• FEB / MAR 2022
Battery powered farm cleaning for the future
SOPHIE Herbert , at Kärcher UK , discusses the sustainable revolution and how businesses can adopt more sustainable cleaning methods .
Sustainability is an increasingly important focus for many within the farming industry when it comes to the equipment that is used on site . Selecting the right supplier plays a huge role in this and one that Kärcher UK takes seriously . From our robust plans for our factories to be climate-neutral to optimising our product packaging and increasing the amount of recycled plastic used in our products , sustainability is more than a buzzword , it requires action . With this in mind , we have carefully developed our Battery Universe Platform to help farmers make a lasting change to their energy output .
Rather than develop a series of machines that each run off their own battery , the Battery Universe is made up of just two batteries that can power every machine in the range . The 18 V battery is ideal for handheld appliances , offering great range and power output for those less energy intensive jobs . The 36 V battery can be used for larger machines and more energy intensive cleaning machines .
As the batteries are interchangeable , users can ensure that they always have the battery power that they need . Rather than purchasing lots of batteries of multiple sizes and outputs , the Battery Universe System reduces the environmental impact as the end user needs less batteries to power a range of appliances . For example , farmers can easily go from trimming hedgerows using the HT 650 / 36
Bp hedge trimmer to hygienically cleaning animal pens with the high-pressure washer HD 4 / 11 C Bp without the need to find different batteries for each machine .
Moving over to battery power supports efficiency when it is required most . Rather than constantly plugging in and unplugging appliances , battery power offers the convenience of being able to pick the machine up and get to work instantly without being restricted by the nearest power source . From removing excess branches to disinfecting animal treatment areas , the battery universe range from Kärcher UK offers an effective solution without the need for hazardous wires and stockpiles of highly flammable petrol . As there are no cables to unwind and re-coil , the use of battery-powered machines can save up to 20 % work time compared to corded models .
The intuitive LCD display with real-time technology keeps the user informed by displaying the runtime and charge time in minutes , alongside the remaining battery capacity . This allows the user to know exactly how long they have left until the battery needs to be charged , allowing them to easily replace the battery when required .
As we continue to look for more sustainable cleaning methods , making the move to battery power is one way we can reduce our energy usage without sacrificing performance .
RIPON FARM SERVICES 21
Ripon Farm Services now supplying Metos weather stations from Pessl Instruments
RIPON Farm Services have partnered with Pessl Instruments to support Metos weather stations , enabling farmers to make better data-driven decisions for their crops .
Metos weather stations and sensors collect climatic data in the field and assess the conditions against the likelihood of common crop diseases . Farmers can easily see the level of risk to their crop on the interactive FieldClimate dashboard . Disease models are available for a huge number of crops , including all common cereals , roots , vegetables fruit and turf . By only applying fungicides when there is a high risk of disease incidence can save time and costs .
The field-level data from Metos stations , including hyper-local weather forecast , is available on smartphones via the FieldClimate app , online , or through the John Deere Operations Centre .
James Parker , Group FarmSight Manager from Ripon Farm Services , comments “ We are delighted to support
Metos weather stations to bring farmers accurate field data to help with everyday farming decisions . At the click of a button farmers will be able to identify which fields need spraying , when and where to irrigate and so on . The data can connect to the John Deere Operations Centre which many of our customers will be familiar with , creating an integrated precision farming tool that will save farmers time and money .”
Contact your Ripon Farm Services Precision Ag Consultant to discuss the range of Metos stations and sensors that could help make better informed decisions on disease control and a whole lot more .
Ripon Farm Services wins Mazzotti Dealer of the Year Award
RIPON Farm Services has been awarded the UK Dealer of the Year Award for 2021 by Italian sprayer manufacturer Mazzotti . The award recognises overall performance and dedication to the brand . In 2018 Ripon Farm Services became one of the first Mazzotti dealers in the UK and , since that time , has shown outstanding commitment to the self-propelled sprayer product line . The award was made in person by Vincenzo Gasperi , Export Manager for Mazzotti , during a recent visit .
Richard Simpson , Commercial Director of Ripon Farm Services , said : “ We are absolutely delighted to win this award . It underlines the hard work we ’ ve put into promoting Mazzotti . We ’ ve put a lot of effort into launching the sprayers , not only to demonstrate the benefits of these machines , but also to support the customers with what is , after all , a new brand in the UK market .
“ The entire Ripon Farm Services team can feel very proud of this , although a special mention has to go to our team at Market Weighton and , in particular ,
Area Sales Manager Mike Pickering , who really has gone the extra mile .
“ The Mazzotti product really does seem to hit the mark for our customers . The UK-friendly design with integrated John Deere systems and components is a winning combination that offers not only great performance , but good value for money .”
Vincenzo Gasperi said : “ We are very happy with the performance of Ripon Farm Services and it ’ s great to reward its hard work . As a new brand in the market , we have to find a place on UK farms , so strong partners who are committed to growing the business and to making sure the customer is happy is very important to us .”