Challenger 55 buckrake

sandersonT2

New Member
Since opening are second cut silage clamp this week, we found the silage quite loose, at the front edge, we know it will get better once we get further in but we started thinking (or dreaming) what would an old challenger like a class 55 be like to use for clamping? Thinking that the actions of the tracks would help consolidation. Whilst having plenty of pushing power.
just dreaming but wondered if any one had used one for clamp work?
 

Boysground

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Wiltshire
Machine of choice for clamp where Bg Junior is working. They tend to run a small 330 hp tractor at the same time
7B7F492B-DEAC-4EE8-8EB2-6C1A5F327046.jpeg


Obs not in this country :ROFLMAO:

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sandersonT2

New Member
We use a strautmann wagon and a Jcb 536 on the clamp, but when dry it tends to roll the grass into balls rather than push it down. But the extra weight of the challenger could well be lost through the area of the tracks
 

tr250

Member
Location
Northants
I think a good wheeled tractor would be better. I’m not sure how heavy a 55 is but I wouldn’t think they are very heavy unlike the bigger flat track ones. Not sure how good steering would be on a clamp either and not very easy to to get near the sides apart from in reverse
 
We use a strautmann wagon and a Jcb 536 on the clamp, but when dry it tends to roll the grass into balls rather than push it down. But the extra weight of the challenger could well be lost through the area of the tracks
Did you finish rolling too soon?
Would a tractor fitted with twin wheels just going up and down at a leisurely
Pace solve the problem
 

Al R

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
West Wales
People run duals for traction and stability , not for compaction.
Yes I understand that and you can get closer to the walls, but when legally you’re not allowed above the walls you shouldn’t need it for stability, seen plenty double the height at the centre and tractors and shovels were fine.
Compaction wise a MF 35 may be better on the clamp than a modern tractor with low pressure wide tyres or duals on?
 

grass man

Member
Another advantage of the duals is you cover so much area every run up and down the clamp, important if your under pressure pushing and don't have much time between loads. Ideally normal tires on a heavy tractor but takes ages to roll the complete surface. Different if you have a dedicated rolling tractor on the pit
 

Mc115reed

Member
Livestock Farmer
People run duals for traction and stability , not for compaction.

If you need dual wheels for stability park up, get out the way and let somebody who’s man enough for the job on... why would you run a 17 ton loading shovel on the clamp for compaction and then spread it’s weight out with dual wheels it’s just madness
 

Farmer_Joe

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
The North
We used to use and old tm track Marshall machine on clamping it made a great job. Prople just need to spend more time rolling the pit not sure the machine matters that much there all much heavier compared to 30years ago and we made good silage then but we just took more time rolling it.
 
The more compaction the better, why people run duals I have no idea as they do the opposite. If you want maximum compaction a big tractor on row crops would be hard to beat, put a compactor in the back and you may never the silage back out
If trailers are coming in fast everything gets rolled with duels tho it’s harder to cover everything multiple times with narrow tyres
 

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