Forage Blowers

Summary of New Holland 28 Forage Blower (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.36 MB)

Overall functional performance of the New Holland 28 was excellent in clover, alfalfa and corn silage. Ease of operation was excellent.

At 540 rpm power-take-off speed, typical conveying rates into a 25 m (80 ft) high silo varied from 28 to 33 t/h (31 to 36 ton/h) in clover at 32% moisture and from 24 to 27 t/h (26 to 30 ton/h) in corn at 60% moisture. Conveying rates higher than 33 t/h (36 ton/h) at 540 rpm, could not be maintained without the risk of clogging. Conveying rates could be increased an average of 20%, by increasing the power take-off speed to 620 rpm.

A 40 kW (54 hp) tractor should have sufficient power to operate the New Holland 28 at maximum capacity in most conditions. The most efficient power use occurred when conveying at maximum rates. Crop type had little effect on power requirements or maximum conveying rates. Introducing water to the band housing increased the conveying rate.

The New Holland 28 was convenient to position next to a silo. Levelling and stabilizing were easy. Blower pipe sections were convenient to join.

The New Holland 28 transported well. Servicing and adjusting were convenient.

The New Holland 28 was safe to operate if the manufacturer's safety recommendations were closely followed, however the feeder clutch was difficult to operate. The operator's manual was very good, providing useful information on operation, servicing and safety.

Two minor mechanical problems occurred during the test. The rotor feed bevel drive gear required realignment and the drive key was worn.

Summary of John Deere 6500 Forage Blower (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.41 MB)

Overall functional performance of the John Deere 6500 forage blower was very good in clover, alfalfa and corn silage. Ease of operation was very good.

At 540 rpm power-take-off speed, typical conveying rates into a 25 m (80 ft) high silo varied from 25 to 30 t/h (27 to 33 ton/h), in clover at 32% moisture and from 20 to 26 t/h (22 to 29 ton/h) in corn at 60% moisture. Conveying rates higher than 30 t/h (33 ton/h) at 540 rpm, could not be maintained without the risk of clogging. Conveying rates could be increased an average of 20%, by increasing the power take-off speed to 620 rpm.

A 40 kW (54 hp) tractor should have sufficient power to operate the John Deere 6500 at maximum capacity in most conditions. The most efficient power use occurred when conveying at maximum rates. Crop type had little effect on power requirements or maximum conveying rates. Introducing water to the band housing increased the conveying rates.

The John Deere 6500 was convenient to position next to a silo. Levelling and stabilizing were easy. Blower pipe sections were convenient to join.

The John Deere 6500 transported well. Servicing and adjusting were convenient.

The John Deere 6500 was safe to operate if the manufacturer's safety recommendations were closely followed. The operator's manual was very good, providing useful information on operation, servicing, and safety.

Two minor mechanical problems occurred during the test. The shaker pan attaching bolts loosened, damaging the pan, and the shaker rocker arm loosened on the rocker shaft.

Summary of Greenbelt 10-4 Forage Deck (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.46 MB)

Quality of Work: Capacity of the forage deck was several times that of the forage blowers used during the tests. The conveyors and beaters were very aggressive in all crops. The forage deck was quickly cleaned using the high speed setting of the main deck conveyor.

The Greenbelt 10-4 was easy to position at the silo. All controls were conveniently located and easy to use.

Power Requirements:The Greenbelt 10-4 was hydraulically driven and required a 12 gal (US)/min (46 L/min) flowrate at 1800 psi (12,000 kPa). Total power requirement was 12.8 hp (9.5 kW).

Safety: No safety problems were encountered during the evaluation.

Operator Manual: The operator manual was well written and illustrated.

Durability: No durability problems occurred during the test.

Summary of Jiffy BLD Forage Deck (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.42 MB)

Quality of Work: Capacity of the forage deck was several times that of the forage blowers used during the tests. The conveyors and beaters were very aggressive in all crops. The forage deck took several minutes to clean with the high speed setting of the main deck conveyor.

The Jiffy was difficult to position at the silo. Some controls were inconveniently located and difficult to use.

Power Requirements: The Jiffy was electrically and hydraulically driven. It required a hydraulic flow of 10 gal (US)/min (38 L/min) at 1500 psi (10,000 kPa). The beaters and main deck conveyor were powered with a 5 hp electric motor.

Safety: No safety decals were installed on the forage deck and safety recommendations were not included in the operator manual.

Operator Manual: A suitable operator manual was not supplied.

Durability: Two minor durability problems occurred during the test.