Maize silage is a valuable feed source for dairy and beef cattle, as it provides high energy, starch, and digestible fibre. However, harvesting maize silage can be challenging, as it requires careful planning, timing, and equipment. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to optimise your maize silage harvest process with precision-engineered equipment from Armour Group. We will also introduce our 2024 finance offer, which can help you acquire the best machinery for your silage needs.
Transporting Maize Silage
Many of our customers are looking to improve their equipment to transport chopped, harvested crop from the field to the storage site. This requires a fast and efficient transport system, which can minimise losses and maintain quality. You also want to avoid soil contamination, which can reduce the nutritional value and increase the risk of spoilage.
To transport maize silage, you need a tipper trailer or a farm trailer that can carry large loads of silage. The trailer should have a sturdy and stable design, as well as a hydraulic tipping mechanism for easy unloading. It should also have a high ground clearance, a strong suspension, and a reliable braking system for safe and smooth operation.
One of the best tipper trailers in the market is the Stewart Stewart GX15-CM Tipper Trailer from Armour Group. This is a versatile 15-tonne construction tipper trailer, which can handle any type of silage, as well as grain, rock, gravel, and other materials. It has a robust and durable steel body, a reinforced chassis, a heavy-duty axle, and a hydraulic tailgate. It also has a hydraulic jack, a spare wheel, and LED lights for convenience and safety.
Another option for transporting maize silage is the Stewart VT6100 Versatile Farm Trailer from Armour Group. This is a 6.1-metre farm trailer, which can be customised with different side options for silage, grain, rock, and gravel. It has a strong and lightweight aluminium body, a hydraulic tipping system, a tandem axle, and a hydraulic brake. It also has a removable drawbar, a toolbox, and a mudguard for flexibility and functionality.
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The GX-18-23 40 m3 Silage Trailer
Compacting Maize Silage
The final step in the maize silage harvest process is to compact the crop in the silage pit or bunker. This is essential for removing air and creating anaerobic conditions, which promote good fermentation and preservation. Compacting maize silage also reduces shrinkage and spoilage, as well as improves feed quality and palatability.
To compact maize silage, you need a tractor with a front-end loader or a telehandler with a silage fork or a buck rake. The loader or the telehandler should have enough power and weight to push and pack the silage evenly and tightly. The silage fork or the buck rake should have a large and sturdy design, which can move and distribute large amounts of silage.
One of the best silage forks on the market is the Triton 14-Foot Silage Fork from Armour Group. This is a premium quality silage fork, which is designed for high-volume work. It has a heavy-duty frame, a reinforced tine bar, and 14 hardened steel tines. It also has a hydraulic top link, which allows for easy adjustment of the fork angle.