Power Rake Keeps Stalls Fresh

Power Rake Keeps Stalls Fresh DAIRY EQUIPMENT & IDEAS Dairy Equipment & Ideas 28-5-40 When a local dairy farmer became sick and tired of raking sand in his barn's free-stalls, he approached Superior Attachments owner Richard Linsmeier of Menominee, Mich. looking for an easier solution. Linsmeier went to the dairy and spent some time raking sand which inspired him to create "The Sandman," a skid steer attachment that rakes sand in stalls, aerating and sloping it for cow comfort and cleanliness. Linsmeier says cows naturally like to lay uphill and when they do so, they're more comfortable. They also stay cleaner, which means fewer health problems and infections. The Sandman consists of a hydraulically driven rotary "propeller style" rake at the end of a boom that reaches into stalls. It will work under the stall loop so you don't have to lift The Sandman up after aerating each stall. The rotary arm rotates at about 40 rpms-and won't throw sand out of the stall, says Linsmeier. You can move through the barn at walking speed. He recommends using it at least once a day. It rests on its own stand when not in use. The Sandman sells for $6,795. The Sandman's standard arm is 53 in. but also comes in 50 in. and 43 in. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Richard Linsmeier, Superior Attachments Inc. N3522 U.S. Hwy. 41, Menominee, Mich. 49858. (ph 800 450-7292 or 906 864-1708).

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