Local manufacturer Quad-X is pleased to display a selection of their innovative machinery at this year’s Fintona Show, all of which can save farmers time and money. Through design and development innovations they also strive to make life easier for farmers. This year Quad-X will be showcasing their exciting new tractor machinery including the acclaimed Forager X10 bale feeder, Power Shredder mowers and they are set to launch an impressive 4 NEW products to their extensive range at the Fintona Show. Quad-X will also be displaying their wide range of popular ATV equipment including mowers and weed wipers ideal for rush/scrub control.

Quad-X Bale Shredder

Speaking to dairy farmers Quad-X found that on average 43kg of baled silage gave 1L of milk per cow more per day than 55kg of clamped silage, through this feedback from local farmers and customers Quad-X have recognised the need for a machine that can further improve the chopping and dispensing of baled silage. All drum straw choppers previously available where initially designed to obviously do straw; however they were modified to accommodate silage resulting in low outputs and significant wear to machines. Quad-X has designed a machine specifically to shred bales of silage meaning maximised output, which is also suitable for straw.

The Quad-X Bale Shredder is set to be unveiled at the Fintona Show; it has been designed to save you time and money involved in bedding and feeding livestock, typically labour intensive jobs. The large diameter rotor serves for faster bale throughput to get each through as quickly and efficiently as possible, shredding a bale for feeding or bedding in as little as 2 ½ minutes, making it the fastest than any other round bale dispenser available.

This Bale Shredder serves as a multipurpose machine with more capabilities for feeding livestock, not only along passageways but also over the fence or gate into feed trailers and troughs for those out-wintering stock. Farmers can then feed the optimum amount of fresh feed to ensure less wastage and improved intake. For the farmer, more liveweight gain per day means more profit from his livestock.

The Quad-X Bale Shredder also takes the hassle out of bedding and can be used in cubicles or large pens, thanks to a high discharge chute which can distribute up to a distance of 18m. Large open discharge chutes, reduce the back pressure exerted on the exiting material. Not only does this eliminate the unwelcomed occurrence of “chute blockage” but it also means that less horsepower is required to operate the machine. This benefits the user immensely, as lower horsepower results in lower running costs and hence increased profits.

Furthermore, the overall geometry of the machine has been optimised to the extent that the machine is now contained within the width of the tractor, meaning that accessibility into narrow passage-ways or through narrow gates is no-longer an issue.

Quad-X Forager X10

Quad-X know that in today’s farming climate, any farmer must save time and money where possible. Therefore they have also developed a bale feeder the ‘Forager X10’ to help you feed livestock in ¼ of the time with a lot less effort compared to manual graping, reducing wastage and increasing livestock weight gain for greater profitability. By only feeding the amount of silage needed on a daily basis the silage is fresher and more palatable to livestock, to give improved intake and more liveweight gain per day - making you money. With less selective eating, less silage is wasted - saving you money.

This system has a unique self-contained loading system to handle all types of round bales. It is suitable for use with tractors of 75hp+ and can feed up both sides of the passage. Drive in and feed one side of the passage, and feed the other as you reverse out. Any leftover silage remains in the ‘Forager X10’ and can be stored in compact bale form until it is needed. The ‘Forager X10’ can also be used to roll out straw to bed houses or for re-baling and can work equally well with round hay bales.

With the increasing importance of dairy animal hygiene being emphasised in recent years, and the understanding that unstressed and comfortable cattle are more productive, Quad-X have designed a Cubicle Bedder machine which will be unveiled at the Fintona Show.

Quad-X Cubicle Bedder

The Cubicle Bedder has been developed to spread an even layer of bedding in a cubicle house with the versatility to handle sawdust, wood shavings, lime, and sand or chopped straw. The Quad-X Cubicle Bedder is a self-loading, hydraulically driven machine that couples conveniently to any standard front or rear 3pt linkage or telescopic loader. Manoeuvrability is not an issue with working widths from as little as 5ft. With the reversible drive on the discharge conveyor, both sides of the shed can be covered without having to turn your tractor. The Quad-X Cubicle Bedder will reduce your bedding material usage by as much as 50% compared to manual bedding, by evenly distributing the material exactly where you want in. It has been designed to reduce labour time with 300 cubicles being covered in an impressive 15mins. For more information on the Cubicle Bedder visit the Quad-X stand at the Fintona Show.

A version of this is available for poultry bedding applications suitable for use with poultry shavings, this reduces fatalities of the chicks by spreading the shavings evenly minimising the risk of isolation from heat, water & food.

Quad-X Hedgecutters

The Quad-X range of tractor machinery having now progressed into the hedgecutting market, the C500 Contractor hedgecutter will be launched at the Fintona Show; they are suitable for anything from hedge cutting, to verge or grass mowing along highways. The use of lightweight alloy steel within the cutting head has meant that our range of hedgecutters, are suitable for use with smaller tractors, which has its own benefits when working on wet ground.

A variety of options are available enabling the customer to build their hedgecutter, to their specification and budget. You chose the base unit style, the arm geometry and the head attachment, that suits best. Compact, Farmer, Contractor or Professional; there is a machine for you.

Each machine has the capability of cutting close in-line with the side of the tractor, meaning that narrow lane ways are no longer a problem. The arrangement of the jib also allows easy over-hedge cutting. The reach of the jib is dependent on the customer, with anything from 3m to 7m being available.

On any machine with over 4.5m reach, parallel arm geometry is offered as standard, to reduce operator fatigue during usage. Cutting heads from 0.8m to 1.5m wide are also available, with the option of a trimmer-bar or mower head, dependent on application. Each flail head is available with a dual rotational rotor as standard. This allows the rotor to spin clockwise for upward cutting and anti-clockwise for downward cutting, depending on material and ultimately the required finish.

To book a demo or for more information on the Quad-X product range contact Quad-X on 02825872800 or visit the Quad-X stand at the Fintona Show. Quad-X will also be exhibiting their Quad Power Shredders, Weed Wipers, Sprayers & Booms, Yard Scrapers, snow ploughs, trailers, topper mowers and many more….

To see these machines in action why not check out our videos.....

With the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, extremes are becoming more of a norm. Given the prolonged and repeated snowfall last winter, many companies and organisations in both the private and public sector must consider what equipment they need to tackle another harsh winter season.  With this winter predicted to be worse than last year the UK Long Range Forecaster James Madden warns “It will be exceptionally cold and snowy with well below average temperatures. I fully expect to see records broken with the UK and the Highlands of Scotland being once again particularly hard hit.”  With this in mind Quad-X have designed and developed a range of ATV equipment to make your life this wintertime happier & easier!

 The Quad-X snow ploughs are designed to fit on most ATVs, with wider models to suit utility vehicles.  Their innovative ‘SUPERMOUNT’ system with implement angle and quick release is the fastest fitting and most versatile system on the market to turn your quad into a work machine.  The Supermount System fixes to the underside of your quad and can be used with numerous Quad-X attachments to help you out this winter. It is universal fit, and so even if you change your bike the Quad-X system will fit. 

 The Supermount System is designed to work with heavy loads and provides great ground clearance even in rough terrain, thanks to considerable R&D, allowing you to keep it fixed to the quad all year.  Quick release clips allow the snow plough to be fitted or removed in less than 10 seconds.  The blade can be angled left/right and can be lifted very high since the pivot point is at the front.  The Snow Plough is spring loaded to cushion collisions with obstacles and is fitted with adjustable skids and a replaceable 2-sided blade to protect the plough.

Quad-X offer 2 models of salt spreader, in 60L and 300kg capacity.  The 60L model offers a unique mount system.  It can fit to the rear rack of an ATV or can be mounted lower down on a 50mm towball making it suitable for any vehicle including quads, utility vehicles, cars, vans and 4x4s.  It is powered by a 12v motor to ensure an even spread. Stainless steel parts and a plastic hopper ensure protection from the corrosive nature of salt. The 300kg capacity salt spreader is a ground driven, towed machine suitable for gritting larger areas.  Both salt spreaders have adjustable flow rates with the necessary deflector plates and special agitator kits for optimum spreading of salt and grit. 

Quad-X also provide a service for those with special requirements, to tailor machines and develop products to suit their application.

With the approaching winter season predicted by some to be as severe as last year, it makes sense to be prepared.  Those responsible for winter road, car park and footpath maintenance must not assume that the severe conditions experienced at the end of 2010 will not happen again in the near future.  Many businesses last winter had to close because they had no equipment to deal with the icy and snowy conditions, leading to a huge loss in revenue. 

More importantly employers have a general duty under The HSE 1992 Act to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work and people who use their premises.  Now including the HSE Preventing Slips and Trips at Work 2005 Act, in abnormal weather conditions arrangements should be made to minimise risks from snow and ice. 

Legal actions brought as a result of an injury can be extremely damaging to business, especially where the public are involved.  This winter make sure you are prepared for freezing temperatures and snow flurries, to ensure car parks and paths are safe for your staff and customers.  In an environment of increasing litigation and regulation, can you afford not to adequately provide for the safety of your staff, customers or visitors?

Quad-X is awarded 'Machinery Company of the Year' for their Fresh Approach to Agricultural Machinery!!

The Farming Life ‘Machinery of the Year’ award was presented to Co. Antrim based Quad-X. They are a small engineering business who has excelled within the agricultural industry with their fresh approach and attitude towards customers. They are well known for the extensive agri range of quad machinery they manufacture for farmers and now following numerous requests they are expanding this technology to develop new larger machines for tractor usage.

Located on a small family farm in Co Antrim; they currently have 15 employees who are mostly from an agricultural background. They understand the problems their customers face and realise the importance of ensuring all their machinery is simple to use, easy to fit, robust, reliable and ultimately competitively priced.

Quad-X has surpassed expectations and has quadrupled their turnover in the last 5 years. This has been done through the adoption of the company objective to work ‘smarter’ as they have managed to this without increasing the number of people employed by the company.

Product innovation is a key element of the approach by Quad-X. The company strives to design and manufacture products that will create solutions to everyday working problems in an environmentally friendly way. One of the main aims of the company is to manufacture products that will have a positive impact and actually add value to the customer’s everyday working lives’ and environment.

Quad-X has been instrumental in the development of new technology within the farming and agricultural sector. Quad-X has worked hard to build better products which now differentiate them from their competition. The company attitude is to gain a deeper understanding of the customer, their needs and their working environment and their mind set. They have a unique strategy to work ‘in partnership’ with existing and potential new customers to provide solutions. This offers Quad-X protection and sets them apart from importers and mass producers from competitors operating from lower cost economies.

In the future Quad-X is on track to increase turnover by over 50 per-cent in 2011, grow sales to £2.4million by 2013, double employee numbers in the next 18 months, develop a dedicated distributor in Germany and France by 2014 and submit a further 20 patents by the end of 2012.

The company hold exciting prospects and shows every small business that regardless of size, if your strategy, vision and products are right anything is achievable. One of the goals Quad-X hold is ‘to show the world what people from Northern Ireland can do.’

Awards sponsored by the Farming Life and the Nothern Bank.

With the summer drawing to a close and the darker evenings creeping in, it’s a reminder that the time will soon come for cattle to be brought in again for another year. Dread the daily chore of graping silage? Why not consider a helping hand in the form of a Big Bale Unroller to save you not only time and effort, but money in the long run too.

The Quad-X Forager X10 was unveiled last October and since then the development team have been perfecting further advances in its design. The Forager X10 allows you to give your livestock fresh feed every day from the comfort of your tractor seat. The system allows you to feed the optimum amount of fresh silage to livestock everyday without the need for back-breaking graping. You can easily control the amount of silage dispensed with adjustable output. By only feeding the amount of silage needed on a daily basis the silage is fresher and more palatable to livestock, to give improved intake and more liveweight gain per day - making you money. With less selective eating, less silage is wasted - saving you money.

This system has a unique self-contained loading system to handle round bales (4x4’ or 6’x5’). Simply disengage the bale bed to reveal the spring tines. Reverse up to the bale and the ‘Forager X10’ lifts it and loads it, all at the push of a lever. Pick up the loaded bale bed with the tines and you’re all set and ready to feed. The only time you need get out of the cab is to remove the plastic and netting, which is made simple thanks to easy access while the bale is lifted.

The tines are designed to allow you to lift the bale from lower down to help prevent the bale from falling apart and giving a higher lift height to load the bale bed easily. The Forager X10 tines can also be used as a bale spike.

The ‘Forager X10’ with heavy duty frame and powder-coated finish is mounted on the 3 point linkage and is ideal for getting into tight spaces and narrow passageways. It is suitable for use with tractors of 75hp+ and can feed up both sides of the passage. Drive in and feed one side of the passage, and feed the other as you reverse out. Any left over silage remains in the ‘Forager X10’ and can be stored in compact bale form until it is needed. The ‘Forager X10’ can also be used to roll out straw to bed houses or for rebaling and can work equally well with round hay bales.

In today’s farming climate, any farmer must save time and money where possible. The ‘Forager X10’ will help you feed livestock in ¼ of the time with a lot less effort compared to manual graping, reducing wastage and increasing livestock weight gain for greater profitability. No need to shake out bales with the tractor grab.

Ballymena based ATV and Tractor Machinery manufacturer, Quad-X, were recently crowned winners of the prestigious University of Ulster ‘Placement Employer of the Year’, they were nominated for providing exemplary student development during the past 12 months.  

Quad-X is a local engineering business that manufacturer’s unique and innovative machinery for ATVs and Tractors.  Quad-X offer a range of business, marketing, engineering and design work placements and has been honored at the University of Ulster Gala Awards Ceremony which was held at Jordanstown campus. The Master of Ceremonies at the showcase event was Claire McCollum.

Leaders of local and national enterprises from the public and private sector attended the  Ulster Placement Employer of the Year (PEOTY) awards, where senior officers from the University and leading industry representatives presented awards to winners in the 2010 competition which attracted more than 190 nominations.  An independent panel assessed the submissions, and in recognition of the very high standard decided to shortlist 18 nominees.   

Quad-X, based in Ahoghill, Ballymena fought off tough competition to receive a crystal award.  Quad-X was honored with this award due to their innovative, unique and motivating approach towards all members of their work force.  At the Gala Quad-X was referred to as ‘A forward thinking, dynamic and innovative company that hold exciting prospects and opportunities for those working or who get the opportunity to work with the company.’

More than 100 guests heard senior University academics praise the important role of quality work experience placement in aiding students’ professional and career growth.  The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, told guests: ‘In this University, we are very clear about what we do…what this university is about is providing our graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on challenging graduate-level jobs, and then to contribute to the further development of their chosen profession.’

Sean Blaney, Managing Director of Quad-X stated, ‘We are delighted the University recognize our teaching, training and development approach to graduates. We also welcome the contribution that students and graduates bring to the company in terms of fresh ideas an innovative thinking.  This is a great recognition for the Quad-X team’s ability to provide placement students with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge and contribute to their career and our growth.  We are busier than ever with expansion in design and engineering of our product range, sales network and development of new markets. We are recruiting for placement students and also have full time positions available at the moment and look forward to people with the right attitude joining our successful team over the summer months’.

If you feel you have the right skills to undertake a job with Quad-X you can contact them by visiting their website www.quad-x.com or for more information on the University of Ulster Awards you can watch this short video clip: