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This document describes the HAPPYCOW Duo Electric Cattle Brush, models #18810 and #18820, designed for hygienic dry cleaning of female cattle in free-stall barns.
The HAPPYCOW Duo is an electric cattle brush system that aims to hygienically clean the hide of cattle while reducing the costs associated with traditional manual cleaning. The unit operates by detecting when a cow raises the brushes. An inductive sensor registers this movement, causing the brushes to start rotating for a preset cycle time (factory default is 60 seconds). If the brush returns to its rest position after the cycle, the motor switches off. For subsequent activations, or if the brush remains elevated after the cycle time has elapsed, the motor automatically reverses its direction of rotation for the next cycle. This bidirectional rotation ensures even wear of the bristles, extending the brush's lifespan.
The system incorporates a display and electronic control unit. The display indicates the operating status and any faults. The electronics manage activation, safety shut-off, and the duration of the cleaning cycle. A key feature is the monitoring of brush resistance: the unit tracks the current drawn by the motor to ensure proper functioning. If the gear motor is overloaded (e.g., due to excessive pressure from animals, animals getting trapped, or a tail winding around the brush), the brushes will stop and then rotate in the opposite direction. Repeated overloading without proper intermediate operation will put the unit into an alarm state for several minutes, during which it will not start. If the load does not decrease after this pause, a persistent fault message "A03" will be triggered, and the unit will cease operation. The cut-off resistance can be adjusted via a DIP switch on the circuit board, with F1 being the lowest and F15 the highest resistance. The factory default and optimal setting for the HAPPYCOW Duo is F13.
The HAPPYCOW Duo is designed for dry cleaning of female cattle in free-stall barns. For optimal and safe operation, it is crucial that cattle collars fit tightly and that tail hair is kept short (less than 5 cm). The animals' hide hair should also not exceed 5 cm in length. The unit should be installed in a well-ventilated area, free from electromagnetic interference, and protected from direct sunlight and precipitation. The control unit should be mounted on a stable, vibration-free surface, above the unit and out of reach of animals, to prevent damage to electronic components.
The installation height is critical and must be adjusted to the average withers height of the animals. The upper edge of the vertical brush should be approximately 15 cm below the average withers height of the herd. If there are significant differences in withers height (more than 20 cm) within the herd, the suspension height should be adjusted for the larger animals to prevent premature brush wear. The unit must be securely fastened to a firm, stable, and level surface, preferably a solid concrete wall. For brick or wood walls, continuous threaded rods are recommended, with a minimum thread size of M12. Screw connections should be secured against self-loosening using self-locking nuts or threadlocker.
Electrical connection requires a 16A AC socket with protective earth contact, installed out of the animals' reach. A separate 30 mA residual current circuit breaker (FI) is also required, and its function should be checked regularly. Extension cables are not permitted. Before initial commissioning, the unit must be conductively connected to the stable's potential equalization system.
Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for the safe and problem-free operation of the HAPPYCOW Duo. The unit must only be operated in perfect condition; any damage or malfunction requires immediate shutdown.
Daily:
Weekly:
Every 6 weeks:
Quarterly:
Six-monthly:
Brush Replacement: Brushes (horizontal and vertical) should be replaced when they are worn down and no longer provide adequate cleaning performance.
Disposal: All parts, auxiliary materials, and operating materials must be separated by type for disposal according to local waste disposal regulations. Consult local authorities for information on disposal options and quantities.
| Brand | Kerbl |
|---|---|
| Model | HAPPYCOW Duo |
| Category | Farm Equipment |
| Language | English |