Meath-based father and son duo Denis and James Feighery runs a large beef finishing and tillage operation near Jarretstown. Growing 700 acres of crops and finishing in excess of 2,000 bulls each year under the age of 16 months, James notes that efficiency in a tightly managed system is very important.
In 2014, the construction of a new shed pushed James to buy a new three-point linkage mounted straw blower. Previously bedding the sheds manually, James was hugely impressed with the savings in labour and straw that such a machine could offer.
“The move to a straw blower was resulting in a reduction in straw usage by 50%, conservatively,” he said. “The significant labour savings meant the animals were also being bedded more regularly as it was much easier and quicker.
James Feighery and his employee David Reidy.
“The initial machine was also used for feeding round bales of haylage and silage, but since we moved to a TMR system, it cut that out.”
In 2017/2018, poor harvests caused a knock-on effect in poor straw quality. James noted that the straw contained a lot of fusarium and other dangerous mycotoxins.
The Tomahawk 8555 dual chop has a 4.5m³ capacity, meaning it can hold two round bales (4x4) or one 8x4x4 large rectangular bale.
Those involved in, or having tried under 16 month bull beef finishing systems before know that there is simply very little room for error. James noted that the mycotoxins were causing serious issues to the bulls, having a major impact on performance.
To get around this issue while continuing to include straw in the diet, James had to look at using imported straw. He sourced pre-chopped Spanish straw from an importer in Co Kildare which cost him €200/t. After noticing improved performance from pre-chopped straw, James felt this was the direction he needed to go.
The harvest of 2019 in the east proved to be more successful for James, where he achieved good-quality straw. By using his own straw compared to using imported straw, James was set to save up to €20,000 on feed costs alone.
Having seen the benefits of chopped straw at first hand, James was determined to replicate previous performance. His existing mounted straw blower wasn’t capable of chopping straw so James decided to go about upgrading it.
Looking at the marketplace and at which manufacturers offered a chopping solution, James considered several brands.
"The furthest we need to blow straw is 60ft, and it does this at its ease", said James.
He explained: “We needed a versatile machine that could both act as a straw blower and be capable of chopping straw. The Teagle machine met our requirements, was within our budget and had a dealer within a close proximity.”
James took delivery of the Teagle Tomahawk 8555 ahead of the 2019 winter. It was used to chop straw before it was loaded into the diet feeder. Although this meant the straw was being handled twice, James noted that he was still saving hours in mixing time across the run of the week and saving diesel. Since taking delivery of the machine, James has also begun pre-chopping the straw with the balers.
The machine
The Tomahawk 8555 dual chop has a 4.5m³ capacity, meaning it can hold two round bales (4x4) or one 8x4x4 large rectangular bale. The dual chop unit has three operating modes: short chop, where the knives and screen are engaged; shred, where the knives are used and it bypasses the frame; or distribute, where no knives are used and the straw also bypasses the frame.
The auger/rotor like crossbeater teases straw from the bale through its ripper hooks positioned across its surface.
The Teagle Dual Chop system in James’s machine incorporates a set of retractable knives. These knives can be engaged or disengaged from the control console. This changes straw output from short chop (around 50mm) to no chop, and back again in no time when desired.
The auger/rotor-like crossbeater teases straw from the bale through its ripper hooks positioned across its surface. If chopping, the knives will be lowered and the straw will be chopped between the ripper hooks and knife sections.
From here, the straw then passes through a sieve located behind the knife cassette. If the straw is too long, it will be recirculated through the blades once again by the crossbeater.
The knives can be engaged or disengaged from the control console.
If the operator doesn’t want to chop the straw, the knives and the blanking plate are raised, allowing the straw to pass over the screen, being discharged without being chopped. Straw that passes through or over the screen is drawn directly into the fan chamber where it is then discharged out through the chute.
Features
A 12mm heavy duty rotating chain with slats feeds the straw towards the crossbeater. The floor speed, which is independent to the flywheel speed, can be monitored from the cab via a visual indicator that rotates at the same speed. James noted that this is a nice inclusion. To protect the driveline, a slip clutch is fitted as standard on the Walterscheid PTO shaft.
For self-loading, the tailgate is flared and supported by two hydraulic rams.
Something a little unique on the machine is the Bluetooth wireless technology which provides communication between the operator in the cab and the machine.
A control box is located towards the rear of the machine which allows the operator to control the tailgate, handy if removing net/wrap. The 8555 features an electronically controlled, automatic lubrication system for the crossbeater drive chain.
A control box is located towards the rear of the machine which allows the operator to control the tailgate
Teagle says there is wear-resistant steel throughout the fan housing and discharge chute components. All Tomahawk models feature a high-spec gearbox, with high/low fan speed gear preselection. James noted that the machine is very simple from a maintenance point of view. It’s just a matter of keeping the self-lubrication tank topped up and adhering to the grease points. The machine comes with a full road lighting kit.
Verdict
Something unique on the machine is the Bluetooth wireless technology which provides communication between the operator in the cab and the machine.
“Although labelled as wireless, it’s actually powered by a lead going to the three-pin plug. The only issue we have had with the machine since taking delivery was a warranty claim where the console stopped connecting to the machine. In fairness, Teagle acted quickly, solved the issue and it has worked perfectly since,” said James.
It is shod on 12.5/80 - 15.3 tyres.
“I’ve been very happy with the performance of the machine to date. It’s very easy to drive and has done everything we’ve asked of it. It’s a very efficient and user-friendly machine which is really easy to drive, especially in comparison to the previous mounted machine we ran.
“It boasts a huge output. The furthest we need to blow straw is 60ft, and it does this at its ease. It’s also a really well put together machine, I’ve been very impressed with its build quality,” James said.
To protect the driveline, a slip clutch is fitted as standard on the Walterscheid PTO shaft.
Likes
Strength.Speed of operation.Very dependable.Dislikes
Would like an entry step at the rear as it is very slippery.
For self-loading, the tailgate is flared and supported by two hydraulic rams.
Model: Tomahawk 8555 dual chop.Capacity: 4.5m3.Bale chamber (tailgate down) WxHxD: 1.7x1.25x2.98m.Max blow distance: 22m.Min tractor PTO: 80hp.Overall width (chute closed): 2.16m.Overall length (tailgate up): 4.14m.Overall height (chute closed): 2.77m.Overall length (tailgate down): 5.38m.Unladen Weight: 2,450kg.Tyre size: 12.5/80 - 15.3Oil flow rate (min-max): 35 - 60 (l/min)Price: €22,360 plus VAT.
The 8555 features an electronically controlled, automatic lubrication system for the crossbeater drive chain.
Meath-based father and son duo Denis and James Feighery runs a large beef finishing and tillage operation near Jarretstown. Growing 700 acres of crops and finishing in excess of 2,000 bulls each year under the age of 16 months, James notes that efficiency in a tightly managed system is very important.
In 2014, the construction of a new shed pushed James to buy a new three-point linkage mounted straw blower. Previously bedding the sheds manually, James was hugely impressed with the savings in labour and straw that such a machine could offer.
“The move to a straw blower was resulting in a reduction in straw usage by 50%, conservatively,” he said. “The significant labour savings meant the animals were also being bedded more regularly as it was much easier and quicker.
James Feighery and his employee David Reidy.
“The initial machine was also used for feeding round bales of haylage and silage, but since we moved to a TMR system, it cut that out.”
In 2017/2018, poor harvests caused a knock-on effect in poor straw quality. James noted that the straw contained a lot of fusarium and other dangerous mycotoxins.
The Tomahawk 8555 dual chop has a 4.5m³ capacity, meaning it can hold two round bales (4x4) or one 8x4x4 large rectangular bale.
Those involved in, or having tried under 16 month bull beef finishing systems before know that there is simply very little room for error. James noted that the mycotoxins were causing serious issues to the bulls, having a major impact on performance.
To get around this issue while continuing to include straw in the diet, James had to look at using imported straw. He sourced pre-chopped Spanish straw from an importer in Co Kildare which cost him €200/t. After noticing improved performance from pre-chopped straw, James felt this was the direction he needed to go.
The harvest of 2019 in the east proved to be more successful for James, where he achieved good-quality straw. By using his own straw compared to using imported straw, James was set to save up to €20,000 on feed costs alone.
Having seen the benefits of chopped straw at first hand, James was determined to replicate previous performance. His existing mounted straw blower wasn’t capable of chopping straw so James decided to go about upgrading it.
Looking at the marketplace and at which manufacturers offered a chopping solution, James considered several brands.
"The furthest we need to blow straw is 60ft, and it does this at its ease", said James.
He explained: “We needed a versatile machine that could both act as a straw blower and be capable of chopping straw. The Teagle machine met our requirements, was within our budget and had a dealer within a close proximity.”
James took delivery of the Teagle Tomahawk 8555 ahead of the 2019 winter. It was used to chop straw before it was loaded into the diet feeder. Although this meant the straw was being handled twice, James noted that he was still saving hours in mixing time across the run of the week and saving diesel. Since taking delivery of the machine, James has also begun pre-chopping the straw with the balers.
The machine
The Tomahawk 8555 dual chop has a 4.5m³ capacity, meaning it can hold two round bales (4x4) or one 8x4x4 large rectangular bale. The dual chop unit has three operating modes: short chop, where the knives and screen are engaged; shred, where the knives are used and it bypasses the frame; or distribute, where no knives are used and the straw also bypasses the frame.
The auger/rotor like crossbeater teases straw from the bale through its ripper hooks positioned across its surface.
The Teagle Dual Chop system in James’s machine incorporates a set of retractable knives. These knives can be engaged or disengaged from the control console. This changes straw output from short chop (around 50mm) to no chop, and back again in no time when desired.
The auger/rotor-like crossbeater teases straw from the bale through its ripper hooks positioned across its surface. If chopping, the knives will be lowered and the straw will be chopped between the ripper hooks and knife sections.
From here, the straw then passes through a sieve located behind the knife cassette. If the straw is too long, it will be recirculated through the blades once again by the crossbeater.
The knives can be engaged or disengaged from the control console.
If the operator doesn’t want to chop the straw, the knives and the blanking plate are raised, allowing the straw to pass over the screen, being discharged without being chopped. Straw that passes through or over the screen is drawn directly into the fan chamber where it is then discharged out through the chute.
Features
A 12mm heavy duty rotating chain with slats feeds the straw towards the crossbeater. The floor speed, which is independent to the flywheel speed, can be monitored from the cab via a visual indicator that rotates at the same speed. James noted that this is a nice inclusion. To protect the driveline, a slip clutch is fitted as standard on the Walterscheid PTO shaft.
For self-loading, the tailgate is flared and supported by two hydraulic rams.
Something a little unique on the machine is the Bluetooth wireless technology which provides communication between the operator in the cab and the machine.
A control box is located towards the rear of the machine which allows the operator to control the tailgate, handy if removing net/wrap. The 8555 features an electronically controlled, automatic lubrication system for the crossbeater drive chain.
A control box is located towards the rear of the machine which allows the operator to control the tailgate
Teagle says there is wear-resistant steel throughout the fan housing and discharge chute components. All Tomahawk models feature a high-spec gearbox, with high/low fan speed gear preselection. James noted that the machine is very simple from a maintenance point of view. It’s just a matter of keeping the self-lubrication tank topped up and adhering to the grease points. The machine comes with a full road lighting kit.
Verdict
Something unique on the machine is the Bluetooth wireless technology which provides communication between the operator in the cab and the machine.
“Although labelled as wireless, it’s actually powered by a lead going to the three-pin plug. The only issue we have had with the machine since taking delivery was a warranty claim where the console stopped connecting to the machine. In fairness, Teagle acted quickly, solved the issue and it has worked perfectly since,” said James.
It is shod on 12.5/80 - 15.3 tyres.
“I’ve been very happy with the performance of the machine to date. It’s very easy to drive and has done everything we’ve asked of it. It’s a very efficient and user-friendly machine which is really easy to drive, especially in comparison to the previous mounted machine we ran.
“It boasts a huge output. The furthest we need to blow straw is 60ft, and it does this at its ease. It’s also a really well put together machine, I’ve been very impressed with its build quality,” James said.
To protect the driveline, a slip clutch is fitted as standard on the Walterscheid PTO shaft.
Likes
Strength.Speed of operation.Very dependable.Dislikes
Would like an entry step at the rear as it is very slippery.
For self-loading, the tailgate is flared and supported by two hydraulic rams.
Model: Tomahawk 8555 dual chop.Capacity: 4.5m3.Bale chamber (tailgate down) WxHxD: 1.7x1.25x2.98m.Max blow distance: 22m.Min tractor PTO: 80hp.Overall width (chute closed): 2.16m.Overall length (tailgate up): 4.14m.Overall height (chute closed): 2.77m.Overall length (tailgate down): 5.38m.Unladen Weight: 2,450kg.Tyre size: 12.5/80 - 15.3Oil flow rate (min-max): 35 - 60 (l/min)Price: €22,360 plus VAT.
The 8555 features an electronically controlled, automatic lubrication system for the crossbeater drive chain.
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