Classic Machinery: The entrepreneurial dairy farmer behind the bale sledge

Have you ever wondered who invented the bale sledge? Simon Henley reveals the story behind the machine which revolutionised the way UK farmers gathered bales

clock • 7 min read
The Double-Four bale sledge was developed for production in 1961, building on the Super 8 design.
Image:

The Double-Four bale sledge was developed for production in 1961, building on the Super 8 design.

The popularity of the trailed pick-up baler soared in the late-1950s. British farmers were experiencing an economic boom and mechanisation was the way forward. However, the new found efficiency of the...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Machinery

Amazone Catros pro-Pack adds factory-fitted slurry distributor for low-emission slurry incorporation
Machinery

Amazone Catros pro-Pack adds factory-fitted slurry distributor for low-emission slurry incorporation

Amazone has unveiled a new Catros pro-Pack compact disc harrow with a factory-integrated Vogelsang slurry distributor, designed to improve nutrient accuracy, reduce ammonia losses during slurry application.

Toby Whatley
clock 04 March 2026 • 2 min read
Claas launches 10.7m Disco 1100 Direct Swather mounted mower
Machinery

Claas launches 10.7m Disco 1100 Direct Swather mounted mower

Claas has unveiled its largest mounted swath-merging mower to date, with the new Disco 1100 Direct Swather offering a 10.7-metre working width and the ability to create 21m swaths for maximum forage harvester efficiency

Toby Whatley
clock 03 March 2026 • 2 min read
New owners bring fresh start for Chafer sprayers
Machinery

New owners bring fresh start for Chafer sprayers

Following some uncertainty surrounding British manufacturer Chafer and Horstine’s future towards the end of last year, things appear to be taking a positive turn under new ownership. James Huyton reports.

James Huyton
clock 02 March 2026 • 1 min read