A BIG SEED-DRESSING PLANT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30200, 3 August 1963, Page 7

A BIG SEED-DRESSING PLANT

trHAT is believed to be the ’’ biggest portable seeddressing plant in the Southern Hemisphere, and possibly the world, was manufactured in Christchurch recently for a Methven agricul‘ural contractor. It is shown above.

The plant, which weighs 10i tons, was built at a cost of £5500. It was designed and manufactured locally specifically for the seed-cleaning needs of the country areas, Mr K. W. Doell, of Andrew and Beaven. Ltd., who was responsible for most of the design and supervision of its manufacture, said Last week. When working at full capacity the plant is capable of dressing between 40 and 50 bags of cocksfoot an eighthour day, with very high purity tests for the dressed seed.

When working at maximum capacity two men will usually be required to operate the machine, but it can be worked by only one man.

Mounted on the deck of an articulated truck, the plant is 21ft 6in long, and Oft 6in wide and has a maximum height of 14ft from the ground. It is powered by a 24 h.p. diesel engine. Designing and building the machine took about three months.

“We think there is a big future for plants of this size, which are much more versatile than the smaller ones, and they should meet the needs of farmers, allowing them to dress most of their seed on their own farms.’’ Mr Doell said. The Arm had received a tentative order for a similar plant from North Otago.