Paddock to Plate

ploughing
 Features

Ploughing ahead with quality bearings

When it comes to farming Australian soil, equipment is predominantly produced by local manufacturers who understand local conditions. And in many cases, they choose NTN agricultural bearings because of their ability to withstand the rigours of applications such as tilling and ploughing.
Read More
Comments Off on Ploughing ahead with quality bearings 128
Titan
 Features

Let Titan ensure your equipment is reliable, enduring and safe

As world class experts in hoisting and lifting equipment, Titan specialises in precision quality performance hoists, lashing and loading equipment, load and lifting chain, shackles, and ratchet straps, lifting slings, hooks, and wire cable products- all constructed from high-grade material that is reliable and strong to support the toughest industrial applications. 
Read More
Comments Off on Let Titan ensure your equipment is reliable, enduring and safe 106
drive selection
 Features

TECO launches hot button app for motor and drive selection

Innovative technology for the remote analysis of mechanical motor and drive systems could mean that the future of motor tech support will be at the tip of the touch screen, according to Steve Hittmann, CBC National Product Manager for Mechanical Drive Systems. “Motion Industries has partnered with TECO to promote the launch of the new TECO MAXe3 mobile app, geared at improving the customer experience when selecting motor and drive systems for various applications,” says Steve. “The TECO MAXe3 app gives customers the ability to enter the requirements of an application, view specs, troubleshoot support issues, and download design drawings,” he explains. “This includes the ability to adjust motor speed, torque and power ratings on an application to explore possible motor and drive solutions.” With the ability to test applications within the app itself, end-users will be able to select the TECO motor and a drive best suited to their application, based on the relative detail that they are chasing — all with the click of a button. “We are happy to promote this product, which compliments the TECO MAXe3 high-efficiency motor series range we have been involved in the distribution of for years,” says Steve. “The MAXe3 App is a user-friendly solution for analysing energy efficiency of electrical motor solutions in a streamlined manner. It can also stand to benefit our sales team with assisting customers in finding the right motor for the job.” TECO’s MAXe3 motor range aligns with the Equipment Energy Efficiency (IE3) program implemented by the Australian and New Zealand governments to tighten up on energy efficiency standards for commodity equipment and appliances. TECO is optimistic that the launch of the MAXe3 app will assist in reducing energy costs for businesses and assist in the design of more efficient energy solutions across industries. “After months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to officially announce the launch of our newly designed Teco MAXe3 App,” says Koorosh Faraji, Regional Manager VIC/SA/TAS for TECO Australia Electric Motor Division. “As a market leader, it’s important for us to make information regarding our thought leadership, products, and services easily accessible for our current and prospective clients,” says Koorosh. “With the launch of the MAXe3 app, we are endeavouring to provide our clients with the most accurate, up-to-date information on our products.” Read More
Comments Off on TECO launches hot button app for motor and drive selection 155
Wines
 Features

Bottling boldly: Unsealing the history of a Tasmanian winery

Home to Australia’s first sparkling wine and world-renowned for producing some of the best cool-climate wines in the world, Tasmania plays host to several lush wine touring trails. Nestled at the heart of the Tamar Valley Wine Trail is Josef Chromy Wines. The lavish estate boasts 61 hectares of well-kept vines and pasture, but the vineyard is not without a storied history that is notably inspiring.
Read More
Comments Off on Bottling boldly: Unsealing the history of a Tasmanian winery 167
upskill
 Features

Helping F&B clients upskill with bespoke training

Australia’s food, beverage and manufacturing sector is facing a national-wide challenge: a skills shortage. To stem this challenge and assist customer’s in upskilling their staff, BSC Engineering Services provides tailor-made training in a variety of application and product types.
Read More
Comments Off on Helping F&B clients upskill with bespoke training 146
belts
 Features

Supplying timeless agricultural belt solutions

When peak harvest season is on, harvesting equipment goes into overdrive under some tough conditions. And tough conditions in the field, require even tougher belt solutions. “The driven parts on harvesters can be powered by up to a dozen belts at a time, and belts are one of the most common parts that we see requiring repairs and maintenance,” says Steve Hittmann. As BSC’s National Product Manager for Mechanical Drive Systems and Belt Drives, he asserts that reducing the cost of belt replacements and the risk of downtime during a harvest are two key considerations in his line of work. “Belts used in agricultural machinery go through a lot of dynamic conditions. So, they need to provide high strength under tension and have the ability to be flexed in multiple directions around several pulleys,” he explains. For the most demanding applications, he recommends the Super Ag-Drive®️ Belt by Timken, one of BSC’s premium partners. A bit of background on the history of the Super Ag-Drive Belt is important in understanding exactly what makes them a reliable belt solution. Timken Belts’ Super Ag-Drive product range contains more than 100 years of combined experience in designing and manufacturing belt drive solutions, as it was acquired back in 2015 by Timken from the centennial-aged Carlisle company. “The Timken® Super Ag-Drive®️ belts were originally designed to be OEM equivalent,” furthers Steve. “At BSC, we promote them as premium belt drive solutions because in some cases we have seen these belts outperform the OEM belts in terms of reliability.”
Read More
Comments Off on Supplying timeless agricultural belt solutions 147
tools
 Features

Tool’s gold – Living the technician’s dream

When it comes to toolboxes, they are like cars — there are the high-end models and the economy savers. The performance and longevity of tools will depend on what maintenance professionals and businesses are willing to invest in tool storage.
Read More
Comments Off on Tool’s gold – Living the technician’s dream 129
 Features

Chain lube keeps ag machines running smooth

In line with recent innovations in the field of lubrication, aerosols and adhesive technology, most modern harvester machines contain a self-oiling reservoir or a self-greasing board for providing an ongoing source of lubrication.  However, according to Angela Chardon, the Managing Director at Candan Industries – who produce the popular INOX lubricants – many farmers still prefer a ‘hands on’ approach’ to their machine maintenance and often use machines that require manual lubrication. Candan’s premium grade product, the INOX MX9 No-Chukka Chain Lube, has been a best-seller at BSC since its introduction to the market in 2007.  “We tested it numerous times with different oil viscosities to get the right balance. It contains the extreme pressure friction modifier PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for slick performance and special tackifiers to bond to the chain,” explains Angela. “These properties give it increased lubrication for reduction in the wear of the chain and helps in reducing operating temperatures.”  On a farm, there are always a few machines that use chains for hoisting, hauling, conveying, or driving a motor. The combine harvester is one such machine. A combine is used for harvesting crops such as oats, wheat, barley, rye, corn, sunflower, linseed, canola, and soybeans. The machine is used to collect seeds or edible parts which are placed at the top of the grains, while inedible or damaged parts are discarded behind into the field.  The large link chains require lubrication to operate the rotary elements of the harvesting and threshing units.  A combine harvester also aids in the placement and storing of the harvested crops. The processes performed by a combine harvester include multiple activities such as cutting, hauling, and moving crops to a threshing location.   Read More
Comments Off on Chain lube keeps ag machines running smooth 93
lubricant
 Features

Tech support made easy for oils and lubricant

A few years ago, Thomas Higgins decided to start his own business repairing header equipment for the harvest season from his home on Eyre Peninsula in the South Australian grain belt.  He promoted his business by word of mouth, operating solely on referrals and repeat business. It was not long before he identified some issues with the recommended oils and lubricants on his John Deere headers, finding some components were prematurely failing. Chris Wheatley, the Agriculture, Food & Beverage Manager at BSC in Adelaide had been supporting Thomas’ business needs for several months and was quick to suggest that Thomas consult with Viva Energy’s, Shell Lubricants Technical Helpdesk Service so that he could better assess his lubrication options.  “It’s an efficient option,” says Chris. “I felt Thomas would benefit from having that service on hand when he’s out there in the field alone. He can have peace of mind knowing the oils he is using will keep his machines running optimally.”  When it comes to aftermarket service on his lubricant products, Thomas has come to rely on the Shell Lubricants Helpdesk for quick solutions.  “Sometimes it’s easier to consult the professionals when it comes to technical advice regarding the selection of optimum oils for specific situations, rather than to do all the research yourself, which would eat into time that would be better spent elsewhere,’ says Thomas.  Read More
Comments Off on Tech support made easy for oils and lubricant 142
lubrication
 Features

Keeping the Riverina slick with Australian made lubrication

DJ Sincock is a strong believer in using Australian made products and recognises the importance of high quality oils and greases, particularly during peak header repair season. This was one of the reasons he chose to become a distributor of Gulf Western Oil (GWO) products through CBC, in addition to running a header repair service business in the Riverina region of New South Wales.  “I stock the full range of GWO and have changed 90% of my customers over to GWO for their header oils,” enthuses DJ. “GWO are Australian owned and operated and I’m a strong believer in using Australian made products. This is a premium quality, genuine oil product and a more economical choice for the farmer.”  With its ample water supply for irrigation, temperate climate and flat landscape, the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales is one of the most affluent and diverse agricultural regions in Australia. With this in mind, DJ Sincock, saw the opportunity to start a business in his hometown of West Wyalong, specialising in agricultural header repairs and spare parts supplies. In 2003, he began his business as a sole trader mechanic fixing agricultural machinery. “For the first few years, I did everything on my own,” says DJ. Today, DJ Sincock Header Repairs employs a team of three other mechanics and has one apprentice. “We are one of the largest header repair businesses in New South Wales. We operate seven days a week, and 12 months of the year. The area we cover for header repairs spans 200km in all directions across Central New South Wales,” says DJ. “We are very proud to be Australian and to promote Australian-made products, like GWO.” “The header oil is a very popular product, and we move it with ease. We sell roughly 30-40 of the 20L drums per week and half a dozen of the 205L drums of GWO a week,” describes DJ. “The GWO Truck and Farm Grease is another one of our best-sellers. Farmers love the quality of it.” Read More
Comments Off on Keeping the Riverina slick with Australian made lubrication 138
header bearings
 Features

Keeping ahead of the work

“Prevention is better than cure, when it comes to header bearings,” says Shaun Thorneycroft, Director of Precise Header & Ag Repairs. He has been in the header repair business for more than 18 years, before starting a joint business venture with his wife in 2017, servicing and repairing John Deere headers.  “Since we started out, we have expanded in a good way. We have been getting busier with every year. Right now, we have about 72 headers on our books,” he explains. “I start repairing my first header mid-December and it takes me right back through the middle of the following October. I travel about 250km in all directions for work.  It’s a year-round gig.” According to Shaun, the biggest challenge he faces is getting parts, which is where he relies on BSC Swan Hill on the supply side. To meet his customer’s needs, he requires a quick turn-around time on receiving the right parts.  “BSC is unreal at providing fast service and having stock on hand. Usually, if I need a part, the guys at Swan Hill can get it on a courier to me the same day,” he stresses. “A header takes a full day to pull apart and then it takes at minimum another day to put back together. We go over it with a fine-tooth comb. We go in and pull out every belt, every chain, all the bearings, all the augers, and run over it with a torch and crowbar.”  For the bearings on the John Deere machines, Shaun uses NTN bearings supplied by BSC.  “The NTN bearings go on the shaker pans on the header. The shakers are two big pans that separate your grain,” he explains. “If these bearings fail, they can cost thousands of dollars in repair damage to the farmer.” Moreover, Shaun says he typically replaces a bearing every two years, if not once per year. “I grease the bearing once and then replace it next time,” he says.  Elaborating on the bearing maintenance process, he says, “For example if I replace the bearing this season, next year, I will drill and make a small hole in it and regrease it. The year after that, I will replace it. Risking any further wear is not worth the risk of a bearing failure.” Read More
Comments Off on Keeping ahead of the work 110
 Features

Serving the agricultural belt

‘Location, location, location’ may be a cliché in real estate but like many clichés, it exists for good reason. Certainly, location is key when discussing why the BSC Wagga Wagga branch has become a destination point for farmers in the Riverina region.   “We’re in a great position on the cusp of prime agricultural country,” explains Mitch Chaffer, Business Development Manager – NSW Agriculture at the branch. “Wagga Wagga is renowned for its broadacre farming and is also a strategic freight stop, conveniently located halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, and similarly between Brisbane and Adelaide.”  It stands to reason that the BSC Wagga Wagga branch has become a veritable one-stop shop for agricultural parts in the region and a large reach for supply. “We carry a unique range of products and have huge amounts of stock for harvest season, such as Header Belts, Front Parts, Header Parts and Baler Parts,” expands Mitch. “People know us and recognise us for this range. As there are also many agricultural towns in the surrounding area of Wagga Wagga, customers will sometimes drive up to 4 hours to get parts from us knowing we will have them.”  Russell Randal, who is the National Segment Manager for Agriculture with BSC, is also situated at the Wagga Wagga branch.  “I actually started out working for our company in the Wagga Wagga branch back in 1997 – this is the area I hail from,” he says. “After working in both Adelaide and Melbourne, I’ve come back to working here in Wagga Wagga, which is where my family is. It also makes sense commercially, as we have become quite the specialised hub for agricultural part supply.”
Read More
0 95
header
 Features

The right header belts boost BM Ag Repairs’ business

The Riverina-Murray region of New South Wales makes the largest regional contribution to the agricultural sector in the state and is the largest source of employment for the area.1 At the heart of the Riverina, lies the urban hub of Wagga Wagga, that finds itself in a central location along the agricultural belt of the Eastern seaboard.  Local tradespeople such as Ben Manwaring, Owner of BM Ag Repairs in Wagga Wagga, often find their success servicing farm equipment in the area year-round.  Ben services the regions around him by about two hours in all directions, performing all repairs himself. “I repair harvesters with a specialisation in John Deere headers,” says Ben. “I go out around harvest time and fix them up and get all the headers ready for harvest time, travelling all over the agricultural belt surrounding Wagga.”  “I have been repairing headers for over 20 years, and have had my own business for 8 years,” says Ben. “The first year I started out repairing about 40 headers a year. Presently, I do around 80 headers a year on my own.”  Ben has built his business through word of mouth. “I never really advertise. I started with a good base of customers and have built on that with word of mouth recommendations and repeat business,” he says.    With such impressive numbers on his books, the services BM Ag Repairs provides is particularly important during pre-harvest season when farmers are readying their equipment.  According to Mitch Chaffer, NSW Agriculture Business Development Manager at BSC Wagga Wagga, some of his customers will drive up to four hours to get stock for header repair season and harvest time.  “There are so many agricultural towns in the surrounding area. We carry a unique range of products and have huge amounts of stock in our ag shed out the back for the season. People know us and recognise us,” Mitch says proudly.  For several years now, BSC’s Wagga Wagga branch has been providing belt drive solutions for BM Ag Repairs. During this time, Mitch and Ben have gotten to know each other well and BSC has readily supplied Ben with the necessary parts and services to keep his business running smoothly. 
Read More
0 124
harvesters
 Features

Leahy family chooses cutting edge parts for harvest

The Leahy family is well-known and respected in the Riverina region – not only as growers but as reliable contract harvesters. Based out of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, they service an area that spans from the south of Wagga Wagga up to Roma in Queensland through their business EJ & GM Leahy Contracting.
Read More
0 134
couplings
 Features

Selecting the right HRC couplings for the job

Troy Markland knows power transmission like the back of his hand. He has been in the industry for almost 40 years and has managed Fenner’s range of power transmission products since CBC became a supplier for them in 2011.  According to Troy, Fenner’s range is unmatched in terms of versatility and flexibility for the full spectrum of industrial applications. “Particularly in an agricultural setting, you will find solution opportunities on irrigation pumps, air compressors, mixers, blowers and machine engines,” he says.  Fenner® Power Transmission (FPT) is a British headquartered engineering and manufacturing giant that was founded in 1861 by Joseph Henry Fenner.  The company developed a reputation for their extensive research and development in high-tech non-rubber polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and complex textile reinforcements.  Since its inception 150 years ago, Fenner® has leveraged its advanced research into polymers, raw materials and compounds, innovative 3D modelling and testing processes, to enhance product performance.  One of the product ranges Fenner® have honed is that of their coupling elements, where they have a diverse selection for customers to choose from. Troy summarises as to why these are such a popular choice among CBC clientele. 
Read More
0 112
 Features

Plan for a strong yield

As the agricultural sector is poised for another bumper harvest season, Grant Gray encourages those working in the paddock to plate industries to have a conversation with their local CBC or BSC branch about upcoming equipment requirements. “Preparation is so important, particularly in light of the supply chain challenges that have been felt across the globe,” stresses the General Manager National Sales for CBC, BSC and WebsterBSC, a part of Motion Asia Pacific. “I’d suggest to our readers and customers to reach out to your local branch to discuss what your needs are. What does your service model look like? This will help us arrange for the supply of parts you need, when you need them.” Besides securing parts supply, Grant highlights the importance of keeping abreast of the latest technological innovations.  “We’re heading into a very technology-driven age, particularly in farming and agriculture where we are seeing a lot of innovation,” he explains. “Our staff have an immense amount of collective knowledge and expertise and can advise people within this sector as to any newer technologies that can help make more efficient use of resources and inputs. This, in turn, can reduce costs, increase product yields and improve the longevity or performance of equipment.” Read More
0 156