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Published: October 6, 2016

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The SPSL30T tub grinder is self-propelled, self-loading and has a capacity of 30 cubic metres.  |  Supreme International photo

The twin auger tub grinder hauls more feed in less time, and driver safety is increased because functions are controlled from the cab

FARGO, N.D. — There are only five prototype SPSL30T grinders is existence, but they’re already creating a stir in the mixing industry.

Built by Supreme International in Wetaskiwin, Alta., the unique feeding machines are designed to load, grind, mix, deliver and dump at an unprecedented rate.

SP designates self-propelled, SL designates self-loading and 30T designates 30 cubic metres volume.

The on-board 240 horsepower Iveco diesel gives SPSL30T the ability to perform all feeding functions, thus eliminating the need for multiple machines, says Mike Sevcik of Supreme International.

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“It’s more efficient than a tractor-truck system, simply because you have one engine and one machine doing everything,” he said while debuting the unit at the recent Big Iron show in Fargo.

“The operator stays in the cab the whole time and controls all functions, including loading.”

Related story/video: Self-loading feed mixer saves time, feed costs

He said this is the first machine of its type in North America with the first one rolling off the assembly line just six months ago.

“In addition to the fuel savings, there’s a really important safety issue here. In a big dairy or beef operation, you might do a dozen loads a day. From what we’ve seen so far, guys are cutting 30 percent off their time spent feeding,” he said.

“Now that’s significant in terms of reducing driver fatigue. It’s also significant because the driver isn’t climbing up and down, jumping between cabs, especially in wet sloppy conditions.”

Sevcik said the SPSL30T has a 1,200 cubic foot (30 cubic metre) capacity. In a dairy ration, that’s a load of 20,000 to 24,000 pounds. Maximum payload is 25,463 lb. driving at five m.p.h.

Unload time depends on how fast the operator drives along the trough, but it can be done in two minutes if the load is just being dumped in a pile.

The tires do not have the aggressive tread pattern one might expect, which Sevcik said is because the heavy mixer is not intended for muddy alleys or pastures.

It’s made to run on gravel or hard surface alleyways in feedlots and big dairy operations, which also accounts for the narrow design with a width of 92 inches at ground level and 112 inches at the top.

The self-propelled tub is all wheel drive with crab-steer, four-wheel steer or front-steer. All loading, mixing and unload functions of the machine are fully hydrostatic.

The operator loads by driving up to a wall of high-moisture packed silage, dry big bales, distillers grain or other feedstock. The milling cutter at the front of the feeding arm grabs and grinds the feedstock and then deposits it on the rubber conveyor belt for a short ride up into the tub.

The tub, fabricated with 1/4 inch AR200 steel, is designed with sloped walls so feed easily drops from the auger top back down to the floor of the tub. Sevcik said there are no dead spots or hang-ups in the tub.

The twin vertical augers, which are made of 5/8 inch AR200 flighting, mix the ration on the way to the feeding stations. Speeds are adjustable between zero and 45 r.p.m. Unload can be from the left or right side or simultaneously from both sides.

Uniformly wide flighting carries more product up through the centre of the auger before it drops down again. Sevcik said conventional Christmas tree shaped augers allow most of the feed to fall off before it’s properly mixed.

The basic chassis, drive line and self-load mechanism come from Italy. The tub, augers and planetaries are designed and built by Supreme in Alberta.

About the author

Ron Lyseng

Ron Lyseng

Western Producer

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