Hustler EzFeed is the maintenance-free feeding dream every farm manager needs
When it comes to feeding a large herd, reliable and efficient equipment isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
For New Zealand Maintenance Manager Brett Perkins, with four dairy farms and two support beef blocks near Bulls in the Manawatū Region, the Hustler EzFeed SM130 and SM150 silage wagons have proven to be just that. Since bringing these workhorses on board, Brett’s experience has been nothing short of transformative. Watch the Brett’s video to find out why!
Before switching to Hustler, Brett and his team were grappling with a familiar problem: unreliable feeding wagons. “Previously we had wagons that the belts were filling up and we had continuous issues with chains breaking,” he recalled. It was a constant battle of breakdowns, repairs and lost productivity.
Three months ago, Brett decided to give Hustler a try. “We came across the brand while looking for new wagons, and these just ticked all the boxes,” he said. The roller chain system was a particularly appealing feature, promising to eliminate the chain jams and breakages that had plagued their previous equipment.
“Roller chain system was a big reason in purchasing these units. So far we’ve put 480 tonnes through the Hustler wagons and we haven’t had a single issue.”
The difference has been night and day. “Since we bought these on board, we haven’t had a single issue. The maintenance work’s just dropped,” Brett reported. The roller link system has proven its worth, keeping the chains running smoothly without the need for constant adjustments.
Beyond their reliability, the EzFeed wagons offer several other advantages that have made a significant impact on Brett’s operation:
- Reduced blockages: “It’s just not clogging up,” Brett explained. “There’s no more belts getting filled up with silage underneath them. No more sprockets getting clogged up.”
- Easy maintenance: If maintenance is ever needed, the design makes it a breeze. “You can unbolt your main bars, remove that and just bolt one in rather than the old styles that we had here,” Brett noted. No more welding or complex repairs.
- Less spillage and more control The wider design minimises spillage. But it’s not just about width; the adjustable speed feature allows for even greater control, preventing spillage even with varying silage types. As Brett put it, “We’re able to adjust the speed and not have silage tipping over the sides as it’s coming up to the lift chains.” This means less waste, more efficient feeding, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line.
- Improved stability and capacity: The EzFeed wagons hold more silage than its competitors while remaining shorter and more stable, thanks to their wider stance and large tires.
“Since we bought these on board, the maintenance work’s just dropped”
The addition of the Hustler Feedlink Scales and Feed Management system has brought a new level of precision to Brett’s feeding operation.
“All the staff now have an app and they’re able to jump in that tractor. We’re able to allocate feed correctly and know that our cows aren’t being over or underfed,” Brett explains. This easy-to-use, phone-based app (available for both iOS and Android) empowers his team to feed accurately, leading to improved herd health and noticeable cost savings. “Our silage seems to be lasting a little bit longer,” Brett observes, “Probably, less people overloading.”
One feature Brett particularly appreciates is Hustler’s innovative TwinFeed™ technology.
“Being able to feed out both sides makes a huge difference, especially on the feed pads here,” he said. This dual-discharge capability, a standard feature across the EzFeed range, eliminates the need for complex maneuvers and allows for seamless feeding in various settings, from feed pads to indoor setups.
Brett’s overall impression of Hustler? “Easy to deal with, great after-sales support, and they just go.” He’s so pleased with the performance of the EzFeed wagons that he’s already considering purchasing two more in the next twelve months.
For Brett Perkins, the Hustler EzFeed wagons have been a game-changer.
“It’s made my life way easier. The problems have just disappeared.”
They’ve eliminated the constant headaches of breakdowns and repairs, allowing him to focus on what matters most: keeping his operation running smoothly and the herd well-fed while saving on silage and labour.
“I’d recommend Hustler”
If you’re looking for a feeding solution that delivers reliability, efficiency, and ease of use, the Hustler EzFeed is worth serious consideration. As Brett puts it, “The problems have just disappeared.”
Ready to experience the Hustler difference for yourself? Visit our website to check out the full specs or contact your local dealer to learn more about the Hustler EzFeed range and see how it can transform your feeding operation.
Remember, in farming, every minute counts. Invest in equipment that works as hard as you do.
Thinking about incorporating the Hustler EzFeed silage wagons into your feeding strategy? Contact the Hustler Team today to get a quote. You’ll be glad you did!