Feeding time on the farm

Sustaining the animals with Sitrex and Volvo Penta

Advertisement

Italian manufacturer, Sitrex, makes self-propelled machines and trailer units for feeding livestock, and sells its products both nationally and all over the world. The company prides itself on offering competitive products that are high quality, have innovative features, and are available through a global network of dealers.

“We currently use Volvo Penta engines on our Virage, Premier and Feedstar self-propelled vehicles,” says Diego Senatore, technical officer at Sitrex. “The Virage model is our most popular machine, and for that we use the TAD571VE, a 129 kW four-cylinder engine. We chose Volvo Penta because of its undisputed quality, worldwide assistance and ease of engine installation.”

Sitrex, based in Perugia, was founded in 1970 by Giovanni Signorelli, and specializes in producing feeders that cut and mix hay, grass silage, corn silt, straw and flour. It also manufactures grass cutters, harvesters, and raking and baling units. It has three production plants to manufacture its high-tech units, and its products are patented in some countries.

Harnessing long-standing experience

The Virage, Premier and Feedstar models have similar functions, but are differentiated due to the position of the feed discharge ribbon, so that farms with differing needs can acquire whichever machine is most suitable for their needs.

The Virage line is available in three models - the 140, 170, and 200 - with feed capacities of 14m³, 17m³ and 20m³, respectively. The self-propelled machines have an auger thickness of 20mm, which ensures an even consistency of the source material when cut and mixed, for efficient digestion of the feed by the cattle.

“The Virage model embodies state-of-the-art technology for top-of-the-range mixer feeders,” says Senatore. “We have used all our past experience to create a machine which can fulfil all stock breeders’ requirements. Our new patented solution for a folding, front-of-cab discharge provides a very compact machine without detracting from its easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

“Thanks to CANBUS, our innovative handling system, and the new, larger silage cutter arm with greater hydraulic power, Virage can adapt to any farm under any conditions.”

The units may work anywhere from two hours per day, up to 15 hours per day, depending on the size of the farm and number of animals to be fed.

Bringing new products to market

Volvo Penta’s TAD571 VE is an off-road, in-line 4-cylinder, 5.1-liter diesel engine. It features common-rail fuel injection, overhead camshaft, and a variable geometry turbo. Its high-tech injection system contributes to efficient combustion and low fuel consumption. High power and torque are available at low rpm. The compact engine produces low noise, and is easy to install and service.

Sitrex is a new customer for Volvo Penta and the Italian company has been impressed with the overall provision of appropriate products and service by the Swedish manufacturer.

“The technical support service for installation by Volvo Penta was a particular highlight for us,” says Senatore. “Our company is excellent at engineering and we offer new and improved products every year. We would definitely like to install Volvo Penta’s new Stage V engines in our machines in future.”

The collaboration with Sitrex enables Volvo Penta to further extend its reach into the agricultural sector.

“As an established company with an international presence, we have had many discussions on how we can provide the most suitable engine for their requirements,” says Giorgio Paris, global head of the industrial engine segment, at Volvo Penta. “Agriculture requires robust machines that need to sometimes perform delicate operations, in order to protect the environment that animals and crops require to thrive. As our collaboration with Sitrex grows, we will help them in whatever way we can to ensure that their machinery is suitable for their customers’ needs.”

Volvo Penta is displaying its products in Hall 16 Stand C23, at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, from November 12-18.