When it comes to making silage, the compaction process is the most important step. This process increases the density and removes oxygen from inside the silage.
Higher silage density and quality can be achieved by applying more compaction on the silage. Below, we highlight the two Irish-built silage compactors that were in action at Grass 2026 in Co Kilkenny last week.
Tusk Machinery
Based near Ballynahinch in Co Down, Tusk Machinery demonstrated its T800 rear-mounted silage compactor. The firm currently has three options of compactors available: the T600, T800 and the T800 side shift.
The T800 side shift is the flagship machine. It features an 800mm barrel with an empty weight of 2,290kg, a full weight of 3,750kg and features an 800mm stroke ram, meaning it has 400mm travel to either side of the machine, for compacting along pit walls. With a 3m working width, it comes with 16 heavy-duty steel rollers and a central grease bank as standard, while it has the option of lights.
All models have an available add-on of detachable leaf weights, which allow users to add 500kg or 1,000kg at a time, which sit on the frame on top of the compactor.
All models have two 80mm triple-sealed, heavy-duty bearings (each bearing can withstand 13.5t) and rubber/nylon side rollers to protect silo walls and compactors.
Watson Compactor. \ Donal O Leary
Walter Watson
Walter Watson’s compactor solution builds on the firm’s years of expertise gained within the land roller market. Its compactor measures 2.5m wide, coming with a 0.5m hydraulic side shift function to further improve access along pit walls and in tight spaces. Each of the four corners is equipped with a polypropylene side wheel to protect both itself and the wall from damage.
The compactor weighs in at 2,200kg empty which can be increased to 3,200kg when filled with water. Across the 2.5m working width there are 12 toothed compaction rings.
When it comes to making silage, the compaction process is the most important step. This process increases the density and removes oxygen from inside the silage.
Higher silage density and quality can be achieved by applying more compaction on the silage. Below, we highlight the two Irish-built silage compactors that were in action at Grass 2026 in Co Kilkenny last week.
Tusk Machinery
Based near Ballynahinch in Co Down, Tusk Machinery demonstrated its T800 rear-mounted silage compactor. The firm currently has three options of compactors available: the T600, T800 and the T800 side shift.
The T800 side shift is the flagship machine. It features an 800mm barrel with an empty weight of 2,290kg, a full weight of 3,750kg and features an 800mm stroke ram, meaning it has 400mm travel to either side of the machine, for compacting along pit walls. With a 3m working width, it comes with 16 heavy-duty steel rollers and a central grease bank as standard, while it has the option of lights.
All models have an available add-on of detachable leaf weights, which allow users to add 500kg or 1,000kg at a time, which sit on the frame on top of the compactor.
All models have two 80mm triple-sealed, heavy-duty bearings (each bearing can withstand 13.5t) and rubber/nylon side rollers to protect silo walls and compactors.
Watson Compactor. \ Donal O Leary
Walter Watson
Walter Watson’s compactor solution builds on the firm’s years of expertise gained within the land roller market. Its compactor measures 2.5m wide, coming with a 0.5m hydraulic side shift function to further improve access along pit walls and in tight spaces. Each of the four corners is equipped with a polypropylene side wheel to protect both itself and the wall from damage.
The compactor weighs in at 2,200kg empty which can be increased to 3,200kg when filled with water. Across the 2.5m working width there are 12 toothed compaction rings.
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