NZ-built dairy platform now available in different sizes
The Centrus Composite Rotary Platform 84, and smaller 54 and 60 stall, were originally developed in response to demand from farmers around the world for a platform where large herds of large-framed cows and 24/7 milking are commonplace.
However, Grant Wisnewski, international sales manager for Waikato Milking Systems, said that since its introduction, demand has come from farmers from small family units up to intensive 24/7 operations.
As a result, Centrus Composite Rotary platforms will now be made available in 40, 50, 60 and 84 stall configurations.
Lighter and stronger than concrete
The deck sections of Centrus Composite Rotary platforms are formed in a multi-layer process that includes Kevlar.
Wisnewski said the decks are bonded together by a high-strength adhesive that is also used in wind turbines and military vehicles, resulting in a platform that is 75% lighter and eight times stronger than concrete.
He says this overcomes the wear and tear traditional multi-tonne concrete decks place on platform support structures.
Wisnewski said cow comfort was a critical element in the design of the composite platforms, with stalls built for large-framed US cows and rubber matting underfoot.
The composite deck surface is impervious to most chemicals and cow effluent and will not suffer degradation, Wisnewski said.
