Rathcunikeen Dairy is headed up by brothers Jimmy and John Bourke.
Based in Two Mile Borris near Thurles in Co Tipperary, the duo are in a partnership, milking 400 cows. The brothers carry out all fertiliser spreading in-house.
Using not one, but two trusted Vicon wagtail spreaders up until 2005, they broke the cycle, and were the first in their general area to make the move to a Bogballe twin disc spreader.
Since then, the brothers have bought four new Bogballe spreaders, including a new M45W last year.
“The Vicon wagtail were a great machine, but we want a larger capacity machine, which offered a wider spreading width. We looked at the market and felt the Bogballe was the most suitable machine for us at the time,” explained Jimmy.
Impressed
“This was a decision that paid dividends, four machines later and we haven’t looked back. From day one, we were hugely impressed with the accuracy of the Bogballe spreaders, even without GPS and the modern technology, when it was calibrated, it wouldn’t be a bag out on a couple of tonnes.
“From the get-go, the spreaders were simple and well finished. The people behind the brand such as Trevor in Atkins have a great knowledge and interest in what they do. We are loyal to a brand, when it works well.”
Bogie axle
When the Bourkes moved to the larger spreader back in 2005, they decided to mount it on a bogie axle, which was a single axle, solid bogie unit built by Condells.
At the time, Jimmy was doing some contracting work, and explained that he liked the fact that once the spreader was mounted on the bogie, it was permanently set up to spread.
“Once initially mounted correctly, it was always level. There was no variation in the drop arms or the top link etc, and it was much easier and, importantly, much quicker to put on,” said Jimmy.
“We used the Condell bogie for 10 years, then upgraded it to our first Meredith bogie in 2015. We ran that same machine up until last year, when we bought a new spreader and also changed for another new Meredith bogie, which was rated to carry more weight.”
Meredith Engineering is headed up by brothers Ian and Andrew. Based in Beechgrove, Stradbally, Co Laois, the tillage farming brothers first began building the units 25 years ago, initially for use on their own farm.
Tandem bogie
The firm’s tandem bogie is designed around a strong chassis which is supported underneath along its full length.
With several sizes and specifications of bogie available, the Bourkes are running a TA 5 model. This model comes standard fitted with 500/50/17 tyres, with wider tyres available.
The axles feature enclosed hydraulic 100mm brakes on all four wheels. The frame is fitted with truck-type shock absorber dampers to give smoother travel, especially when empty.
The axle spacing width is 1.8m (72in). The unit has its own pressure control valve system and returns excess oil through the valve chest. It is fitted with a pick-up hitch, but can be equipped with a ball-and-spoon hitch.
We have a lot of fragmented ground, some of which is up to 14 miles away so the spreader is on the road quite a bit. You couldn’t dream of doing this speed if the spreader was linkage mounted
This is claimed to give smooth travel for the machine and make the unit very stable.
The bogie comes with a safety platform with an access ladder. It’s finished with plastic mudguards and powder coated paint. The cost of the TA 5, 5t rated bogie is €10,000, plus VAT.
“The Meredith bogie is seriously well designed. Even with 4-4.5t of fertiliser in the spreader, the bogie is extremely steady both on the road and on the land. In our eyes, the bogie is very safe, we run it on a Claas Arion 620, and even with travelling at 50km/h loaded on the road, its steady.
“We have a lot of fragmented ground, some of which is up to 14 miles away so the spreader is on the road quite a bit. You couldn’t dream of doing this speed if the spreader was linkage mounted. The bogie is well finished, and thanks to the shock absorbers, it rides very smooth on the road. We couldn’t recommend it enough,” said Jimmy.
Bogballe M45W Dynamic
Initially starting off with a standard machine, moving to an M2, then an M3W plus, the natural progression for the farm was to move up to the M45W, which was purchased new last year. The changes in spreaders also brought about changes in working widths, with the brothers moving from 12m bout widths, to 18m and now up to 21m with their latest machine.
The M45W is a 4,500kg capacity spreader and has a spreading width range from 12m up to 42m. Like all Bogballe machines, this spreader operates with inward-turning discs.
The asymmetrically opening metering slides ensure optimal application point, regardless of the spread rate and driving speed. Its GPS dynamic section control automatically closes the spreader’s shutters in areas where fertiliser has already been applied, such as points and headlands.
Eight-main sections are displayed on the terminal, with each containing five subsections. Section closure takes place in sliding movements to ensure uniform overlap of fertiliser on headlands and in points. The M45W plus comes as standard with an onboard weighing system with automatic calibration.
“We decided to go for the larger spreader simply to carry more fertiliser, and get through the workload quicker,” explained Jimmy. “During the season, we like to get around the whole farm once a week with fertiliser, so it was a matter of improving efficiency really. We have one 20-acre block which is really level, and nice ground to work out.
“Last autumn during the final round of spreading, I timed myself. I covered the 20 acres in just 20 minutes. The larger spreader with wider working widths on the bogie with section control is a dream for getting through work quickly, without compromising on accuracy.”
“We decided to invest in a hydraulically driven machine this time round, and that’s a decision we are really happy with.
"The 620 Arion tractor we use is a Cebis model, and I can set my spreader speeds on the terminal, independent to engine rpm and forward speed.
“It cost a few pound more to go this route, but in our eyes it was well worth the investment, it just gives us more control. I wouldn’t go back to a PTO powered spreader again,” added Jimmy.
Pricing for the M45W ranges from €33,000 to €40,000 plus vat, depending on specification.
Patchworks GPS
The Bourkes have been dealing with Robert O’Shea of Fossland Services since they purchased their first GPS system back in 2008. Their first system was a Raven Cruizer, and although it had full technical capabilities, it was initially used as just a basic guidance system.
In line with updating their fertiliser spreader, the brothers updated their GPS system in 2015 to a Patchworks Blackbox Advance. This system came with a seven-inch screen and featured full guidance with section control.
Again, last year, when they upgraded spreaders, they moved to a Patchworks Blackbox Marine, which is the latest offering from Patchworks. This comes with a nine-inch screen, and again offers full section control with auto shut off and headland control.
On the screen, it also displays the target rate, the actual application rate and the working width. It uses a G2 antenna, which is physically a very small receiver, which the brothers say never has a problem with signal.
This is a non-IsoBus spreader, so the system works off the Bogballe controller, with the spreaders control unit acting as a slave for the Patchworks system. They are simply connected via an RS 232 plug. Prices for this type of guidance system start from €3,320 plus VAT.
The M45W is a 4,500kg capacity spreader and has a spreading width range from 12m up to 42m.
The Meredith bogie comes with heavy duty shock absorbers on the front axle to absorb vibration.
The M45W plus comes as standard with an onboard weighing system with automatic calibration.
“We decided to invest in a hydraulically driven machine this time round, and that’s a decision we are really happy with,” said Jimmy.
This is a non-IsoBus spreader, so the GPS system works off the Bogballe controller, with the spreaders control unit acting as a slave for the Patchworks GPS system.
Rathcunikeen Dairy is headed up by brothers Jimmy and John Bourke.
Based in Two Mile Borris near Thurles in Co Tipperary, the duo are in a partnership, milking 400 cows. The brothers carry out all fertiliser spreading in-house.
Using not one, but two trusted Vicon wagtail spreaders up until 2005, they broke the cycle, and were the first in their general area to make the move to a Bogballe twin disc spreader.
Since then, the brothers have bought four new Bogballe spreaders, including a new M45W last year.
“The Vicon wagtail were a great machine, but we want a larger capacity machine, which offered a wider spreading width. We looked at the market and felt the Bogballe was the most suitable machine for us at the time,” explained Jimmy.
Impressed
“This was a decision that paid dividends, four machines later and we haven’t looked back. From day one, we were hugely impressed with the accuracy of the Bogballe spreaders, even without GPS and the modern technology, when it was calibrated, it wouldn’t be a bag out on a couple of tonnes.
“From the get-go, the spreaders were simple and well finished. The people behind the brand such as Trevor in Atkins have a great knowledge and interest in what they do. We are loyal to a brand, when it works well.”
Bogie axle
When the Bourkes moved to the larger spreader back in 2005, they decided to mount it on a bogie axle, which was a single axle, solid bogie unit built by Condells.
At the time, Jimmy was doing some contracting work, and explained that he liked the fact that once the spreader was mounted on the bogie, it was permanently set up to spread.
“Once initially mounted correctly, it was always level. There was no variation in the drop arms or the top link etc, and it was much easier and, importantly, much quicker to put on,” said Jimmy.
“We used the Condell bogie for 10 years, then upgraded it to our first Meredith bogie in 2015. We ran that same machine up until last year, when we bought a new spreader and also changed for another new Meredith bogie, which was rated to carry more weight.”
Meredith Engineering is headed up by brothers Ian and Andrew. Based in Beechgrove, Stradbally, Co Laois, the tillage farming brothers first began building the units 25 years ago, initially for use on their own farm.
Tandem bogie
The firm’s tandem bogie is designed around a strong chassis which is supported underneath along its full length.
With several sizes and specifications of bogie available, the Bourkes are running a TA 5 model. This model comes standard fitted with 500/50/17 tyres, with wider tyres available.
The axles feature enclosed hydraulic 100mm brakes on all four wheels. The frame is fitted with truck-type shock absorber dampers to give smoother travel, especially when empty.
The axle spacing width is 1.8m (72in). The unit has its own pressure control valve system and returns excess oil through the valve chest. It is fitted with a pick-up hitch, but can be equipped with a ball-and-spoon hitch.
We have a lot of fragmented ground, some of which is up to 14 miles away so the spreader is on the road quite a bit. You couldn’t dream of doing this speed if the spreader was linkage mounted
This is claimed to give smooth travel for the machine and make the unit very stable.
The bogie comes with a safety platform with an access ladder. It’s finished with plastic mudguards and powder coated paint. The cost of the TA 5, 5t rated bogie is €10,000, plus VAT.
“The Meredith bogie is seriously well designed. Even with 4-4.5t of fertiliser in the spreader, the bogie is extremely steady both on the road and on the land. In our eyes, the bogie is very safe, we run it on a Claas Arion 620, and even with travelling at 50km/h loaded on the road, its steady.
“We have a lot of fragmented ground, some of which is up to 14 miles away so the spreader is on the road quite a bit. You couldn’t dream of doing this speed if the spreader was linkage mounted. The bogie is well finished, and thanks to the shock absorbers, it rides very smooth on the road. We couldn’t recommend it enough,” said Jimmy.
Bogballe M45W Dynamic
Initially starting off with a standard machine, moving to an M2, then an M3W plus, the natural progression for the farm was to move up to the M45W, which was purchased new last year. The changes in spreaders also brought about changes in working widths, with the brothers moving from 12m bout widths, to 18m and now up to 21m with their latest machine.
The M45W is a 4,500kg capacity spreader and has a spreading width range from 12m up to 42m. Like all Bogballe machines, this spreader operates with inward-turning discs.
The asymmetrically opening metering slides ensure optimal application point, regardless of the spread rate and driving speed. Its GPS dynamic section control automatically closes the spreader’s shutters in areas where fertiliser has already been applied, such as points and headlands.
Eight-main sections are displayed on the terminal, with each containing five subsections. Section closure takes place in sliding movements to ensure uniform overlap of fertiliser on headlands and in points. The M45W plus comes as standard with an onboard weighing system with automatic calibration.
“We decided to go for the larger spreader simply to carry more fertiliser, and get through the workload quicker,” explained Jimmy. “During the season, we like to get around the whole farm once a week with fertiliser, so it was a matter of improving efficiency really. We have one 20-acre block which is really level, and nice ground to work out.
“Last autumn during the final round of spreading, I timed myself. I covered the 20 acres in just 20 minutes. The larger spreader with wider working widths on the bogie with section control is a dream for getting through work quickly, without compromising on accuracy.”
“We decided to invest in a hydraulically driven machine this time round, and that’s a decision we are really happy with.
"The 620 Arion tractor we use is a Cebis model, and I can set my spreader speeds on the terminal, independent to engine rpm and forward speed.
“It cost a few pound more to go this route, but in our eyes it was well worth the investment, it just gives us more control. I wouldn’t go back to a PTO powered spreader again,” added Jimmy.
Pricing for the M45W ranges from €33,000 to €40,000 plus vat, depending on specification.
Patchworks GPS
The Bourkes have been dealing with Robert O’Shea of Fossland Services since they purchased their first GPS system back in 2008. Their first system was a Raven Cruizer, and although it had full technical capabilities, it was initially used as just a basic guidance system.
In line with updating their fertiliser spreader, the brothers updated their GPS system in 2015 to a Patchworks Blackbox Advance. This system came with a seven-inch screen and featured full guidance with section control.
Again, last year, when they upgraded spreaders, they moved to a Patchworks Blackbox Marine, which is the latest offering from Patchworks. This comes with a nine-inch screen, and again offers full section control with auto shut off and headland control.
On the screen, it also displays the target rate, the actual application rate and the working width. It uses a G2 antenna, which is physically a very small receiver, which the brothers say never has a problem with signal.
This is a non-IsoBus spreader, so the system works off the Bogballe controller, with the spreaders control unit acting as a slave for the Patchworks system. They are simply connected via an RS 232 plug. Prices for this type of guidance system start from €3,320 plus VAT.
The M45W is a 4,500kg capacity spreader and has a spreading width range from 12m up to 42m.
The Meredith bogie comes with heavy duty shock absorbers on the front axle to absorb vibration.
The M45W plus comes as standard with an onboard weighing system with automatic calibration.
“We decided to invest in a hydraulically driven machine this time round, and that’s a decision we are really happy with,” said Jimmy.
This is a non-IsoBus spreader, so the GPS system works off the Bogballe controller, with the spreaders control unit acting as a slave for the Patchworks GPS system.
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