With the average dairy herd growing in size, many farmers have found themselves getting busier and busier.

To help save time and labour, some have turned to increased mechanisation and technology. Machine owners say that they tend to apply a little more lime when using such a machine over applying by hand, which in turn can help 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.

Below, we outline the main players of walk-behind cubicle sweepers and dispensers available on the Irish market.

With a 12-month warranty, the Daisy Bed is priced at €7,000 including VAT.

Daisy Bed

After a period of testing in 2018, the Daisy Bed walk-behind cubicle cleaner and lime dispenser was launched to market in 2019.

Designed by Purcell brothers John and Tom, the Kilkenny mechanics trialled and perfected the product on their home farm before bringing it to the market.

With a claimed 70 units retailed to date, the Daisy Bed is powered by an 8hp Loncin petrol engine with a pull-start. The unit has the capacity to carry up to 72l, across two tanks (the main tank is 42l, with a 30l add-on).

Coming with a galvanised finish, the firm explained that the wheelbase has a turning circle of just 36in. Both the forward speed and application rate (three options) are independently variable. It’s fitted with a scraper, which covers the machine’s full width (32in). With a 12-month warranty, the machine is priced at €7,000 (£6,270) including VAT.

The RS Agri Evo-Bed Orion.

RS Agri Evo-Bed Orion

RS Agr, based in the UK, offers the Evo-Bed Orion cubicle sweeper and dispenser.

The Orion is fitted with a 9.5hp electric start Kubota diesel engine, with a hydrostatic drive unit powering the two front wheels.

The front-mounted hopper has a 470l capacity and is equipped with an agitator and auger. It has the ability to apply sawdust, lime or any powder disinfectants.

The 700mm brush is mounted on a hydraulically adjustable arm whereby working height and sweeping width can be set accordingly. The machine is steered by the operator via the two rear free-moving wheels.

With a cubicle sweeper and lime spreader, the Tuchel Farm clean is priced at €6,500 (£5,830) plus VAT.

Tuchel-Tool Farm Clean

In the walk-behind category, Tuchel has its Farm Clean unit, imported and distributed by Anner Agri. It’s fitted with a 5.5hp Honda petrol engine and fully galvanised chassis. Forward and reverse variable speed control is offered as standard, with a maximum forward speed of 3.7km/h.

Similar to its larger ride-on counterparts, a range of tools can be fitted using the quick-attach system. Aside from a sweeper, 200cm, scraper and 48l lime dispenser, there are a number of other attachment available. This configuration is priced at €6,500 (£5,830) plus VAT.

Prices for the electric Eco Bedder start at €6,000 plus VAT.

Connacht Agri Eco Bedder

Connacht Agri Supplies also offers its own design of an electric sweeper and lime or sawdust dispenser. The recently introduced battery-powered unit is known as the Eco Bedder. Powered by a 48V battery, Connacht Agri claims the unit will last for 3km at walking pace or long enough to clean and apply product to 2,500 cubicles. The two-wheel-drive unit comes with its own charging station. With no noise, no oil and no filters involved, prices for the Eco Bedder start at €6,000 plus VAT.

Prices for the tracked walk-behind Connacht Agri designed unit start from €7,500 plus VAT.

The company also offers a walk-behind tracked machine. Powered by a 6.5hp one-cylinder Kubota air-cooled engine, it too has the ability to apply lime, sawdust and peat. Prices start from €7,500 plus VAT.