When Blaney Agri engineers were approached by numerous farmers with requests to design a machine that addressed the problem of drying grass for better quality silage in short windows of good weather, the result was the SwathAir. The company has now revisited the machine and launched a new model for 2014.
As well as having improved air induction, the latest model is also available with an innovative flick-out rotor that teases apart the longer grass leafs, creating an optimised sward structure for air circulation, enhancing the rate of drying.
According to development engineer Dave Wills, by accelerating the centre of the sward, and separating the grass from its parallel mowed position to an alternate pattern, more stalk gaps are introduces for improved wind drying and less damage caused by unforeseen rain compared to condition spreading.
Trial results have shown 75% less effluent comes from wilted grass using the SwathAir than direct cut silage, and baled silage where the Blaney SwathAir has been used on the sward results in 28% dry matter (DM) compared to 19% DM for untreated grass.
“Blaney’s Sward Rebuilding Technology ensures that round bales are packed fuller for a better shape,” Mr Will said. “This will result in up to 30% less bales and greatly reduce unnecessary wrapping costs per hectare.”
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| The SwathAir is said to result in dryer silage and more-compact bales. |
The SwathAir is claimed to be the only machine on the market that can offer an extra sward conditioning process to crack up the ligaments in the stalks and assist in further removal of the grass’ water-retaining waxy coating. It’s unique body, developed through ongoing research and simulation can be adjusted according to the weight of grass to ensure optimum sward rebuild, by breaking up the plugs in the grass and teasing them out. This helps create a sward ideally suited to the baler. The doors has been developed for better sward control, while the wheels have larger, lower-ground-pressure tyres suited to softer ground conditions.
The 2.5m SwathAir Pro has options that make it capable of working with up to 30ft swards, while the 2.2m model is capable of working with up to 16ft swards. An adjustable-angle headstock moves the position of the sward on the ground after conditioning. This is extremely beneficial when working in wet ground conditions where it’s necessary to transfer the grass/straw across onto dryer ground.
For more information visit: www.blaneyagri.com.
