Astronaut A3 Next

Lely introduces the Lely Astronaut A3 Next automatic milking system

Three and a half years after introducing the Lely Astronaut A3 milking robot, Lely now launches a new automatic milking system: the Lely Astronaut A3 Next. With this new robot, Lely has succeeded in further improving the Lely Astronaut A3, which to today's date has remained one of the most sophisticated milking systems in the market place. The best visible difference is the new and fresh design. Yet, it's not all about good looks; cleaning and servicing will be easier and by using the most sustainable materials Lely continues to guarantee the longest life span and therefore a higher trade-in value than other systems.

In addition to these improvements, the robot's management system - Lely T4C, Time 4 Cows - has been further advanced and it now includes dynamic feeding and milking. This is effected by taking into account the individual animals' response (in terms of milk production) to the concentrate provided or milk intervals. Consequently, individual cow health will increase, while concentrate costs are reduced and robot utilisation will be optimised.

In this new robot Lely mounted the milk quality sensor system in the unique Astronaut arm, resulting in faster and even more accurate detection and measuring of the milk flow. Also perfected is the milk quality control system, which was already the first available on-line method to determine the somatic cell count per quarter. In addition, the milk separation system is now disengaged from the robotic milking system and it can be mounted on the most convenient place for the farmer.

For current Lely Astronaut farmers it is good to know that this improved milking robot is compatible with the existing Lely Astronaut A3.

‘Obviously, we - being the inventors of robotic milking - are continuously seeking ways to further improve our state-of-the-art technology for dairy farmers worldwide', says Aart van't Land, Vice President Dairy Equipment at Lely Industries. ‘However, new developments should benefit farmers either financially or socially. The Lely Astronaut A3 Next consumes significantly less energy and water than competitive brands. Our unique service contracts allow farmers to opt for a truly transparent, allinclusive contract, which is unique in today's market place. Payment is based on the number of milkings, so pay-as-you-use! The use of first-class materials, combined with a limited number of moving parts, guarantees a long lifetime and a significantly higher trade-in value. By paying attention to energy costs, we are also able to introduce an outstandingly sustainable product. Admittedly, the Lely Astronaut milking robot is quite an investment. However, it is not just the initial investment thatcounts, but all running costs in the years to come! And in that respect we can convincingly cope with any comparison.'

The inventors of robotic milking introduced the first milking robot 17 years ago. Now, with the launch of the new Astronaut A3 Next, they have proven their capability to use dairy farmers' feedback effectively for further and sustainable improvement of the concept of automatic milking. The Lely Astronaut A3 Next will be available starting mid-2009.

For more information click here http://www.lely.com/a3next/index.jsp