which is used daily to open silage bales.

The Hayknife is made out of a durable plastic, and is large and bright enough so as that it is not easily lost. The grip design allows two hands to be used if necessary.

The Hayknife features a folding replaceable Stanley blade which locks in place for cutting.

Behind the blade is a hook design that is then used to pull the plastic and net off the bale allowing the user to avoid contamination from the plastic.

The Hayknife can also be used as a long-handle knife for various other jobs, such as opening large bags of seed and fertiliser.

The Hayknife has a retail price of €39.99 and is available from all Fastparts dealers.

WR Shaws takes on new salesperson

Colm Geraghty has been appointed to the sales team at WR Shaw.

Commenting on the appointment Billy Shaw, owner of WR Shaw, said: “Colm brings a fantastic level of experience having worked for New Holland on the demonstration team for the last few years.”

Colm, a native of the midlands, will cover the new region of Longford and Westmeath for the business.

Siloking update new self-propelled feeder

The new Siloking self-propelled feeder which has received an update to the cab, engine and hydraulics is not a common machine in Ireland. This size machine is probably beyond the reach of the typical farmer, but it may an option for contractors or large feed lots.

With the SelfLine 4.0, Siloking is presenting a new generation of self-propelled vertical feed mixers. Siloking keeps the well-proven combination of 2m-wide milling head with 42 knives for silo extraction.

The conveying chute or channel is located close to the centre of the vehicle.

All SelfLine 4.0 model ranges are fitted with Volvo engines as standard.

The model ranges SelfLine 4.0 Compact 1612 and Premium 2215 use four-cylinder D5 engines that meet emission standard stage IV, with a cylinder capacity of 5.1 litres and power ranges of 105 to 160 kW (143 to 218hp).

Siloking says the upgraded engines have high torque values of 710 to 910 Nm at low speed, resulting in low fuel consumption.

According to Siloking, the low vibration level of the large-capacity four-cylinder engine ensures minimum wear and a long life. The standard engine oil has to be changed every 1,000 operating hours only. Compared to the previous engine, this means twice as much time between maintenance intervals.

In the SelfLine 4.0, all components from the milling head to the mixing unit are driven hydraulically.

The new system reduces the total demand for hydraulic oil by 20%, which remains below 140 litres despite the large number of hydraulic consumers on the machine.

Siloking says the new filter system with return filter means that the hydraulic oil is filtered in an optimal way, resulting in maintenance intervals of 1,000 operating hours.

For relaxed and comfortable working, the SelfLine 4.0 features a new spacious cab. Siloking says it offers excellent all-round visibility and numerous comfort features.

These include the standard air-suspended seat with integrated multi-functional armrest as well as the three-way adjustable steering column, a low cab entry with wide door and the automatic cabin lighting. The windscreen angle ensures more space in the cabin and less dirt contamination, since dirt can no longer settle on the screen. Large wipers also ensure clear vision in the rain.

Auction and full clearance of quality farm machinery

The sale of all items with no reserve from a well-respected farmer/contractor in Baltinglass takes place on 22 October.

A broad range of equipment is on offer, mainly bought as new with a genuine reason for sale. Micheal Doyle, local auctioneer, said he is excited to be instructed to sell the impressive set of machinery, and expects a huge turnout on the day.

One of the highlights of the auction is a New Holland 8060 tractor with only 900 hours. There are several other tractors on offer including a TS 115, also with low hours in good condition according to the auctioneer. A popular item on the books is a 2007 JCB 412S which will surely interest many dairy and tillage farmers. There is a vast range of tillage equipment including a One Pass power harrow and a Kverneland plough. Grassland equipment includes a Strautmann silage wagon described as like new. Other machines in this sector include balers, mowers, a wrapper and many other tractor attachments to complement these machines.

Plant equipment includes a track machine, a low-loader trailer and a dump trailer. Other items of interest include sprayers, a Bredal spreader, a Welger round bailer, various trailers, and a hedge cutter.

The equipment is available to view on Thursday 20 and Friday 21, from 11am to 4pm at the auction site. You can also view on the morning of the auction from 9:30am onwards. Micheal and his team are happy to answer any questions you may have about the upcoming event, and are available anytime on (087) 910 6151 or mdoyle.properties@gmail.com