Barnyard & Farm: A Guide to Good Equipment

Kubota BX80 Series Tractors 

Some farm chores— such as carrying bales, mowing, and arena grooming—require a little extra help. More compact than a full-sized tractor and billed as easier to operate, Kubota’s BX80 Series of sub-compact diesel tractors might be just the ticket. The series consists of four models: BX1880, BX2380, BX2680, and BX23S, with rugged and fuel-efficient 3-cylinder Kubota engines that provide enough muscle for many types of jobs. These versatile tractors in Kubota’s trademark orange also sport improved comfort features, such as a high-backed reclining seat and a tilt steering wheel. Designed to maneuver handily in tight spaces, their small size makes them easier on turf, as well. Generous ground clearance is another advantage. Notable in the BX80 Series are easier attachment systems for a wide range of front and rear implements, including a mid-mount mower, a front loader, an aerator, a pallet fork, a sweeper, and a snow blade. An optional Swift-Tach Loader, a Swift-Connect Backhoe, and an Easy-Over Mower Deck are available on certain models. KubotaUSA.com; 1-888-4-KUBOTA

The Savvy Feeder® 

Slow feeding of forage is an excellent way to curb equine boredom and nervousness while reducing the incidence of ulcers. With the Savvy Feeder®, horses can pull only small amounts of hay through a moveable grate. This keeps them calm and occupied without wasting hay or creating the mess common with ground feeding and traditional feeders. Crafted from safe, durable polyethylene with built-in drainage to help prevent hay spoilage, this versatile feeder is designed to give years of use, whether indoors or outdoors. It holds two to 22 pounds of hay and is light enough to move around and even tote to a show. No matter how fine or how coarse your hay, three grate sizes have you covered. Horses are said to eat four to 10 times slower from the Savvy Feeder® than from the ground, with less risk of ingesting sand and debris, which can cause colic. They also maintain a natural head-down position with the jaw in correct alignment, reducing the likelihood of choke, guttural pouch infections, and respiratory issues. Available in several colors and with an optional plate for engraving, the Savvy Feeder® comes with a 30-day, no-questions-asked guarantee. savvyfeeder.com; (701) 793-SAVY

Deluxe Soft Stall Mat 

A popular flooring for equine stalls, the Deluxe Soft Stall Mat is the “pride and joy” of LRP Solutions (formerly Linear Rubber Products). No need to repair a stall floor. This mat—the largest of its type in the industry—can be installed over almost any surface, including dirt, concrete, and wood. Since it typically requires only two pieces, installation is simple, with a minimal number of seams. The Deluxe Soft Stall Mat is made in the USA from genuine, nylon-reinforced rubber and is approximately 5 /8-inch thick. It can withstand extreme heat and cold without cracking, peeling, or disintegrating. Because it is nonporous, it will not absorb or retain moisture. Bedding does not adhere to it, and there are no dust issues. According to the manufacturer, use of this mat also saves up to 75 percent on the cost of bedding. Designed to stay in place, this mat is easy to clean and disinfect without removal. In addition, its Sure-Traction grid surface guards against slipping, abrasions, and leg fatigue. The Deluxe Soft Stall Mat is available in all standard stall sizes, comes with free custom trimming, and is backed by a 10-year warranty. rubbermats.com; (800) 558-4040

Haygain® Hay Steamer 

Recent studies indicate that Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) may be more prevalent among horses than was previously believed. The condition, often only detected by scoping, impacts performance and reduces a horse’s quality of life. One way to address IAD and Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) is to reduce the number of allergens in horses’ hay. The Haygain Hay Steamer employs the only scientifically proven method for purifying hay. Inside its thermally insulated chest, steam is propelled from a best-in-class generator through a patented spike manifold system that ensures the uniform distribution of steam throughout the hay. The high temperature purifies the forage by destroying breathable particles, fungal spores, bacteria, and mites, while maintaining its palatability and nutritional value. Research shows that use of the Haygain Hay Steamer reduces the incidence of IAD by as much as 63%. It can also aid in the management of laminitic, colic-prone, and post-operative equines. The Haygain Hay Steamer comes in three models to accommodate everything from one horse to stables with four or more horses. Hay can be steamed by the bale, in flakes, or in Haygain’s custom non-shrinkable hay net—and the process is easy, taking about 60 minutes. haygain.com; (707) 838-4855

Bedford Technology 

Plastic lumber is a practical product for the safe, durable containment of horses and other livestock. Bedford Technology prides itself on exceptional customer service and a commitment to innovation in premium structural and reinforced HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) products, including those designed for equine and agricultural applications. The company’s SelectForce®, FiberForce®, and BarForce® product lines can be used in everything from stalls, paddocks, posts, and fencing to trailer beds and riding arenas. SelectForce® by Bedford Technology is the company’s most versatile offering. Strong enough for any weather or environment, it is suitable for many different types of animal enclosures and can be ordered in custom colors, sizes, and shapes. For an even stronger, more rigid type of barrier, FiberForce® by Bedford Technology is a high-quality HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) reinforced with strands of fiberglass, and available in both standard and custom dimensions, as well as a range of colors. In applications where added durability is desired, BarForce® by Bedford Technology combines the strength of FiberForce® plastic lumber with fiber-reinforced polymer rebar for a truly sturdy material. To find the right solution for your facility, call Bedford Technology, or visit the company’s website, below. plasticboards.com; (800) 721-9037

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