Series 2 models incorporate changes based on customer feedback, including increased visibility, width and capacity
New Zealand-based Hustler Equipment has introduced an updated line of Combi RX2 Multi-Feeder wagons.
Since introducing the first series in 2019, the company says it has taken user feedback to heart and made a number of requested changes to the design.
“The RX2 is our latest series,” says Lance Paskewitz, Hustler’s country manager for North America.
“The actual concept itself has been around for over 30 years in multiple countries. Most of the new stuff is upgrades here and there that the market has been asking for, different innovations we’ve added into it like the width of the machine to increase its capability with multiple sized bales.
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“Also, the visibility with the redesign of the front fence, so you can see all the way through the machine. The access ladder has been improved so you can get in and out of the machine.”
There are design changes throughout the machines, including new chain guides on the cross floor that improve tracking and reduce the risk of the derailing.
The pusher blade has been redesigned for simplicity, reduced weight and greater strength.
There are two models in the Combi RX2 line. Both use a pusher design to move product forward and across onto the discharge elevator. The company says this eliminates the need for gearboxes and the kinds of adjustments typical of other feed wagons. It also reduces maintenance.
“In the North American market, we’ve launched both the RX178, which is a tandem axle, and the tridem axle one is the RX218,” says Paskewitz.
“Both are very similar in how they operate. Any type of bale, round or square, wet or dry, big or small, it can feed any type of bale. You can also feed loose material in there as well.”
The wider cross floor provides the ability to handle larger bales. The 178 gets a 38,865 pound (14,000 kilogram) load capacity, while the 218 can handle up to a 37,478 lb. (17,00 kg) load.
“We have some people who load the whole front end with hay and in the back they’ll put their loose product. They’ll just string out hay and spin back around and top dress with whatever supplemental feed they’re feeding as well.”
The all-hydraulic drive system can be controlled from a single joystick, so the machines can handle varying feed rates with a single control input done from the tractor cab.
“That cross floor actually has load sensing capabilities so you can actually determine how much load is against the elevator,” says Paskewitz.
“It can start and stop to adjust the flow of feed to get a good, consistent feed rate. You can adjust the tilt of the elevator and speed of the chains. So there’s a lot of variables in there, but it’s all been brought down to just a simple thumbstick control. So it’s all run with a joystick to make it simple but quite versatile and adjustable.”
Both machines can be equipped with the company’s app-based FeedLink scale system that wirelessly connects to a smartphone or iPad, eliminating the need to have a fixed scale head mounted in the tractor cab.
The FeedLink system also has a geo-locating function, which provides the amount fed and its exact location.
“The RX178 has been our most popular model,” says Paskewitz. “We see a lot of those going on a 140 or 150 horsepower tractor.”
The Combi RX2 Multi-feeder wagons are available from dealers and come with a five-year front-to-back warranty.
Paskewitz says base MSRP for the RX178 will be approximately $100,000 and the larger RX218 retails for approximately $120,000.
