Sounds of the Turbodrum

And according to Victorian distributor Richard May it will become a 'must-have' for most grain growers.

The Turbodrum is a retro-fitted harvester feed drum, which is stronger than the standard model with a higher number of retractable fingers to allow a more aggressive 'grab' of material as it flows through into the feeder house.

According to owners, it is creating markedly better operational efficiency on harvesters using a draper front.

Richard said the feeder drum allowed more even flow of the crop into the feeder house, thus improving efficiency.

"It is especially good in bulky crops, like we had last year," he said. "It allows you to go faster and get the crop in quicker, which is the main aim of the game."

The Turbodrum is the brainchild of Esperance farmer and inventor Mic Fels and farm machinery manufacturer Laurie Phillips, Phillbourne Manufacturing, Merredin.

After being trialled on Mic's farm in 2015, a number of units were fitted to harvesters throughout the country for last year's harvest with positive feedback.

"Everybody who trialled the product was impressed by it," Richard said.

"The efficiency gains are primarily made by ensuring an even feed of grain into the harvester.”

Richard said in heavy canola crops, harvest speed can be less than half the header's capacity due to issues with feeding.

"The smaller barrel with more flighting in the Turbodrum allows more room inside the feeder house," he said. "This creates more space for pulling through bulky crops, thus reducing the risk of jamming."

If you are interested in a Turbodrum, call Laurie now on 9041 2066.