A new machine, which claims to “revolutionise” horse bedding by allowing owners to create their own shavings on site, has been launched.
The new Tonka mini wood shavings machine creates dust free, fresh shavings from soft wood logs or offcuts. Once the wood is loaded into the machine it shaves them down into fresh bedding.
The equivalent of a pallet of pre-packed shavings can be made in less than an hour.
The idea has been developed over the past four years by Kenn Fulton.
“The cost of shavings made me think about developing a machine,” he told H&H. “Using our machine a yard could make a saving of 45%-50% straight away.”
Similar machines are already in use in South America, America, and Canada but are much larger.
Mr Fulton wanted to develop a smaller machine that was “100% safe” for the equine market.
His machine was trialled in competition and livery yards around the country last year before being officially launched last week (22 January).
Tonka Machines, the company set up to sell the machine, has 80-90 log suppliers on its website that can supply customers with wood. The price of wood ranges from £50-£75 a tonne depending on location.
The mini machine can be run on electricity or by a petrol engine generator and fits into a spare stable or corner of a barn.
As the shavings are produced they can be collected in a large bag or wheelbarrow and taken to a horses’ stable. Mr Fulton added that this gets rid of the need to dispose of unsightly plastic packaging and removes the need for storage and bulk buying.
“This machine produces clean, dust free shavings that aren’t too expensive,” he said.
It is aimed at bigger yards with at least eight to 10 horses but Mr Fulton said he has also had enquiries from a zoo and a company that specialise in wood smoking food.
The machine costs £6,345 plus VAT and comes with full servicing, installation and a one-year warranty.
For more information visit: www.tonkamachines.co.uk
