Co Antrim based company Blaney Agri Solutions is hosting a number of demonstrations across Ireland of its X10 bale feeder in the coming weeks.

The three-point linkage mounted X10 or loader-mounted X10L bale feeder uses a 50,000 N chain and slat design to evenly tease out the bale for easier feeding of baled silage, haylage, hay or straw on either the left or right of the machine. A concealed silage spike fitted with 50mm tines allows for the one tractor to load and operate the machine.

The hydraulic motor attached to the bale spike that drives the feeder requires just one hydraulic spool valve. This engages with the feeder via a dog-clutch once the spike is returned to the underside of the frame.

Both parts of the machine are kept together thanks to a spring-loaded safety catch which is released via rope from the cab. The X10L designed for loaders is fitted with hydraulic locking pins which are used to release the machine from the bale spike, negating the need for a rope to release the catch. For farmers who want to feed over high feed troughs, into feeders or over an obstacle, the X10W has an offset wing in either 60cm or 100cm widths.

According to Blaney the biggest advantages are faster feeding times, less waste, and less annual labour for the farmer, avoiding forking silage.

The dates for the demonstrations are: Wednesday 15 November on the farm of Vincent Keogh, Carrahan, Tulla, Co Clare and Thursday 16 November on the farm of Paul Noone, Benmore, Bullaun, Loughrea, Co Galway.