By David Elder and Richard Hamill, National Diploma in Land-based Technology, Greenmount Campus, CAFRE

Students completing the National Diploma in Land-based Technology course at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus are required to undertake a design and build project in their final year.

Projects are judged by past student and businessman, Robert Canning who retains a keen interest in this aspect of the course.  This year David Elder, Campsie and John Allen, Ballymoney gained joint 1^st places.  Richard Hamill, Broughshane was awarded 3^rd place.

David Elder from Campsie Co.Londonderry writes:

“I decided to design and build a double round bale lifter for use on my family farm.  There are many round bales of silage and straw to be handled throughout the year so I needed a machine that would speed up the transport operation.  The challenge was to design a machine that would allow the second bale to be collected without damaging the first bale.  This was achieved by designing a telescopic section that would allow one side of the machine to be lowered vertically using hydraulics.  The main advantage of the lifter is that it can also tip both bales onto their ends for stacking.

The project greatly improved my engineering knowledge and skills and it was a great honour to achieve joint 1^st place in the competition.  I have taken up employment with D.A. Forgie, Limavady and intend to pursue a career in Service Engineering.”

Richard Hamill from Broughshane, Co.Antrim writes:

“After borrowing our neighbour’s round bale handler on numerous occasions to stack round bales of silage, I opted to design and build my own machine.  The machine is suitable for loading and stacking one wrapped bale of silage or two bales of hay/straw should the need arise.  I particularly enjoyed the project as it allowed me to develop my engineering skills in the workshop such as welding, using the lathes and hydraulics.  I also had to source various components from several suppliers.  The hard work has definitely all been worth it and the handler will be put to great use on our family farm.  

Getting a third place in the competition was an added bonus.!”

David Elder pictured with his winning double round bale lifter at Greenmount Campus Awards ceremony

Richard Hamill receiving 3rd place for his Bale Handler from Robert Canning. Looking on are Engineering Instructors, Sean Mooney and Elgin Greer