Paddock sweeper/poop picker

[ngm]

Is there evidence that this is 100% caused by using sweepers?
Is there anything that can be done to stop it occurring?

Not sure on evidence to be honest as not looked into it massively, but it's to do with disturbance of the ground/soil and so the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is thought to cause it.
There is so little known about it but 'mechanical droppings removal' is given as a possible causal factor on the grass sickness charity website.
Really difficult one to prevent/plan for as so many possibilities/unknowns still unfortunately

 

[Magic7]

Another vote for a Predator vacuum. Very easy to operate even with a bad back and significantly more powerful than any other machine on the market. Sales and aftercare are appalling but the machine itself is brilliant.

 

[MF-ANDY]

another vote for terra vac. they have 12 of them on a large stud farm where i do some work. they are the stud 40 type and all pulled by 36hp kubota hst tractors i have welded tines on the front of the scoops which helps break up the droppings before they are sucked up. most of the drivers swap the rear view mirrors on the tractors to the lh side then there's no need to turn around and with hst transmissions they can easily reverse over the droppings for a second go if need be.

 

[theboytheboy]

Not sure on evidence to be honest as not looked into it massively, but it's to do with disturbance of the ground/soil and so the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is thought to cause it.
There is so little known about it but 'mechanical droppings removal' is given as a possible causal factor on the grass sickness charity website.
Really difficult one to prevent/plan for as so many possibilities/unknowns still unfortunately

Thanks. I guess we would just have to say to customers that if they are not happy with sweeper collection then best they move elsewhere (assuming we got a sweeper)

 

[Dry Rot]

Another vote for a Predator vacuum. Very easy to operate even with a bad back and significantly more powerful than any other machine on the market. Sales and aftercare are appalling but the machine itself is brilliant.

Just had a long email from the distributor with lengthy passages in red type.

I've deleted it without reading it as I suspect it will be a similar rant to ones I have had in the past! He doesn't seem to like me. Can't think why!

The Predator is basically a good machine spoilt by poor backup and near zero customer service.

 

[theboytheboy]

another vote for terra vac. they have 12 of them on a large stud farm where i do some work. they are the stud 40 type and all pulled by 36hp kubota hst tractors i have welded tines on the front of the scoops which helps break up the droppings before they are sucked up. most of the drivers swap the rear view mirrors on the tractors to the lh side then there's no need to turn around and with hst transmissions they can easily reverse over the droppings for a second go if need be.

Will demo a terravac vac stud aswell. It's the small size of scoop we don't like. If you have pics of your modification I would be gratefull if you could post them

 

[theboytheboy]

Just had a long email from the distributor with lengthy passages in red type.

I've deleted it without reading it as I suspect it will be a similar rant to ones I have had in the past! He doesn't seem to like me. Can't think why!

The Predator is basically a good machine spoilt by poor backup and near zero customer service.

I hate poor service so think we will rule the predator out, even if that is cutting my nose off to spite my face

 

[MF-ANDY]

Will demo a terravac vac stud aswell. It's the small size of scoop we don't like. If you have pics of your modification I would be gratefull if you could post them

I just weld 5 pieces of 12mm round bar vertically in tbe front opening so they rake through the dropping to break it up

 

[TripleSix]

"Noo Noo"
Has a VW diesel in the back.
Front bit is home made.

The "tines" are bits of hydraulic hose that are rotated by the land wheel.

 

[Bongodog]

"Noo Noo"
Has a VW diesel in the back.
Front bit is home made.

The "tines" are bits of hydraulic hose that are rotated by the land wheel.

View attachment 708670 View attachment 708672 View attachment 708674 View attachment 708676

I used to work for Schmidts and can confirm that this is not a factory approved modification to a SK152

One hell of an effort, even see that the original suction nozzle was adapted.

 

[Highland Mule]

Just had a long email from the distributor with lengthy passages in red type.

I've deleted it without reading it as I suspect it will be a similar rant to ones I have had in the past! He doesn't seem to like me. Can't think why!

The Predator is basically a good machine spoilt by poor backup and near zero customer service.

Go on, give us all a laugh and post it on here.....

 

[Dry Rot]

Go on, give us all a laugh and post it on here.....

If you read my post, you'll see I deleted it.

I seriously think the guy is touched. He has a good product that he is intent on destroying by pissing off his customers.

 

[Highland Mule]

If you read my post, you'll see I deleted it.

I seriously think the guy is touched. He has a good product that he is intent on destroying by pissing off his customers.

I saw that, but assumed that it'll be in the waste bin still. But yes, I respect your judgement and made my request (partially) in jest.

 

[TripleSix]

I used to work for Schmidts and can confirm that this is not a factory approved modification to a SK152

One hell of an effort, even see that the original suction nozzle was adapted.

It's a lovely job, the owners husband built it, he's definitely got skills.

I do think the old Schmidt is possibly out of warranty...
It's massively reliable except for when the radiator gets blocked and it overheats.

That engine has had three head rebuilds....

 

[Bongodog]

It's a lovely job, the owners husband built it, he's definitely got skills.

I do think the old Schmidt is possibly out of warranty...
It's massively reliable except for when the radiator gets blocked and it overheats.

That engine has had three head rebuilds....

It looks like one from my era and I left them about 25 years ago. Sk152 all had 1600 VW diesels some with turbo and some without, every part that could came straight out of the VW parts bin which does make ongoing repairs fairly easy. Radiators will always be an issue, no great airflow being at the back and susceptible to dust if the suppression system isn't working well.