AgriLand recently brought you a report profiling the Agronic WR500 front rake, depicting how it can form part of “the ultimate one-pass system – for baled silage contractors”.
Also Read: Here’s the ultimate ‘one-pass’ system – for baled silage contractorsThe notion of raking during the same pass as baling (and possibly wrapping too) is by no means new; numerous companies and individuals have attempted to perfect such an approach.
Back in 2014, Irish contractor Tony McCarthy (from Killarney, Co. Kerry) developed a special frame (see video below) that enabled an Elho V-Twin rake to be accommodated – between a tractor and baler.
The so-called ‘Mac Attach‘ is seen here, as the ‘bridge’ that links the Elho rake and a McHale F550. Up front, powering the outfit, is a Massey Ferguson 6480.
With a Fusion instead of an F550, the resultant outfit could – of course – combine three rather than two jobs into one.
He produces a range of videos and DVDs – showcasing agricultural contractors and farming events. His most recent production – Contract & Farm 5 – profiles Murphy Bros Contractors based in Portlaw, Co. Waterford.
This footage (below) is essentially a trailer – providing of taster of what’s in the full-length DVD.
Murphy Bros’ tractor fleet comprises Fendt, New Holland, Claas, Case IH and John Deere models.
Included in the DVD is footage of Murphy Bros’ Overum ploughs, a Lemken one-pass system, Bogballe fertiliser spreaders and a Joskin slurry tanker.
Also in the mix is a reverse-drive Fendt 828 Vario (powering a rear-mounted Claas ‘triple’ mower), a Claas Jaguar 900 forager and a brace of Dooley trailers. A second crew runs four Pottinger wagons. The silage activities are backed up by a pair of JCB Farm Master loaders.
Other featured machines include Claas Lexion 620 and New Holland TX34 combines; there’s even a Jones Engineering ‘Straw Layer’ too – a machine that’s an unusual sight for many Irish readers.