How the Hustler Combi RX218 tripled the efficiency of an Australian award-winning Wagyu beef farm

We visited Mayura Station, a South Australian award-winning Wagyu beef farm, and meet the farm manager Mark Oliver who shared with us his experiences and insights on the Hustler Combi RX218 multi-feeder wagon. After investing in the Hustler RX218, the farm’s feeding process has undergone a transformation, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced waste, and increased ease of use. Watch Mark’s testimonial video to find out more about how the Hustler RX218 had improved his daily operation. 

Mayura Station – first established in 1845 – is one of Australia’s oldest pastoral operations. The station is located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, in the heart of some of the best farming country in Australia.

This pristine environment is ideal for producing the ultimate quality, award-winning Wagyu beef. The location of Mayura Station boasts rich, rolling hills and healthy, fertile soils as well as a moderate climate, sparkling clean water and reliable rainfall.

With 11,000 cattle on their farm, efficiently feeding 2,000 cows three times a week was a challenging task. Two years ago, Mayura Station invested in the Hustler RX218 sold by their local Hustler accredited dealer, Sebastopol Machinery – and hasn’t looked back!

Prior to using the Combi RX218, Mark’s team relied on a Ute (pick-up truck) and trailer for feeding, which posed safety concerns. However, the introduction of the Hustler feed wagon not only ensured safer operations but also provided the flexibility to distribute both hay and silage.

“The versatility of the Hustler Combi is really what I guess sold it for us”

Before adopting the Hustler RX218, the farm required three people to feed the 2000 cows three times a week. With the new feeding equipment in place, this task has been significantly streamlined. “We got the RX218 A couple of years ago, so this is our second autumn winter feeding out with it,” Mark said.

Now, one person can efficiently manage the entire feeding process, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced labor costs for Mayura Station. “So what was taking three guys, three times a week to feed the number of cattle we’re feeding, one person can now feed the same number of cattle with the Hustler RX218,” Mark detailed.

“The best thing about the Combi RX218 is its ease of use”

The most significant advantage of the Hustler Combi RX218 that Mark highlights is its ease of use. With a seamless transition to the new feeding equipment, both seasoned employees and newcomers found it a breeze to operate.

The simple learning curve, taking only a couple of hours and one tub of feeding, impressed Mark and his team. As a result, they were able to focus on other essential farm tasks, saving valuable time and labour.

“We’ve probably now got four or five guys and girls that have got on the Hustler and they’ve picked up the operation of it without any problems, you know, two or three hours and one tub of feeding and they’ve got the hang of it and no problem. Away they go. See you later. See you in a month!” Mark laughed.

Mayura Station’s feeding requirements demanded versatility. They needed a solution that could handle hay and silage efficiently. The Hustler Combi RX218‘s exceptional versatility proved to be a game-changer. The machine easily adapted to various feed types, providing the flexibility needed to streamline the feeding process effectively. “The feed efficiency with it, ease of use has been brilliant,” Mark said.

 “The Hustler RX218 has improved our efficiency, probably threefold”

The Hustler Combi RX218‘s feed efficiency is unparalleled. By carefully placing feed in groups or small piles, Mark observed that wastage was nearly negligible. The cows naturally gravitated to the feed piles, minimising trampling and waste. As a result, the farm witnessed a substantial reduction in feed wastage, translating to cost savings and improved overall feeding performance.  “The Hustler RX218 has improved our efficiency, probably threefold,” Mark said.

“Definitely recommend Hustler, and especially for us the RX218”

Mark commended Hustler, both the local dealer Sebastopol Machinery and the manufacturer’s staff, for their excellent customer support and service. Whenever assistance was required, the knowledgeable and friendly team provided prompt solutions, ensuring that Mayura Station’s operations ran smoothly without any hindrance. “The people I spoke to when we’re trying to work out a few things with it and operational things knew exactly what we were talking about,” Mark said.

From its user-friendly design to its exceptional versatility and feed efficiency, the Hustler RX218 has revolutionised the feeding process for the farm. As more farms recognize the value of efficiency and ease of use in their feeding operations, the Hustler Combi RX218 continues to stand out as an industry-leading solution that delivers on its promises. “I couldn’t recommend Hustler more,” Mark concluded.

“I couldn’t recommend Hustler more”

The Combi RX218 in eight key features

1. Chainless. Twin-speed rear pusher blade powered by hydraulic cylinders and greaseless slides provides longevity with low maintenance.

2. Feed Control. The new Feed Control in-cab joystick gives fingertip control over the entire feeder, letting you control the feed row of any feed type and density.

3. Tough design. With the toughest 12,000lb roller chains and hardened sprockets, the new RX range is built to handle the heaviest loads with ease.

4. Puckboard floors. Hustler unique heavy-duty Puckboard floors are slippery, durable and extremely tough. 15mm thick rear floor and 12mm thick cross floor for longevity.

5. Visibility. When it comes to visibility no other wagon beats an RX. See right through to the rear of the machine and into the cross floor with no obstructions blocking your view.

6. Strong feedbars. Hustler have gone to a larger feed bar, giving maximum torsional strength with a lower profile for the best of both worlds.

7. Agile drawbar. Unique drawbar provides superior maneuverability and weighs the load both when on the jack and attached to the tractor without the need to fold and unfold a parking stand.

8. Simple maintenance. All chains have adjustable tensioners with easy access for long life and simple servicing. A central greasing station is standard on all models for simple maintenance.

Do you want to know more about Hustler’s Combi ranges? Contact us today, you’ll be glad you did!