McHale will introduce its new, long-anticipated silage rake at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore.
The new twin-rotor, centre-delivery model will be known as the R 62-72.
The Mayo-based manufacturer, which continues to grow and expand, says that the new machine has been tested in the “world’s most difficult conditions”. Indeed, many pictures of this machine have popped up online over recent months.
James Heanue, Irish Sales Manager explained: “We had a number of rakes out with customers over the last two seasons and the feedback has been excellent. Customers liked the heavy-duty build quality and also the unique McHale features.”
According to the company, the R 62-72 rake is an ideal machine for those who want to get the “best fodder by delivering an aerated swath”. The rake is aimed at users, intending to follow behind with either a baler or harvester.
The rake’s pivoting headstock couples into the tractor’s linkage arms; this, in turn, controls the steering system. On the R 62-72, the drive-line flows through a wide-angle gearbox to the individual rotors. Each rotor is designed to place the crop in a “loose, aerated swath”.
The rotors are suspended centrally. Both, according to the company, operate at equal ground pressures across the machine’s working width. The suspension system, adds McHale, allows the rotors to follow undulating ground contours.
The R 62-72 is equipped with a height adjustment indicator, to enable operators to keep a close eye on tine height. McHale says that the design ensures that the rake “delivers uncontaminated fodder into the row”.
Tine movement can be adjusted; the operator can alter the cam angle which, in turn, adjusts when the tine releases the crop.
Working widths range from 6.2 to 7.2m. It is adjusted hydraulically, via telescopic arms, from the driver’s seat.
It’s a flexible machine, says McHale. It can be used to combine multiple rows (swaths) or to rake up grass left on the flat (after a tedder or a mower with a wide-spreading kit).
For transport, the rotors fold up and shunt down into a locking position; this results in a transport height of under 4m. This means that tine arms do not need to be removed for transport.
McHale says that its “low-maintenance” steering system works effectively – even in the tightest turns. Upon arrival into the field, the crop deflector moves automatically into its working position – as the rake is being folded down.
The R 62-72 is equipped as standard with 380/55 -17 tyres. This, says the manufacturer, gives a good balance between stability on the road and reduced compaction in the field. The machine’s running gear is approved for speeds of up to 40kph.
Each rotor is also equipped with centralised grease blocks.
Commenting on the prospects for the new rake, Heanue said: “I feel it will be well accepted; the machines we have out have performed well.
Although we will only be launching the machine at the ‘Ploughing’, some customers have heard that we have some rakes out; I have been getting a lot of calls about availability for next season.
“We will be launching one model at the ‘Ploughing’ and another larger model later in the year, which will be available for next season also.”
Watch this space…
