SECURITY specialist Mul-T-Lock has recently had its high security NE and NG padlock ranges tested by Sold Secure , with impressive results .

Mul-T-Lock ’ s wide range of mechanical and electromechanical padlocks are built strong to meet the needs of almost any requirement and application , with many utilising patent-protected technology .

Leading the series are the NE and NG range of padlocks , which are capable of functioning with high reliability in all conditions , providing excellent resistance against physical attacks and maximum resistance against weather and other environmental conditions and impacts , such as corrosion .

The NE and NG range is not only CEN Rated from 3 up to 6 , but also Sold Secure Bronze , Silver and Gold certified by the Master Locksmith Association . Cost-effective , yet highly secure , these

padlocks also meet EN 12320 standards .

Now , Sold Secure has introduced a new SS303 padlock test , ranking from Bronze to Diamond rather than just to Gold . Both Mul-T-Lock ’ s NE14 OS and CS padlocks have recently been tested to the Diamond standard , meaning they are now at the highest level possible in terms of security .

In addition , Mul-T-Lock ’ s NE12 SB , NE14 OS and NE14 CS padlocks all met Gold standard in Sold Secure ’ s SS101 Motorcycle test , which allows the padlocks to be used alongside chains to create maximum security for motorcycles .

Mul-T-Lock high security NE and NG padlocks are ideal for use in a wide range of applications , from shipping containers , perimeter fencing and gates to commercial vehicles , security cabinets and lockers . The NG10 padlock is also available incorporating Mul-T-Lock ’ s advanced eCLIQ technology , providing users with access control and audit trail capabilities for even the most remote locations .

With many body options and shackle variants , Mul-T-Lock padlocks are available on a wide range of key platforms offering patented key security and can be keyed-alike or form part of a master key suite for optimal access control .

To learn more about the NE and NG padlock ranges , or to become an approved Mul-T- Lock distributor , please call 01902 364200 , email internalsales @ mul-t-lock . co . uk or visit www . mul-t-lock . co . uk .

A shortage of straw across the country has left many livestock farmers wondering how to make the best use of their available stocks this winter .

Paul Mardell , technical manager at Carr ’ s Billington encourages farmers to consider how they can make straw go further . “ This year is all about preserving stocks . One way this can be achieved is using mechanised straw spreaders for bedding down , as opposed to manual spreading , which can help reduce straw usage by up to 50 %.

“ Using these machines means you don ’ t have

Paul Mardell

to commit to using a whole bale to keep cattle clean and content and those , such as the Teagle Tomahawk , which chop and blow bales , produce a fluffier bedding layer that is more absorbent and stays in good shape for longer .

“ Altogether , the result is that less straw is consumed through the housing period ,” explains Mr Mardell .

“ However , it ’ s worth thinking about the condition of your straw spreader when eking out tight supplies . The contrast between a well-used machine and one in tip-top condition can be an extra 15ft in the distance that the straw is blown and a third off the time taken to get the job done ,” he adds .

“ Machines with a dual chop facility that produce a finer cut have a role in making efficient use of straw in cattle diets too .

“ Pre-chopped straw loaded into a diet mixer incorporates into the ration more easily and consistently than dropping in a whole bale . The short straw length is also increasingly recognised as the way to go in using the feed material to stimulate rumen function and improving nutritional value ,” says Mr Mardell .

He notes that less costly investments that will make your bales go further include ensuring housing is watertight and well ventilated to sustain dry bedding conditions , while a diet that firms up loose muck will also reduce straw consumption .

“ Avoiding overstocking by optimising growth rates to reduce time animals are on the farm , culling cows with health or poor production issues and minimising movement between different groups to minimise aggressive or disruptive behaviour that

churns up the bedding are other techniques that could be considered .

“ Dressing the clean straw layer little and often is generally the best approach and modern machinery helps to do that ,” concludes Mr Mardell .