Drive System Split-Drive Planetary System -VT 156 and VT 168 models only Single-Stage Planetary Integral 2-Speed This drive system consists of a split-drive gearbox, two planetary gearboxes, and two torque-disconnect PTOs that provide independent protection for each planetary. The split-drive gearbox is located between the two planetary gearboxes and provides even distribution of power for maximum efficiency. The system provides reliable performance and long service life with quiet operation and a simple design. Independent Torque Protection Standard 2-Speed Split-Drive Gearbox -VT 156 and VT 168 models only The split-drive gearbox is an integral 2-speed box which provides the flexibility of high and low speeds without adding another gearbox. It allows for a lower horsepower and easier starting speed (28 rpm in low) while also having a high speed for fast mixing and more complete clean out (41 rpm in high). An optional in-cab shifting lever is available on trailer models for operator convenience. Torque-Disconnect PTOs -VT 156 and VT 168 models only The automatically resetting PTO clutches protect the drive without the need for shear bolts. Two torque-disconnect PTOs provide independent protection for each planetary, guarding against obstructions that may be encountered by each individual auger.
Straight-Drive Planetary System -VT 132 and VT 144 models only The straight drive system provides simplicity for lower feeding cycle applications on small to midsized farms. Auger speeds have been increased to 41 rpm and the system is protected by a convenient shearbolt for full driveline protection. Heavy-Duty Planetary Gearboxes VT mixers are equipped with heavy-duty planetary gearboxes that are designed to provide dependable performance for heavy use cycles. The input to the planetaries is 570 RPM, as opposed to 1000 RPM, which requires one less reduction stage in the planetaries, therefore causing less heat to be produced and helping ensure longer planetary life. High-Capacity Planetary Oil Reservoirs Each planetary has its own oil reservoir that is easy to see, check, and fill for simplified maintenance. The oil reservoirs have a sturdy steel housing that protects them from the elements while still allowing easy viewing to inspect the oil levels.
PTO Driveline -VT 132 and VT 144 540 RPM -VT 156 and VT 168 1000 RPM Heavy-duty PTO drivelines easily and efficiently transfer power from the tractor to the mixer drive system. The short, equal driveline design provides simplicity and eliminates the need for a CV joint. Mechanical Truck Drive -Truck models only Truck models feature a standard mechanical drive. This system offers an economical solution with the strength and durability to handle even the heaviest loads. Mixing Chamber Two Free-Standing Cone Augers -VT 132 and VT 144 69" diameter -VT 156 and VT 168 86" diameter Redesigned augers provide superior feed movement for faster, more complete mixing and processing. The cone-shaped design promotes consistent material flow and improves clean-off. Enhanced material flow also results in a lower horsepower requirement for more efficient, economical operation. No preprocessing is required and these augers can handle virtually any feedstuffs without damaging the mixer.
Auger Flighting -Upper 1/2" -Lower 5/8" Flighting creates a rolling action of the feed and helps reduce horsepower requirements. A unique lead-flighting configuration provides better mixing and also reduces needed horsepower. The cone-shaped design eliminates the steps in the flighting, and therefore the gaps between the tube and flighting, for more complete cleanout. Heavier lower flighting also provides longer life. Adjustable/Replaceable Lead Flighting Scrapers The newly-designed scraper on the lead-flighting edge is angled to guide feed up the auger flighting for efficient feed movement. It is through hardened for wear protection and is also bolted on for easy replacement. Adjustability allows the scraper to be placed as close to the sidewall as possible, to peel material onto the auger and create a void for material on the top of the mixing chamber to tumble to the bottom. Curved, Bolt-On Auger Kicker -Front auger only The curved auger kicker is formed rearward so the door is efficiently charged with feed the entire way on each pass. Constant charging of the door provides an even outflow that is unmatched by the competition. The efficient operation also decreases unloading time. The tip of the kicker is fitted with through-hardened, replaceable wear plates for extended life. The bolt-on design allows removal of the entire kicker for simple replacement or in a situation where horsepower reduction is required.
Replaceable Hay-Cutting Knives -15" and 20" knives available -VT 132 and VT 144 single position -VT 156 and VT 168 adjustable, two-position Knives are hardened and tungsten carbide coated for superior wear quality. These knives have been designed in-house to ensure quality and long life. Four Adjustable High/Low Position Hay Stops Different settings provide flexibility for faster processing in high hay rations. This adjustability makes hay processing more efficient and helps eliminate over processing. Straighter Sides with Steeper Baffles The redesigned sides and baffles allow for increased feed movement, especially top to bottom, with a lower horsepower requirement. Increased feed movement provides a fast, thorough mix without dead spots, and a fluffy, palatable ration.
Mixer Box Construction Fully-Welded Tub Construction The completely-welded body provides superior strength and durability for long life without cracking at bolted joints. The heavy-duty, reinforced floor and body help ensure dependable service and long life. One-Piece Floor -VT 132 and VT 144 1/2" thickness -VT 156 and VT 168 5/8" thickness Significant reinforcing under the floor gives outstanding support for the heaviest loads and provides rugged durability for long service life. The thick floor helps to maintain a solid structure even after years of service. Large Discharge Openings in Multiple Locations -Front/Side/Rear Multiple door configurations give customers the flexibility to choose the setup that best matches their farm situations. The discharge door linkage system allows faster opening and closing and also provides the opportunity for larger door openings to maximize feed flow, especially when discharging 100% dry grassy hay or other bulky materials.
Front Door and Cross Conveyor -VT 132 and VT 144 36" x 40" door opening -VT 156 and VT 168 42" x 40" door opening -Conveyor options - Flat extension - 36" and 48" incline extension The rugged conveyor has been redesigned to provide durability in the heaviest use situations. A steel floor and the heaviest conveyor chain in the industry provide dependable service and long life. The front conveyor provides flexibility, allowing the mixer to be unloaded from either side. Different conveyor options and extension lengths allow the mixer to be adapted to varied feeding situations. Side Discharge Door -VT 132 and VT 144 36" x 40" door opening -VT 156 and VT 168 42" x 40" door opening -Discharge options - slide tray - multiple conveyor lengths -Trailer models left-, right- and dual options -Truck models left-side option only The large, side-door opening allows fast unloading with comparable feed flow out of one door that many of the competitors get with two. Additional details on slide tray and conveyor options are provided in the Notable Options section at the end of this document Rear Commodity Door -VT 156 and VT 168 models only - 42" x 40" door opening The commodity door size has been increased for fast discharge, even with high-roughage premixes. A discharge tray is included on truck models to direct material flow for clean, accurate feed placement.
Observation Ladder or Platform -Ladder is standard -Platform is an option on VT 156 and VT 168 front door trailer models only The ladder provides a convenient, low-cost option for viewing the fast, thorough mixing action seen with the new VT and VTC models. An optional viewing platform is available for trailer models and provides a convenient and comfortable spot to monitor the mixing progress. (Viewing Platform shown above) Pivoting, Scale-Indicator Extension Arm A sturdy swing mount allows for viewing from either side of the mixer. Undercarriage/Subframe Heavy-Duty Subframe -Truck models only -VT 144 and VT 156 single axle -VT 168 tandem axle The heavy-duty subframe provides a solid base for the box to be mounted on the truck chassis. Heavy-duty tubing helps eliminate potential frame twisting.
Heavy-Duty, Straight Single-Axle Trailer models feature a straight single-axle undercarriage with a heavy steel framework and rugged spindles and hubs that provide solid support and the ability to navigate rough ground. The single-axle design creates less side load on the tires while turning than a tandem bogie axel. The large-diameter truck tires on the VT 156 and VT 168 provide high flotation and long life, while the smaller VT 132 and VT 144 offer additional tire options for added flexibility. Heavy-Duty, Swivel Clevis or Spade Hitch The heavy-duty hitch provides secure attachment to the tractor to handle even the heaviest loads. The swivel design reduces stress and wear on the weigh bars and drawbar and allows the machines to more easily adapt to uneven terrain. The option of a clevis or spade hitch allows the operator to choose the hitch that best matches his particular needs. Scale System Precision Scale System -Trailer models 3-point scale system -Truck models 4-point scale system Horizontal weigh bars are used for a simple, yet accurate system for the heaviest loads. The system comes as standard equipment and offers up to 99.9% accuracy.
Multiple Scale Options (Optional) Different scale brands, models, and options are available for all types of operations, ranging from the very basic to a high-end feed-tracking program that uses a remote scoreboard display. Optional remote indicators have a large digital display available for better viewing. Notable Options Single-Side Incline Discharge (Optional) -Front-discharge models only -36" and 48" incline extension options -Right- and left-side discharge options The incline conveyor is available with a 36" or 48" extension and right- or left-side unloading. (Unloads off the incline side only.) These options allow the flexibility for both floor feeding and feeding into bunks of various heights where a longer or higher reach is needed for accurate feed placement. Dual-Side Flat Discharge with Hydraulic Side Shift (Optional) -Front-discharge models only The flat/flat conveyor can be used for floor feeding or in some low bunk applications and is simple to operate. The discharge chain is simple and convenient to reverse for easy feeding off either side. Hydraulic side shift is standard equipment on front-discharge models with the flat conveyor and allows the operator to hydraulically shift the conveyor from side to side up to 8" from center for accurate feed placement.
Discharge Slide Tray with Magnets (Optional) -Side-discharge models only The slide tray has simple hydraulic controls and helps guide the feed further away from the mixer s tire path. Discharge magnets catch metal fragments to promote herd health. Side Incline Conveyor (Optional) -Side-discharge models only -24", 36", 48", 60" and 72" conveyorlength options The side conveyors have been redesigned and strengthened to provide the ultimate in durability and long life. Heavy-duty components ensure reliable service, even in extreme use conditions, and multiple conveyor length options offer unmatched flexibility to tailor the discharge to best match varied needs. Heavy-Duty Conveyor Components Both the front and side conveyors have been strengthened for reliable service and longer life. Bigger bearings, chains and sprockets provide rugged durability to meet the toughest demands.
Fixed Tip-Off with Discharge Magnets (Optional) Magnets can be included on the tip-off for both the flat and inclined front conveyor, as well as the side conveyor, to catch metal fragments to promote herd health. Hanging Belt with Discharge Magnets (Optional) -Front-discharge models only -Available on either or both sides of flat front conveyors This optional feature acts to both catch metal fragments to promote herd health and even feed flow while unloading. Tubular Steel Hay-Retention Ring (Optional) When processing round bales, the solid hay-retention ring reduces hay spillage more effectively compared to similar options on competitive models.
Capacity Belt Extension (Optional) The eight-inch belt-extension option improves hay containment and also increases capacity. Rubber extensions are more pliable than plastic, providing longer life. In-Cab Shifting Lever (Optional) -VT 156 and VT 168 only The optional in-cab shifting lever allows the operator to easily shift the 2-speed gearbox drive between the high and low speeds from the comfort of the tractor seat. DuraMix Hardened Auger Flighting (Optional) -VT 156 and VT 168 models only The DuraMix hardened auger flighting option provides enhanced wear resistance and longer auger life in the toughest conditions. The flighting is made of high-carbon steel throughout, with hardened outer edges for unmatched durability.
Stainless Steel Liner (Optional) -30" side liner -30" baffle liner An optional stainless steel liner provides extra protection in the lower part of the chamber, where most wear occurs. Separate liner options are available for the sides and baffles. Self-Compensating Hydrostatic Drive (Optional) -Truck models only The self-compensating drive automatically adjusts auger speeds according to the torque on the augers. This system provides the convenience and flexibility of fast auger speeds for quick processing and clean off, and slower mixing speeds to reduce horsepower requirements. Bunk Light Kit (Optional) -Truck models only Bunk lights provide enhanced visibility to easily monitor feeding progress during night-time or early-morning operation.
Poly Fenders and Flaps (Optional) -Truck models only The fenders and flaps give truck models a clean, finished look and help protect the mixing tub from excessive amounts of dirt and debris thrown up by the truck tires. The poly construction provides flexibility and resistance to corrosion. Front Bumper with Roller (Optional) -Truck models only The front bumper provides added protection for the truck and the roller helps guide the truck along feed bunks for accurate feed placement and operator comfort.