Straw spreading options for loader tractor

Stockwell

Member
Just wondering what people’s thoughts are on straw spreaders/choppers when we just have the one loader tractor. The warthog loader mounted spreader looks spot on but they aren’t currently making the round bale model, we’re on all round bales here. I think Malgar used to make them as well but don’t see them very often now. Currently bedding beef cattle and sheep by hand but looking to make the job a bit easier.
Anyone else been in a similar conundrum?
Thanks
 
Very, I was considering a bale unroller. I can then use it to bed and feed just by loading a different bale... Of course the reason I haven't bought it is because I'm cynical and don't believe anything could do both jobs, so still using a Pikle
 

Muddyroads

Member
NFFN Member
Location
Exeter, Devon
Yes, had the same issue. Lucas Castor was my solution. Easy enough to self load. Mounted or trailed would depend on your buildings. Mounted here as some corners are too tight for trailed. Use it to feed with sometimes but it fluffs it up quite a bit so usually feed round bales with a rotating front mounted spike.
 
For about 15 years i used a mounted blower and one tractor for feeding round bales(rotating spike) and bedding up usually on and off each day,(Ive since got idle and have it on one tractor permanently in the winter) Had the buildings been better it could probably have done both jobs but it is a lump behind when doing other jobs.To take it off each day it helped that the tractor (mf 5445) had the mud guard butttons but you still had to be carefull climbing about fixing things on ( which wasnt a problem a few years ago but as one gets a bit older you cringe the day you slip and skin your shins).
The bedding up bit I put a big square bale in each day and wouldnt like to try spreading that about with cows or even 3/4 month old calves running about!!!!Round bales load in very easily by hand if they are lined up but i find squares go through better .
 

HarryB97

Member
Mixed Farmer
Just wondering what people’s thoughts are on straw spreaders/choppers when we just have the one loader tractor. The warthog loader mounted spreader looks spot on but they aren’t currently making the round bale model, we’re on all round bales here. I think Malgar used to make them as well but don’t see them very often now. Currently bedding beef cattle and sheep by hand but looking to make the job a bit easier.
Anyone else been in a similar conundrum?
Thanks
Wessex crossfire is worth a look it unrolls to the right and spreads straw to the left
 

Drillman

Member
Mixed Farmer
Rotating bale spike is ok as long as the straw isn’t too short. They don’t work with anything that’s come out the back of a rotary combine.

Hustler bale unroller works well for feeding silage along barriers and if you can drive into the yard there good at dispensing straw as well.
 

j6891

Member
Location
Perth & Kinross
Using a hustler chainless here. As said need to be able to drive into pens and certainly use less than rolling out. Drops in lines so just walk thru with a fork after to spread. Dare say the cattle would do an ok job themselves.
 

cousinjack

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Cornwall
My advice ( for what it’s worth) is a basic trailed straw chopper..

Take your pick on the make…

Trailed is easier to hitch/ unhitch.

Do your loader work, load 2 bales into the chopper and set up as many extra bales as you would need….. hitch up ( pto, 2 hyd. pipes and electrics) …..
Spread bedding, reverse up to other bales you set up, self load,
Spread those…
unhitch ready for next day…



job done !
We have a Teagle 8100. Ideal !
 

cousinjack

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Cornwall
Yes, had the same issue. Lucas Castor was my solution. Easy enough to self load. Mounted or trailed would depend on your buildings. Mounted here as some corners are too tight for trailed. Use it to feed with sometimes but it fluffs it up quite a bit so usually feed round bales with a rotating front mounted spike.
From my experience a trailed will out manoeuvre a mounted one any day of the week !!

plus, you can put it on a much smaller tractor..
 

twizzel

Member
We’ve got a mounted Teagle chopper. Do all yard work first so bedding down is the last thing to do. Roll round bales into it, or hitch up and move chopper, unhitch, load a big square into it (used to be 1 big square bale would bed everything) then hitch up and crack on. Bit of a faff but still easier than doing it manually, and safer too.
 

cousinjack

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Cornwall
We’ve got a mounted Teagle chopper. Do all yard work first so bedding down is the last thing to do. Roll round bales into it, or hitch up and move chopper, unhitch, load a big square into it (used to be 1 big square bale would bed everything) then hitch up and crack on. Bit of a faff but still easier than doing it manually, and safer too.
Haven’t you got a spare tractor hanging about down there ?
 

ford4000

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
north Wales
I have a trailed teagle, doesn't take a minute to take off, drop hitch, spool into float, pull wires out of control box, get out of cab, pull oil pipes and pto off and get back in to drop a bale into it, then do it all in reverse and cut the strings... which takes longer to do!
 
What about a muck grab and give it a good shake

Neighbour does that,absolutely wrecks the whole outfit long term.

often do that here if the straw chopper isn’t working for what ever reason. Don’t necessarily shake the straw, more pick it up , squeeze it ,and drop it on the concrete a few times. Have toyed with the idea of getting a 9 metre telehandler which would reach to the back third of most of my yards ,drop it in, and let the cattle spread it around. Wouldn’t then need another tractor and spreading machine .
 

Tomo23

Member
Livestock Farmer
Mounted teagle here. And has to get in a couple of tight spots which I think would be tighter with a trailed. Although as said you'd get away with a smaller tractor.
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