Cleaning up the muck got easier with Hustler SwiftBlade manure scraper
Kiwi dairy farmer Martin Vickers has found a reliable solution for efficient manure management on his farm thanks to Hustler Equipment’s SwiftBlade manure scrapers. Martin, who has been farming for over 40 years, shared his experiences and highlighted the features and benefits of this innovative equipment in a recent interview.
| 💡 Did you know? Our international readers may wonder what a “Kiwi” farmer is… “Kiwi” is a common self-reference used by New Zealanders, though it is also used internationally. Unlike many demographic labels, its usage is not considered offensive; rather, it is generally viewed as a symbol of pride and affection for most people of New Zealand. The name derives from the kiwi, a native flightless bird, which is a national symbol of New Zealand. Until the First World War, the kiwi represented the country and not the people. However, by 1917, New Zealanders were also being called “Kiwis”, supplanting other previous nicknames. |
Martin fams in Ngāhinapōuri, a small rural community of the Waikato region in New Zealand. The mild climate and ample rainfall in the region make it ideal for pasture-based dairy farming, which is the main source of income for many farmers. The Waikato is also home to some of the largest dairy farms in New Zealand.
In order to preserve the paddocks/fields from dense foot traffic, Martin feeds out his herd from May to August (winter season in the Southern Hemisphere) in a feed pad. The cows stays around the feed pad for four to five hours a day, “which does put a lot of effluent onto the feed pad,” Martin explained.
“Previously, I’ve tried two or three different scrapers. The last one we had was a small one that we made up ourselves. And as that was starting to bend a bit because it wasn’t strong enough, and I saw this Hustler at Power Farming in Te Awamutu, so I ordered it straight away. It looked to be a good solid machine,” Martin said.
“It actually flicks the stuff out of the cuts in the concrete and cleans it quite nicely”
One standout feature of the SwiftBlade scraper is its wide rubber blade, which is ideal for scraping manure, especially on surfaces with concrete cuts. “The great thing I like about it is that it’s got a nice wide rubber on it, which is really good for scraping, especially on our pad where we’ve got our concrete cut. So it actually flicks the stuff out of the cuts in the concrete and cleans it quite nicely,” Martin noted.
The SwiftBlade scraper‘s design also impressed Martin. He appreciated that it attaches to the tractor’s quick hitch fairly high up, preventing it from getting covered in muck. This design feature makes it easier to maneuver around the feed pad and ensures a thorough cleaning process without excessive weight. The high-density rubber blade can also be flicked once one side is worn, extending the lifespan of the product.
Martin also wanted “something that could go on a small tractor”, not too heavy.
“Great little feature it has that it’s got the two feet on the back that you can drop down”
Moreover, the SwiftBlade scraper‘s user-friendly design includes two feet on the back that can be easily dropped down for quick removal. Unlike previous models Vickers had used, this scraper doesn’t require extra support when dismounted from the tractor.
“Great little feature it has that it’s got the two feet on the back that you can drop down and you can just take it off really easy. On the other ones I’ve had before you drop it off, and sometimes you’d have to have a tire or something to lean it against or leaning against a wall because otherwise it would fall down and then you have trouble getting it back on,” Martin stated.
“It does a quick nifty job”
Hustler Equipment’s commitment to continuous improvement also left a lasting impression on Martin.
“Well, it was probably about three months after I bought it, Power Farming contacted me to say that Hustler had made an improvement on the scraper, and they had this channel here that’s been bolted in here to strengthen the back of it. And if I brought it back in – for no cost to me or anything – they were actually putting them on all the ones that they had sold,” Martin said.
“Great initiative from Hustler to actually go out after they’ve sold a product that you’ve already paid for. In my 40 years of farming career, this the first time I’ve ever had someone that’s come out and actually added something to a product I’ve already bought,” Martin added.
“I find they’re very good. It sits down on the concrete and goes on really well”
Martin wholeheartedly recommends the Hustler Equipment SwiftBlade manure scraper to fellow farmers looking for an efficient and sturdy solution for managing manure on their farms. “It does a quick nifty job. It’s only probably – wouldn’t be 20 minutes probably, just scrape the pad down,” Martin said.
With its innovative design, ease of use, and the Hustler’s commitment to customer satisfaction, the SwiftBlade has earned its place as an indispensable tool for efficient farm operations. “I find they’re very good. They’re very sturdy though. It sits down on the concrete and goes on really well. So yes, I would recommend it to somebody that wanted to get a scraper,” Martin concluded.
4 Reasons to choose SwiftBlade
1. Save time
Our 40mm Highly Abrasion resistant SBR Rubber blade makes light work of scraping out feedpads or dariy sheds. Simply connect and go, saving you time and hassle.
2. Clean environment for herd
In one thorough pass, the Hustler SwiftBlade makes it quick and easy to maintain a clean healthy environment for your herd increasing herd health and production!
3. Maximize manure value
By sweeping up manure quickly and easily you can unlock the fertilizer value of your manure. Watch your feed value grow from immediate utilisation of this free resource.
4. Simple & hassle free
SwiftBlade is an ultra practical manure scraper without unnecessary bells n whistles to keep hassle out of your life. The parking feet which come standard allow for fast and easy hooking and unhooking and prevents damage to the blade when not in use.
SwiftBlade’s specifications
| Unit Weight | 205 kg (452 lb) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2600mm x 845mm x 486mm (102 1/3” x 33 1/4” x 19 1/8”) |
| Blade | 40mm (1.57″) High Tensile SBR Rubber |
Do you want to know more about Hustler product range? Contact us today, you’ll be glad you did!
