Extensive research proves Hustler the best
Roadley Farms in Ashburton, Mid Canterbury owned by Greg Roadley recently purchased 3 Hustler CH4000 Balefeeders.
Chris Keenan, the manager at Roadley Farms, manages a total of 900ha including run offs, milking a total number of 2100 cows. They have 15 full-time staff + some contract staff when the pressure comes on! In the past they use to feed a lot of pit silage on a feed pad and some meal in the shed. They also grow kale, fodder beat and swedes and what bales they did have were put into ring feeders on the crop or put through a silage wagon. Chris says that with a smaller surplus of grass becoming available on the farm it is a lot easier to make their own baleage. “All cows get it at once using a balefeeder,” says Chris.
Having the right machine for the job is a lot safer too. OSH requirements now days are worth being weary of. “We have fed bales off trailers in the past as well but with the recent purchase of these Hustler’s it makes it a one man operation in a safe environment”.
“We did a reasonable amount of research,” Chris says. “It came down to 3 brands, two of which were made in the South Island, however the Hustler Chainless system had some good advantages. I liked the Rotor system,” only 2 chains which are enclosed and well protected, no feed bars & minimal moving parts. The feeder has good indication stickers which makes ease of use a breeze. The ribbing on the polyethylene platform is an excellent idea – helps the bale to track straight & provides help to remove strings from square bales too. The optional String box is an excellent idea and keeps a lot of rubbish etc out of the tractor. “Each machine will be feeding 5-600 bales a year, predominately round baleage + straw. Occasionally squares maybe used as well so it’s good to have one machine that will do both. Having a 2 year warranty was a good extra perk,” says Chris.
Roadleys tow the CH4000 balefeeder with a JD 6230 95HP tractor which is ideal for this type of work. 2 of the machines were purchased with extension bars so they can feed up to 8ft long square bales. The 3 units were supplied by Gluyas Motors of Ashburton who were “excellent to work with through the whole deal”.
Chris Keenan, Manager – Roadley Farms
