The Rata Blog

Discover innovations, news and tips from NZ's own farm machinery attachments manufacturer.

Who Wants Broken Tines?

Posted by Casey-lee Cranston on Nov 11, 2022 9:57:30 AM

Most of us that use forks or rakes of any kind will be able to recall that moment of a bent or broken tine, and we know how it happened, right?

It's not what you want part way through any job because it's going to effect productivity and in the case of the silage, often the broken parts are nowhere to be found and you know the lost part is going to damage something else like a chopper or tyre...best case is the broken part is found before the damage is done. Not to mention the replacement cost.

There is no telling, tines get used for everything in between being used for their intended purpose, so a broken tine can be expected through shear overloading or impact. 


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Topics: Working Safer, Bale Handling & Storage, Working Smarter, attachments

Tractor Grapple Review (VIDEO) - Jason Conn, Blayney NSW Australia

Posted by Sam Searle on Sep 7, 2022 11:47:01 AM

Faced with large tracts of overgrown land Jason Conn from 'Sugar-Loaf' near Blayney NSW was after a capable bit of gear that he could rely on to clear scrub, trees, and overgrowth and return the land to productivity. Listen and watch as he tells & shows us how the Power Claw Tractor Grapple has helped him!


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Topics: Working Smarter, Tractor Grapples

Saving Costs On Farm, With Prices Increasing

Posted by Casey-lee Cranston on Aug 1, 2022 10:00:00 AM

In recent times and 2022 especially, Farmers have had to reassess the budget as costs continue to rise. With higher fuel costs, increased costs on fertiliser going up 30-50%, price increase on machinery and facing supply issues or delays in stock, increasing interest rates, rising costs of energy, rates, wages and audits. In turn creating farmers to be cautious to try and save costs on farms.

Statistics New Zealand released it’s latest farm expense price index and it showed large inflation costs for farmers over the past two years. They reported that four key farming costs have experienced inflation of more than 10% between 2019 and 2021. Electricity increased by 21%, while the cost of fertiliser, animal feed, and cultivation, harvesting, and stock grazing charges increased by 15.9%, 18.9%, and 21%, respectively, from the previous year. Food remains in high demand worldwide, particularly dairy goods. However, there is a limited supply due to inadequate manufacturing and high input prices globally. Meaning world food prices are a third higher than this time last year. Due to port delays and closures associated with covid, shipping costs are generally 600% more than they were two years ago.


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Topics: Insider, Fertiliser Spreading, Tips, Hacks & How To's, Working Smarter, Soil Aeration & Drainage

Be Prepared This Winter

Posted by Casey-lee Cranston on Jul 1, 2022 10:13:35 AM

Let’s talk feed pad hygiene and management for cattle farmers including dairy. As well as topics such as effluent clearing and feeding supplements.

Feed pads are known to be used for a range of things and many more;

  • A place for the supplementary feeding of a dairy herd
  • Increasing the quantity or quality of milk produced
  • To prevent pasture and soil damage, increase pasture use, boost pasture regrowth, and improve animal wellbeing.

Do you know what makes a good feed pad?


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Topics: Insider, Silage & Winter Feed Handling, Working Safer, Tips, Hacks & How To's, Working Smarter