Tractor mounted attachment to transport and break down fodder blocks - pushes block against cutter which distributes edible pieces

摘要

The attachment carries a block of fodder ex-silo storage and for distributing pieces of the block ready for eating by farm animals etc. The attachment comprises a vertical, rectangular framework with one side fixed to the tractor and the other side equipped at its lower edge with initially horizontal forks or platform. A block of fodder, pref. palletised, is carried on the forks. The forks are pivoted on a horizontal axis at their heels so that the forks can be swung gradually from horizontal to vertical. This presses the block progressively against a horizontally displaceable, endless conveyor band in a horizontal plane and fixed to the framework. The conveyor band is fitted with teeth to tear pieces from the block. The frame has an end stop to hold the block against the displacing action of the conveyor band. Pref. the width across the forks or platform is sufficient to carry several blocks simultaneously. The attachment enables a tractor to take several fodder blocks out from a storage silo and transport these to an area where, at least part of the blocks, are broken down and distributed as edible pieces to farm animals etc. The blocks are easier to handle than pre-chopped fodder. The fodder blocks are broken down in situ so the animals get freshly cut fodder.