A new, far larger barn was selected for use just before Christmas, and this resulted in significant changes. The cows were now able to roam free, and were milked by a robot. “The new setup improves the welfare of our animals. The cows are happier, and more social. We know that the better our cows feel, the more milk they produce, so it’s a win-win situation,” says Magnar.
\nOut with the old…
But while a larger living environment promised better conditions for its bovine residents, it also presented greater agricultural-cleaning challenges. The Skaugs had been using an older mobile hot-water washer, but the machine’s storage requirements and weight were frustrating, as was ensuring access to water and power when moving the machine around. “It was cumbersome to set up and take down, and when you drag a heavy machine around, it wears you down,” explained Magnar. “You end up with health issues if you don’t make the right choices for your farm-cleaning setup.”
…And in with the new
A replacement was needed; the only question was whether it would be stationary or mobile. A friend of the Skaugs had installed a stationary machine, and after determining the benefits of installing one at their own farm, the choice was an easy one: the SH SOLAR 7P. “All we have to carry, now, is the hose and the lance, which weigh nothing compared to the old machine.”
A smooth approach to every job
In the past, the Skaugs had often postponed cleaning. “We didn’t even want to start the job because it was such a hassle,” Magnar recalls. But the SOLAR 7P made work faster and easier than ever, having been assembled by a skilled Nilfisk technician, with a piping and quick-coupling system installed directly within the barn.
The Tornado+ lance cleans more evenly across larger surfaces, and the Vario foam-sprayer produces a thick foam, with fewer breathable droplets, for an improved binding effect that prolongs cleaning duration and performance. The foam-sprayer also allows operators to adjust both the amount of soap and the width, and length, of the spray. Having used the new washer for a few months, the Skaugs conclude that, “It’s now very easy to just grab a hose and get the job done.”
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\nOle Andersen is 62 years old, and has worked on the Blakshøjgård farm since he purchased it in 1986. The estate is situated near Frederikshavn in Northern Denmark, and houses 400 sows.
\nA setup beyond the machine
For cleaning purposes, the Blakshøjgård farm uses a Nilfisk MC 7P cold-water high-pressure washer, including the original four-cylinder C3 pump, which is connected to a custom pipe system. This system runs through all the stables for cleaning purposes. The system automatically initiates the different processes of misting, soaking, and temperature-reduction.
“In 2000, I had the first system installed: a dust-binding system with a water-misting function. I later added one with a soaking function, and it was extended in 2014, and updated with the latest software. Today, the pipe system covers all the stables’ requirements for misting, soaking, and cooling.”
\nA smarter, more speedy system
Each morning, and at mid-day, the farm’s stables are automatically misted with clean water for ten seconds. This forces dust particles to the ground, which helps keep the air clean and breathable. “My employees don’t breathe in all the dust from the stables, so my employees enjoy a safer working environment.”
Ole continues: ”Soaking makes it easier to clean the stables - we simply press a button on the computer, and the process begins. The stable sits overnight, and then we can easily wash away the loose dirt in the morning. We can do all the cleaning in half the time.”
\nA solution that satisfies
“Collaboration with Nilfisk provided us with a really good, reliable solution. I’ve tested alternatives, and nothing else works as well. In my opinion, Nilfisk provides the best solutions the market has to offer, and that’s why I’ve stayed with them.”
Ole says he really appreciates how his Nilfisk solution enables an easier workday at the right price, without compromising on quality. “With our Nilfisk equipment, we work smarter, save time, and experience a better working environment. We even manage to save water. I am pretty sure that the animals feel better too,” he concluded.
Going beyond good enough at Gamlegård
\nIn 1995, Alf Söderlin took over the operation of the Gamlegård family farm in Lövestad, Sweden, and nowadays hygiene is one of his foremost operational concerns. For as long as he’s been in charge, Nilfisk pressure washers have been his go-to for high-performance cleaning, whether he’s washing stables, machines, or vehicles.
\nKeeping things rolling
Gamlegård produces piglets, and the process is divided into three zones. The first zone is where sows are housed when not giving birth; the second zone is where birthing occurs; and the third zone is a larger space where the piglets are housed after five weeks.
When it comes to washing these zones, and controlling the hygienic standard, a rolling schedule is employed: as soon as part of the stable is empty, it must be cleaned. In the past, Alf used the medium-class Nilfisk Neptune 4 hot-water pressure washer, which wore down under the sheer workload required. Fortunately, service from his local Nilfisk dealer minimized downtime and kept business moving.
\nElevating the efficiency
Two years ago, Alf opted for a premium offering, selecting the Nilfisk MH 6P for its higher performance capacity and capabilities, including an efficient Eco Power boiler with efficiency levels amongst the highest on the market – ranging between 92% to 93% – which allows Nilfisk to offer high outlet-water temperatures at a low running cost. With it, he has established a far more efficient cleaning routine, and he believes that the latest generation of Nilfisk pressure washers allows for much smoother handling and improved mobility.
Supporting further success
The time he saves on cleaning and hygienic maintenance has given Alf the opportunity to manage approximately 70 acres of land, which also creates conditions for operations in the form of foraging and grain production. He has also has more time for his sheep, and for keeping their grazing and herding areas in optimal condition from one generation to the next.
Helping the Sakkaras raise better beef
\nCattle-farming is an incredibly messy business at the best of times, and the Sakkara farm, run by Jarno and Sini Sakkara in Kouvola, Finland, is no exception. The farm is home to 220 bulls, raised for domestic meat production and housed collectively in a single barn.
\nMake it fast
Stable-cleaning takes place every six weeks, over the course of three full working days – each of which involves up to 12 hours of pressure-washing, so the Sakkaras clean their agricultural equipment with the kind of speed and consistency for which Nilfisk is known.
Make it powerful
At the start of 2019, they purchased the high-powered MH 8P high-pressure washer to meet their significant farm-cleaning requirements. According to Jarno, it’s a perfect solution; significant pressure and exceptional flow (2,000 liters per hour) both help to make short work of even the largest spaces on the farm, including those that are heavily soiled, while excellent balance and large wheels make it easy to move and rotate. Sini, who is primarily responsible for the washing, appreciates the MH 8P’s efficiency during heavier usage periods: “A stable clean with hot water is an absolute must in the barn; surfaces require much less scrubbing than with cold water.”
Make it flexible
In addition, Jarno praised several unique aspects of the Nilfisk solution that help it stand out. “The lance is really smart. Its pressure-control handle is a major benefit; we don’t always need to wash at full pressure, so rather than having to backtrack along a 30-meter hose, we can simply adjust it wherever we are – which really reduces physical effort over 12 hours. The quick coupling of the lance to the handle is a great feature, too, because we can switch more quickly between tools. The control panel is easy to use, the machine tolerates anti-freeze just fine during storage in winter, and when I need to inspect the machine, you just lift the cover for full access.”
Make it a long-term solution
This year, the farm’s livestock count will more than double as 500 new bulls arrive. And with Nilfisk’s help, the Sakkaras will be more than ready to provide them with a home that’s cleaner, safer, and more comfortable. The result will undoubtedly be better living conditions for the cattle, and a better bottom line for the Sakkaras.
All the cleaning equipment you need to quickly and efficiently clean everything from tractors to farm buildings, storage facilities, and outdoor areas. Plus a wide selection of easy-to-change task-specific accessories.
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Protect your products, people, and business
Controlling bacterial threats to your agricultural operation should always be a top priority, so your equipment – and how you use it – should be a cornerstone of good biosecurity. Potential risks may arise:
Hygienic cleaning is vital to your farm’s biosecurity, and the best results are achieved by following correct, exact processes. Our wide portfolio of high-pressure washers, vacuum cleaners and floorcare equipment helps you do just that, integrating into your complete bio security cleaning programme.
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