Improved Chaffcutting Machinery.

Otago Witness, Issue 1751, 13 June 1885, Page 19

Improved Chaffcutting Machinery.

The enterprise of our local agricultural implement makers in keeping np to the times and turning out new and improved machinery to meet the growing demands of the agricultural community has often beea proved. Messrs R<3id and Gray have lately bean experiment upon chaff cutting machinery with a view of turning out a superior machine at a minimum cost, and> ono, too, which should more than hold its own in competition with similar machines. On Wednesday afternoon we had the pleaenro of inspecting one of a number of chaff - cutting and bagfjinsf machines, which was being pun through a trial prior to its despatch to Auckland In its construction this machine of Messrs Reid and Gray's differs considerably from those ia common use, and tho advantages claimed for it are groator speed in ouiliug and correspond ing quickness in bagging. Saveral patented improvements are noticeable in the bagging apparatus. To prevent waste of chaff while bags are being changed a brake ia fitted upon the screw-press, which, stepping it iustantaneoupJy, prevents tha chaff being forcod through the delivery box while the screw is stopped to change the bagi. The machine being provided with a smutter-riddle, all sorrell and dock seeds, as well an duat and Bmut, and very fine chaff, are removed from the chaff proper, and this alone is an improvement which will bo appreciated by owners of Btock. The oavinga or long straws in the chaff are delivered behind tho machine, tho dust, &o , underneath. The brake on tho screw-press has been patented as weli as tho mouthpiece, which te in one piece, and is easily renewable. The firm have made five of these machines, and the reports concerning th9m are highly satisfactory. Messrs Smith and Sons, of Greenfield, ware the purchasers of the first combined maobine, and they find no difficulty in cutting and bagging 20 tona or more per diem with their machine. The or.a t9Bted on Wednesday has a 12ia mouthpiece, but a larger bizo can be made without increan* ing the siza of the frame of the machine. It is claimed for the machine that 120 wellpackfid bags per hour can be turned out when the machine is in competent hands and tho quality of the stuff to be chaffed ia good. The whole concern is mounted on four wheels, and can be easily and speedily transported from place to place. The No. 1 ordinary chaffcutter which the firm have been turning out can ba adjusted to the portable frame and fitted up with riddles and bagging apparatus A machine euch aa was tried on Wednesday ia turned out for something under £60.