SIP machines help produce cleaner forage by reducing soil, sand and stone contamination during mowing, tedding and raking. Key technologies include HPS hydropneumatic suspension, S-FLOW front mower hitch, different-length SPIDER tines, STAR walking tandem and AIR pick-up rakes technology. As one of the leading producers of grassland harvesting machinery, we ensure high harvesting efficiency and the production of clean and quality forage. This is how we contribute to the economic result of farms.

With the right selection and the proper use of agricultural machinery, a significant contribution to reduction of ash content in the forage can be made. At SIP, we have developed a wide range of machines that are designed to prevent the introduction of soil and sand into the forage while mowing and harvesting.

Perfect ground adaptation

All SIP disc mowers from ROBUST and HD line are equiped with the hydropneumatic suspension system (HPS). This ensures excellent adaptation to the ground and thus a precise cut and clean forage on all terrains and in all conditions. The relief rate can be easily and quickly adjusted before or during mowing.

Front mowers SILVERCUT DISC with the innovative S-FLOW hitch in combination with hydro-pneumatic suspension ensures even pressure and perfect adaptation to the ground. Additionally, the S-FLOW hitch allows the movement of the cutter bar vertically from 300 mm upwards to 200 mm downwards, and laterally in the range of  28°. This technology prevents contamination of the mowed forage with the soil, sand, and stones even on more rugged surfaces.

DISC HD D mower combinations with belts enable up to 60% faster forage harvesting and reduce dry matter losses and ash content in the swath. Since the forage is deposited directly into the swath, the number of passes over the surface is reduced, and the mowed forage is not exposed to other harvesting processes, thus minimizing the risk of nutrient loss and ash contamination.

The S-FLOW hitch allows the movement of the cutter bar vertically from 300 mm upwards to 200 mm downwards, and laterally in the range of 28° and prevents forage contamination even on more difficult terrains.

Different length of spring tines

To ensure rapid wilting and nutrient preservation of the forage, tedding is an important part of forage harvesting. Our rotary tedders SPIDER with innovatively designed rotors enable even and fast spreading of cut forage, whereby the spreading angle can be easily adjusted according to the amount of crop. The spring tines on the rotors are different in length, which ensures greater forage flow and prevents spring tines from scratching on the ground and thus the introduction of ash into the forage.

With innovatively designed rotors, SPIDER tedders enable even and fast spreading, prevent spring tines from scratching to the ground and thus introducing dirt into the forage.

SIP walking tandem axle

Rotary rakes STAR, with an innovative hydro-pneumatic suspension system in combination with a walking tandem and hydraulic adjustment of the rotors, enable perfect adaptation to the ground. The rotors move independently of the chassis arms and provide 3D tracking of the ground while the spring tines remain parallel to the ground, ensuring clean raking without introducing ash into the swath even on rugged terrain. The swaths are airy and clean, and the nutritional value of the forage is preserved.

The walking tandem axle, 3D rotor tracking, and spring tines remaining parallel to the ground enable a clean and airy swath without the introduction of ash even on more rugged terrains.

Innovative pick-up rakes technology

The AIR raking technology enables the production of high-quality forage as it lifts the forage from the ground and gently places it into the swath. This prevents the introduction of soil, sand, or stones into the forage and the loss of leaves in clover and alfalfa as well. Additionally, when raking with front pick-up rake the tractor wheels never drive over the cut forage, thus preserving nutrients and preventing contamination of the forage.
 

The forage is gently to lifted off the ground and placed into a swath, while the introduction of ash and the loss of delicate leaves in clover or alfalfa are prevented.

Contact us and find the right machine for you!

Take the advantage of SIP’s 3-year guarantee without any acreage limitations. Send us an enquiry or find your nearest dealer and we will be happy to advise you and find the best solution for your needs.

Choose SPECIALIST. Choose SIP.

Keywords: sip, agriculture, agricultural machinery, agricultural machines, agricultural equipment, grassland harvesting, making hay, meadow, mowing, diary cows, beef cattle, horses, forage, disc mowers, finger conditioner, roller conditioner, tedder, rake, pick-up rake…

References.

Author: SIP Lab – Grassland Harvesting Specialist

Frequently asked questions about clean forage harvesting

Why is clean forage important?

Clean forage is important because soil, sand, stones, and other impurities can reduce feed quality, increase ash content, and negatively affect animal intake, digestion, and performance. Cleaner forage helps preserve nutrients and supports better-quality silage or hay.

What causes forage contamination during harvesting?

Forage contamination is often caused by soil or stones entering the crop during mowing, tedding, or raking. This can happen when machines are set too low, when they do not follow the ground properly, or when forage is dragged across uneven or wet terrain.

How can forage contamination be reduced?

Forage contamination can be reduced by using the correct cutting height, adjusting the mower suspension properly, avoiding work in very wet conditions, and using tedders and rakes that gently handle the crop without scraping the ground.

How does mowing affect forage cleanliness?

Mowing is the first step in the harvesting process and has a strong influence on forage cleanliness. A mower with good ground adaptation, correct suspension, and the right cutting height helps prevent soil, sand, and stones from entering the forage.

Why is ground adaptation important for clean forage?

Good ground adaptation allows the machine to follow uneven terrain smoothly and maintain a consistent working height. This helps reduce scalping, soil disturbance, and the risk of impurities entering the forage.

How do SIP mowers help keep forage clean?

SIP DISC mowers are designed to follow the terrain evenly and maintain a clean cut. Technologies such as hydropneumatic suspension and advanced mower hitch systems help reduce ground pressure, protect the turf, and support cleaner forage harvesting.

How do SIP tedders help reduce forage contamination?

SIP SPIDER tedders are designed for even spreading and gentle crop handling. Properly adjusted tedders help lift and spread the forage without unnecessary contact with the soil, reducing the risk of sand, stones, and soil entering the crop.

How do SIP rakes support clean forage harvesting?

SIP STAR rakes and AIR pick-up rakes are designed to form clean and even swaths with gentle crop handling. AIR pick-up technology lifts the forage from the ground and helps reduce dragging, which can lower the risk of contamination.

Which rake is best for reducing forage contamination?

A pick-up rake is often the best choice when clean forage is the main priority. SIP AIR pick-up rakes lift the crop from the ground and place it into a swath, helping to reduce the amount of soil, sand, and stones in the forage.

How can farmers produce cleaner silage and hay?

Farmers can produce cleaner silage and hay by combining good harvesting practices with properly adjusted machinery. Important steps include mowing at the correct height, maintaining good ground adaptation, using gentle tedding and raking techniques, and choosing machinery designed to reduce forage contamination.