Developed by Carson Tardy, a dairyman and fabricator, The Groomer is a freestall rake designed to benefit those producers who place emphasis on cow comfort and appreciate the benefits of reduced bedding usage. At the front of the rake is a large, adjustable plow that is set at a 40-degree angle. This takes the sand at the rear of the stall and moves it back up to the brisket area.
A height adjustment allows producers to match the plow blade to freestall loop height and bedding frequency. At the front of the plow there is a large rubber blade that floats on the curb, to move sand and protect concrete.Behind the sand saver plow are 12 tines that are replaceable. The tines are set at a 20-degree angle. This allows the tines to lift the bedding, aerate the bedding and increase drying of wet bedding. The tines loosen the stall beds to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, leaving a plush stall bed for cows to lie in.
Along the outside curb edge, a large, rubber blade guides the operator down the alley and protects the curb.
The rake folds vertically using hydraulics to easily fit through narrow doorways. It also maintains a low profile when unfolded, allowing it to be lifted over crossovers, as well as turn 180 degrees to rake the opposite row of stalls.
Click here for more information or call Tardy at (217) 240-0342. PD
—Information provided by Carson Tardy
PHOTO
Photo courtesy of Carson Tardy.
