Bruder keeps machine fires at bay

In the thick of summer, fire risk is especially high when operating large machinery such as combine harvesters, so keeping them clean and dust-free is of utmost importance.

A compressor is handy in this instance, however most units have not been designed for use on farms where it needs to be trailed around; with some presenting fire risks themselves.

Recognising a gap in the market, Bruder Australia has designed the Bruder Kompressor, a portable diesel compressor unit designed specifically for agricultural use.

It features a Kubota V1505-T engine with 33kW of output and an effective cooling system to prevent overheating.

“This unit has a unique cooling airflow system in which we have a heat shield wall in the unit. When the cabinet is closed, that shield shuts off the hot exhaust air from the engine bay,” said Bruder Australia’s Elmer Selby.

The fan on the engine is reversed to blow hot air out of the unit through the exhaust system.

Bruder also paid attention to the placement of the exhaust system to ensure it doesn’t present a fire risk.

“We have raised the muffler and we've got a vertical stack so unlike many industrial units, the muffler is up and away from the ignition sources, and the exhaust goes up rather than facing down into the grass and potentially causing a fire,” Selby said.

To allow the Bruder Kompressor to be transported easily around the paddock for on-the-go cleaning, Bruder Australia has mounted the compressor on a custom-made sturdy trailer with a 15-inch wheel.

“We had many issues with compressor trailers tipping over or blowing tyres on corrugated Australian farm tracks, so we have taken the step of fabricating our own trailers,” Selby said.

“We haven't cut any corners with these, we provide them with 15-inch wheels, we have got proper off-road eye-to-eye springs.

“There’s an extended drawbar so they're very easy to manoeuvre and things like heavy duty jockey wheel and spare tyre come standard.”

Customers can also purchase the compressor unit by itself without the trailer.

Bruder Australia is offering a number of optional extras to go with the compressor, including a hose rack and a Force 5 mega blaster air gun with Venturi nozzles.

“The Force 5 mega blaster blow gun is an extremely popular piece of equipment for farmers and contractors for blowing and cleaning down machinery,” Selby said.

“It features a trigger handle which automatically shuts off in the event of someone accidentally dropping the gun, so it does not flail around and potentially hit and injure somebody.”

“The Venturi nozzle has two holes in the side which induct extra air into the airflow and effectively triple the airflow of whatever we put into the gun.”

The Bruder Kompressor retails for about $26,000 depending on the configuration and optional extras.

“The Bruder Kompressor was released just over a year ago in which time it has really made its mark in the agricultural industry with almost 30 machines sold in the past 12 months,” Selby said.

“Farmers and contractors are really coming on board with this unique product.”