| LAMMA
T he PFC complete range of automatic and manual electronic applicators lead the way in applying preservative and inoculants products to baled crops . The premium buffered preservative enables hay and straw to be baled at crop moisture contents of up to a maximum of 30 %, but without dust and moulds developing . The traditional limit for untreated hay is 15 % moisture .
This not only ensures optimum bale quality and improved nutritional value , but also results in greater baler productivity and daily output . In addition the highly accurate moisture meters within the automatic applicator system mean the user is fully informed of crop condition as it varies during the day .
The two new additions to the application range to be launched at LAMMA are the 300 Series Automatic Applicator for conventional and low output round balers , and the new Electronic Manual High Output applicator for high capacity round and large square balers , which is designed to apply preservatives and inoculants at high baling speeds 300 Automatic Applicator The new 300 Automatic Applicator is ideal for operators of conventional balers and low output round balers wanting a straight-forward automatic applicator , but without the sophistication of the top-of-the-range 600 Series modular ISOBus compatible system . Each high specification applicator is designed to fit the baler with the minimum of fabrication .
The new cost efficient 300 Series Automatic Applicator offers a premium specification and is designed to be operated using an iPad , which connects via Bluetooth to the applicator ’ s precision processor .
As with all Automatic Applicators , the new 300 Series relies on highly accurate moisture readings from a pair of moisture sensing star wheels for square balers and sensing discs for round balers mounted either side of the bale chamber . Accurate to within 1 %, these take readings through the bale nine times a second , which are averaged every three seconds , to provide a continuous reading over a range from 8 % to 32 % moisture on small square balers and 8-60 % moisture on round balers .
Unlike the previous 400 Series which used three pumps , to reduce service costs the new 300 Series uses just a single bypass pump that provides a constant pressure to a pulsating solenoid valve , which covers a wide range of application rates . This not only results in an improved response time to variations in moisture , but provides an instant response and shut-off .
The new 300 Series will have the option to upgrade to a high output version in the near future , so future proofing the baling operation . Electronic Manual High Output applicator The new Electronic Manual High Output applicator system is ideally suited for use with both modern , high output fixed and variable chamber round balers , but also high capacity big square balers . A purpose designed range of fitting kits for all popular baler models ensures that the applicator can be quickly and easily fitted .
Unlike the high output 600 Series ISOBus system , where the application rate is automatically varied according to precision moisture readings in the chamber , the Electronic Manual system is used to apply a constant rate as set by the operator . To obtain an accurate moisture reading for round balers on which to assess the application rate , the operator should use the 300 Series precision moisture monitor or on large square balers a 600 Series moisture monitor .
A particular benefit of the new Electronic Manual system is that it ’ s capable of not only applying high volume rates of silage and haylage products , but an upgrade also enables it to be used to apply premium buffered propionic acid , so that hay and straw can be safely baled up to 30 % moisture , thereby ensuring all-year round use and optimum return on investment . ‘ Out of Season ’ savings A range of ‘ Out of Season ’ savings are available through until March 20th 2017 .
A sliding scale of ‘ Out of Season ’ discounts are available on all applicator systems and preservative , with the best offers available on the earliest orders . In addition , for every new high output Electronic Manual applicator bought , this will be supplied with a free handheld moisture reader or a set of Crop Eye Indicators ( auto shut on / off ), until March 20th 2017 . Information on these and other early order promotions are available from PFC Ltd . www . farmingmonthly . co . uk February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 17