The Guinan family of Tullamore this week received the latest addition to the machinery on their farm in Co. Offaly, a shear/block grab provided by Ronco Agricultural Equipment of Co. Tyrone.
The Guinans received the grab as part of their prize for winning a competition held earlier this year by Merlo and Agriland, which also awarded the use of a Merlo Multifarmer for 12 months, delivered to the farm in April.
The company has six grabs in its range, with the one awarded to the Guinans for the year being the A180. This model has a cutting width of 1.8m and a maximum capacity of 1.3m³.
Tough steel
Ronco claims to take an uncompromising approach to the design and engineering of its products and, with a weight of 780kg, it is clear that a lot of metal – as well as thought – has gone into the construction of the A180.
Two hefty rams of 110mm apply the cutting power and to ensure the silage is cut rather than the frame bent by this force, the tool is formed from heavy-duty box steel with metal where it matters.
The tines follow this theme of robustness, with the two outer elements having a 50mm diameter while the 10 in between are 45mm and can be made of Hardox steel as an option.
Yet dealer manager for Ronco, Patrick Duffy suggests that the hardened steel used as standard for the tines is quite tough already at the size and width of spacing being used.
He also notes that they may be bolted on and so are easily replaced if ever the need arises, unlike the Hardox tines, which need the services of a welder should renewal be required.
The number and density of the tines impressed Kevin Guinan, winner of the Merlo/Agriland competition.
According to Kevin, his present grab is a lot lighter than this model and he feels that the Ronco will leave a tidier face to the silage when loading the feed wagon.
Ronco engineering expertise
The teeth are also designed for easy replacement and bolted on to the blade and frame. The heads are recessed, requiring an Allen key to undo them, but that means they are safe from wear and damage incurred during use.
The grabs come with a range of fitting attachments to suit most, if not, all, loaders on the Irish market.
May is not the best season for using a grab, so the Guinans are not as yet able to comment upon its efficiency or ease of use.
However, both Kevin and Michael were impressed by the build quality and general feel of strength it exuded.
Ronco Agricultural Equipment is part of Coote Engineering, which describes itself as a leading manufacturer of machinery for the precast concrete industry in Europe.
The Coote Engineering agricultural division was formed in 2023, with the launch of this range of grabs and it has since been extended to include low loaders and slurry agitators.
