New Bulk Spreader for contractors

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 19, 11 October 1983, Page 12

New Bulk Spreader for contractors

Bulk spreading contractors, Kui Griffin and Co Ltd have just taken delivery of a new, four-wheel drive spreading unit. The basic truck unit, a GM Isuzu is one of only a few in private hands. A replacement for the old TK Bedford, and available for only the past six months, almost all the four-wheel drive models that have come into the country so far have gone to Government departments and forestry. Asked why they'd chosen the G.M Isuzu, Keith Kui said "the Isuzu cost us $47,000 cab and chassis whereas, another marque with very s.imilar specifications would have cost $87,00. Thats a pretty good reason to start with". "To have bought another Mack, brand new, the same as the one Dave Griffin drives would be about $203,000 on the road" exclaimed Keith Kui. "Our all-up cost for the new rig was $85,000". With a 5 tonne hopper, the new unit has the latest in spreading gear. It can apply rates from as high as 2 tonnes to the acre down to 25 kilograms to the acre. "Farmers are becoming more and more cost

conscious and scientific" said David Griffin. "We've created equipment that can cope with all client requirements, particularly application of the new, high analysis fertilisers". The spinner spreads 35 feet either side. When the truck can only travel along a ridge and there is a need to push fertiliser out, down a bank, a blower unit is activated which can spread up to 100 feet out the side of the truck. All three Kui Griffin spreaders are nOw fitted with blowers. In addition, the new truck is supplied with tractor tread tyres and a limited slip rear diff. Coupled with the fourwheel drive, this should mean that the machine will operate a month earlier in the season and carry on a month later at the end of the season. "We've gone in for high flotation, low pressure tyres for our spreaders to minimise pasture damage" said Dave Griffin. "To do this we're spending up to $ 1 700 a tyre. We figured that today is a day of specialists and we've decided that spreading's our game. We're going to do the job properly or not at all". Kui Griffin also operate the fertiliser bulk store and are happy to supply anyone from their yard. A marked change has taken place in the use of the company's spreading units over recent years. A large proportion of crops in the Waimarino are now planted by spreader. Farmers prepare the ground, Kui Griffin come in and spread a load of fertiliser with seed mixed - and the farmer follows with a roller or discs. Gone are the days of drilling seed. Crops sown by the company have included turnips, swedes, chou mollier, oats and barley.

The use of higher specification fertilisers and downturn in farmer incomes means that Kui Griffin have reduced staff from 9 to 5 in recent years. "The spreading industry in New Zealand, both aerial and ground, has taken a real bashing over the last few years" said Keith Kui. "Our tonnage has dropped 40% but it's levelled off this season and interest in lime is definitely increasing, particularly with market gardeners". Many local farmers haven't been pushing the potential of their land according to Keith Kui and Dave Griffin. Farmers have also realised that fertiliser cutbacks save money shortterm but cost money in the long run as production falls. Kui Griffin feel that with calls for greater production per hectare, they are well poised to play their part in helping farmers and marl^t gardeners achieve tH^B production increases.