With the average dairy herd growing in size, many farmers have found themselves getting busier and busier. To help save time and labour, many have turned to increased mechanisation and technology, such as cubicle sweepers and dispensers. Machine owners say that they tend to apply a little more lime when using such a machine over applying by hand, in turn helping to improve hygiene while saving time.
Having spoken with a number of manufacturers and importers, there appears to be a waiting list for most machines due to demand. In this article, we outline the main players when it comes to cubicle sweepers and dispensers available on the Irish market.
Bobman
Claiming to have over 500 machines working in Ireland, Bobman has been imported and distributed here by Roscommon-based Moorway Ltd since 2008.
The Bobman range encompasses four models, starting at the Promax and ranging to the flagship SL self-loading machine. The Irish spec for these machines includes three-wheel drive and the option of a painted or galvanised unit at the same price.
The entry-level Promax features a Hatz single-cylinder diesel engine with electric start, a 1m scraper and a 75cm hydraulically powered static brush.
Weighing in at 450kg, it features a turning radius of 1.4m. It can be used to apply powder disinfectant or lime and is priced at €15,400 (£13,835) including VAT.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range unit is powered by a two-cylinder Kubota diesel engine.
It’s equipped with a 1,000l hopper capacity, with the option of a top box to further increase capacity.
This unit is self-loading, with a tipping hopper.
Fitted with a 1.3m-wide scraper, it has a hydraulically operated brush arm, with a 75cm static brush.
With a weight of 950kg, this model can apply a full range of material, including chopped straw, sawdust, lime or wood shavings, peat bed, paper mulch, etc.
Featuring a 2.4m turning radius, it’s priced at €26,500 (£23,810) including VAT.
The flagship Tuchel-Trac Trio is priced at €20,320 (£18,250) plus VAT.
Anner Agri, based in Clonmel, imports and distributes the German-built Tuchel-Trac range of cubicle sweepers. All machines are designed so that a range of attachments can be interchanged using a quick-attach system.
The Tuchel-Trac Mini 2 H is currently the firm’s most cost-effective ride-on option. It comes fitted with a 10.2hp single-cylinder Honda petrol engine in pull start and keystart variations. The two-front wheels are hydrostatically driven with the rear-wheel steering, allowing for a 49cm (inner) turning radius. This particular machine is fitted with a 32cm brush (9.8l/min flowrate), 105cm scraper and larger 150l (48l standard) rear-mounted lime dispenser and is priced at €10,320 (£9,265) plus VAT.
Tuchel also offers its Trio model flagship ride-on machine. It is fitted with a 20hp three-cylinder diesel Kubota engine, mounted on a single-piece chassis with an overall turning radius of 92cm (inner). A 25l/min dual hydraulic pump is fitted as standard. One pump takes care of the 3wd dual-speed transmission, while the second looks after all other hydraulic functions including power-steering, which is offered as standard.
The self-loading front hopper is fitted with an agitator and variable speed belt conveyor to control the spread of lime, sawdust, peat or chopped straw. A four-way joystick controls all major functions. This particular machine is fitted with a cubicle brush, 1.45m scraper and 450l front hopper and is priced at €20,320 (£18,250) plus VAT.
Pricing for the Q-Bed 320 starts at €12,800 (£11,500) plus VAT.
Based in Co Armagh, Plantmec has been manufacturing its Q-Bed machines since 2011. Keeping it simple, the firm only offers one model, which has been updated over the years. Now named the Q-Bed 320, it is fitted with a single-cylinder Hatz diesel engine which churns out 10hp. It uses a tandem hydraulic pump, one of which takes care of the transmission, powering each of its three wheels, while the other pump looks after all other hydraulic functions.
The Q-Bed 320 is fitted with a manually-filled hopper ranging from 500l to 650l in size, depending on specification. It can be used to dispense lime, sawdust, peat or powder disinfectant, etc. Material is distributed via flywheel and regulated via guillotine door. A hydraulic agitator can also be fitted, if required.
The Q-Bed 320 model comes galvanised as standard. Typical machine specs in addition to the front hopper include a 70cm-diameter adjustable brush and 1m-wide scrapper.
Brush speed can be proportionally adjusted on the move, with its working position and camber also adjustable.
A scraper with a longer right-side wing can be fitted, which is said to clean more of the slat or walkway. A new feature to the 320 model is the 16in front wheel, which provides better ground clearance. Other optional features include a chemical sprayer and larger-diameter brush. The Q-Bed 320 starts at €12,800 (£11,500) plus VAT.
The Westermann CM2 comes with a choice of diesel or petrol engines while pricing starts at €7,500 plus VAT.
Mayo-based Connacht Agri Supplies imports and distributes the German-manufactured range of Westermann cubicle sweepers and dispensers. The firm offers a range of sizes and specifications, depending on what’s required. The entry-level ride-on self-propelled machine is the Westermann CM2. It comes with the choice of a 7hp petrol-powered Honda engine or an 8hp diesel-powered Hatz engine with electric start.
The CM2 features hydrostatic drive through the front axle. Equipped with a brush, a scraper and a dispenser, the CM2 is fit to handle lime, peat, sawdust or shavings. The firm has said that the CM2 is like a mini-tractor, rather than just a cubicle sweeper.
The cubicle sweeper and dispenser can be removed and the machine can be used to drive other implements such as feed augers or axial sweepers.
At the upper end of the scale is the flagship Westermann XL.
The XL compact tractor is powered by an 11hp two-cylinder Kubota water-cooled engine. This all-wheel-drive unit features increased ground clearance and has a 24l/min hydraulic capacity.
Similar to the CM2, the XL is a multi-functional machine. The XL can be specified with a 350l storage capacity or as a self-loading unit with the larger 540l capacity (suitable for those using sawdust). Prices for the basic configuration unit start at €7,500 plus VAT, while the upper end ranges to €18,000 plus VAT.
Located in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Broderick Engineering has been building and distributing its own cubicle sweepers since 2012. To date, the firm offers just one model, the Cubi-Clean CC10.
The Cubi-Clean CC10 has a fully galvanised frame and hopper as standard. It is fitted with a 10hp Yanmar air-cooled, diesel engine with electric start-stop.
An external air filter and pre-cleaner is fitted to handle dusty conditions as a result of typical lime and sawdust application. The two rear wheels are hydrostatically driven while the front takes care of steering.
Standard specification includes a 120cm-wide scraper, 70cm-diameter brush and a 900l self-loading hopper, which is mounted to the rear of the operator. Inside the hopper, there is a hydraulic agitator for mixing and aiding the distribution of lime, sawdust, peat or powder disinfectant.
The brush head is hydraulically adjustable, while the scraper can be raised and lowered hydraulically too.
The machine is equipped as standard with a suspended seat and LED lighting.
Each of the three wheels are 42.5cm in diameter and provide good ground clearance. It is priced at €16,665 (£14,950) plus VAT.
With the average dairy herd growing in size, many farmers have found themselves getting busier and busier. To help save time and labour, many have turned to increased mechanisation and technology, such as cubicle sweepers and dispensers. Machine owners say that they tend to apply a little more lime when using such a machine over applying by hand, in turn helping to improve hygiene while saving time.
Having spoken with a number of manufacturers and importers, there appears to be a waiting list for most machines due to demand. In this article, we outline the main players when it comes to cubicle sweepers and dispensers available on the Irish market.
Bobman
Claiming to have over 500 machines working in Ireland, Bobman has been imported and distributed here by Roscommon-based Moorway Ltd since 2008.
The Bobman range encompasses four models, starting at the Promax and ranging to the flagship SL self-loading machine. The Irish spec for these machines includes three-wheel drive and the option of a painted or galvanised unit at the same price.
The entry-level Promax features a Hatz single-cylinder diesel engine with electric start, a 1m scraper and a 75cm hydraulically powered static brush.
Weighing in at 450kg, it features a turning radius of 1.4m. It can be used to apply powder disinfectant or lime and is priced at €15,400 (£13,835) including VAT.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range unit is powered by a two-cylinder Kubota diesel engine.
It’s equipped with a 1,000l hopper capacity, with the option of a top box to further increase capacity.
This unit is self-loading, with a tipping hopper.
Fitted with a 1.3m-wide scraper, it has a hydraulically operated brush arm, with a 75cm static brush.
With a weight of 950kg, this model can apply a full range of material, including chopped straw, sawdust, lime or wood shavings, peat bed, paper mulch, etc.
Featuring a 2.4m turning radius, it’s priced at €26,500 (£23,810) including VAT.
The flagship Tuchel-Trac Trio is priced at €20,320 (£18,250) plus VAT.
Anner Agri, based in Clonmel, imports and distributes the German-built Tuchel-Trac range of cubicle sweepers. All machines are designed so that a range of attachments can be interchanged using a quick-attach system.
The Tuchel-Trac Mini 2 H is currently the firm’s most cost-effective ride-on option. It comes fitted with a 10.2hp single-cylinder Honda petrol engine in pull start and keystart variations. The two-front wheels are hydrostatically driven with the rear-wheel steering, allowing for a 49cm (inner) turning radius. This particular machine is fitted with a 32cm brush (9.8l/min flowrate), 105cm scraper and larger 150l (48l standard) rear-mounted lime dispenser and is priced at €10,320 (£9,265) plus VAT.
Tuchel also offers its Trio model flagship ride-on machine. It is fitted with a 20hp three-cylinder diesel Kubota engine, mounted on a single-piece chassis with an overall turning radius of 92cm (inner). A 25l/min dual hydraulic pump is fitted as standard. One pump takes care of the 3wd dual-speed transmission, while the second looks after all other hydraulic functions including power-steering, which is offered as standard.
The self-loading front hopper is fitted with an agitator and variable speed belt conveyor to control the spread of lime, sawdust, peat or chopped straw. A four-way joystick controls all major functions. This particular machine is fitted with a cubicle brush, 1.45m scraper and 450l front hopper and is priced at €20,320 (£18,250) plus VAT.
Pricing for the Q-Bed 320 starts at €12,800 (£11,500) plus VAT.
Based in Co Armagh, Plantmec has been manufacturing its Q-Bed machines since 2011. Keeping it simple, the firm only offers one model, which has been updated over the years. Now named the Q-Bed 320, it is fitted with a single-cylinder Hatz diesel engine which churns out 10hp. It uses a tandem hydraulic pump, one of which takes care of the transmission, powering each of its three wheels, while the other pump looks after all other hydraulic functions.
The Q-Bed 320 is fitted with a manually-filled hopper ranging from 500l to 650l in size, depending on specification. It can be used to dispense lime, sawdust, peat or powder disinfectant, etc. Material is distributed via flywheel and regulated via guillotine door. A hydraulic agitator can also be fitted, if required.
The Q-Bed 320 model comes galvanised as standard. Typical machine specs in addition to the front hopper include a 70cm-diameter adjustable brush and 1m-wide scrapper.
Brush speed can be proportionally adjusted on the move, with its working position and camber also adjustable.
A scraper with a longer right-side wing can be fitted, which is said to clean more of the slat or walkway. A new feature to the 320 model is the 16in front wheel, which provides better ground clearance. Other optional features include a chemical sprayer and larger-diameter brush. The Q-Bed 320 starts at €12,800 (£11,500) plus VAT.
The Westermann CM2 comes with a choice of diesel or petrol engines while pricing starts at €7,500 plus VAT.
Mayo-based Connacht Agri Supplies imports and distributes the German-manufactured range of Westermann cubicle sweepers and dispensers. The firm offers a range of sizes and specifications, depending on what’s required. The entry-level ride-on self-propelled machine is the Westermann CM2. It comes with the choice of a 7hp petrol-powered Honda engine or an 8hp diesel-powered Hatz engine with electric start.
The CM2 features hydrostatic drive through the front axle. Equipped with a brush, a scraper and a dispenser, the CM2 is fit to handle lime, peat, sawdust or shavings. The firm has said that the CM2 is like a mini-tractor, rather than just a cubicle sweeper.
The cubicle sweeper and dispenser can be removed and the machine can be used to drive other implements such as feed augers or axial sweepers.
At the upper end of the scale is the flagship Westermann XL.
The XL compact tractor is powered by an 11hp two-cylinder Kubota water-cooled engine. This all-wheel-drive unit features increased ground clearance and has a 24l/min hydraulic capacity.
Similar to the CM2, the XL is a multi-functional machine. The XL can be specified with a 350l storage capacity or as a self-loading unit with the larger 540l capacity (suitable for those using sawdust). Prices for the basic configuration unit start at €7,500 plus VAT, while the upper end ranges to €18,000 plus VAT.
Located in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Broderick Engineering has been building and distributing its own cubicle sweepers since 2012. To date, the firm offers just one model, the Cubi-Clean CC10.
The Cubi-Clean CC10 has a fully galvanised frame and hopper as standard. It is fitted with a 10hp Yanmar air-cooled, diesel engine with electric start-stop.
An external air filter and pre-cleaner is fitted to handle dusty conditions as a result of typical lime and sawdust application. The two rear wheels are hydrostatically driven while the front takes care of steering.
Standard specification includes a 120cm-wide scraper, 70cm-diameter brush and a 900l self-loading hopper, which is mounted to the rear of the operator. Inside the hopper, there is a hydraulic agitator for mixing and aiding the distribution of lime, sawdust, peat or powder disinfectant.
The brush head is hydraulically adjustable, while the scraper can be raised and lowered hydraulically too.
The machine is equipped as standard with a suspended seat and LED lighting.
Each of the three wheels are 42.5cm in diameter and provide good ground clearance. It is priced at €16,665 (£14,950) plus VAT.
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