Grain Crimpers & Dry Grain Roller Mills

Kelvin Cave Ltd are sole distributors in UK and Eire of the world-renowned range of Murska / Korte Grain Crimpers and Baggers.

Whether you’re a farmer or contractor, and whatever your projected throughput, there is a machine to suit your requirements. To achieve the full potential of the significant economic advantages of home-grown grain processing and preservation it is vital to choose machinery that is easy to use, simple to maintain and has been proven worldwide under all kinds of conditions.

Designed and manufactured in Finland, the home of grain crimping, and available in the UK only through Kelvin Cave Ltd, Murska / Korte grain crimping machines are widely acknowledged as global market leaders. Their ability to process all cereal grains and pulses either dry (up to 25% moisture) or for crimping and ensiling (from 25 – 45% moisture) sets the benchmark within the farming industry and meets our own exacting standards for engineering excellence.

The range includes a machine to suit every grain processing situation.

Murska Machines for Grain Crimping

Murska 220 SM
The Murska 220 SM is the product of long-term development to provide farmers with a versatile, simple-to-operate roller mill for grain processing. The spring-loaded, gear-driven rollers, with a 2mm fluted and hardened surface, will process cereals or pulses at up to 1.5t/hr. Available with either pto or 3 phase electric motor drive options, the compact Murska 220 SM can fit in to most on-farm dry grain processing systems.

A range of ancillary options are also available for the automated transfer of grain to and from the mill.

Murska 350S2
The standard Murska 350S2, supplied with Murska’s unique, belt-driven, tempered-steel, 2mm fluted rollers, is an entry level machine with a crimping output of 5 – 8 tonnes/hour and is suitable for farmers with modest quantities of grain to crimp or dry roll and who wish to be independent of contractors. The Murska 350S2 will process the full range of grain, including maize and pulses with moisture contents up to 45%. Supplied with three-point linkage mounting as standard, a trailed option is also available.

Murska 350 S2 grain crimping machine

We can build and install a mill system to meet your requirements. The Murska 350 S2 shown below is mounted on a raised platform where the 4/t capacity hopper can be filled by loader bucket or auger.  At the press of a button the 3 phase electric motor-powered mill discharges the processed grain to the floor where it can be removed with the loader for feeding.

Fitted with 2mm fluted rollers this Murska 350S2 will process cereal grains and/or pulses with ease. Many of our versatile range of mills can be installed in this way, ensuring that you have the output you require for your farming system.

Proximity sensors can also be fitted to stop the discharge when the grain in the hopper drops to a pre-set level.

The Murska 350S2 shown below is fitted with 2mm tempered hardened rollers with a 15 kW motor modified on a platform to fit on a 15’ bay to allow grain to fall directly onto the floor. A four tonne capacity hopper was fitted. 

Murska 350 Electric fitted to allow grain to drop to floor

Machines for Crimping Grain

Korte 700S2 HD
Next in the range is the Korte 700S2 HD which, like all the Korte machines, is a heavy-duty machine with gear-driven, tempered-steel, 2mm fluted rollers. With a typical crimping output of 10 – 16 tonnes/hour the 700 is suitable for larger farms and small-scale contractors.

Korte 1000S2 HD
The similar specification Korte 1000S2 HD, with its pair of 1000mm long rollers, will process from 15 – 20 tonnes/hour of crimped grain. Both the 700 and the 1000 are supplied with three-point linkage mounting as standard, but trailed options are available. They can also be mounted on the Korte Bagging Chassis, which will pack the processed grain directly into a 60 metre-long plastic tube – the ideal solution where no suitable clamp is available to ensile the crimped grain.

Korte 1000S2 HD grain crimper Korte 700/1000S2 HD grain crimper

Korte 1400S 2×2 Max
With typical output in excess of 20 tonnes/hour the trailed Korte 1400S 2×2 Max has two pairs of gear-driven, tempered-steel, 2mm fluted rollers and can also be equipped with a ‘bagging arc’ to enable plastic tube storage of processed grain. Mounted on a tandem-axle 40kph chassis with hydraulic brakes and full lighting equipment, the 1400 is a popular choice for large-scale farmers and contractors who will need to process big quantities of grain in short periods of time.

Korte 1400S 2x2 Max grain crimper Korte 1400S 2×2 Max grain crimper

Korte 2000S 2×2 Max
Next in the line-up is the Korte 2000S 2×2 Max with a typical crimping output in excess of 30 tonnes/hour. Built to the same exacting standards as its stable-mates and with similar options available as the 1400, the 2000 and the even larger 4000 version below are the ultimate contractors machines.

Murska 4000

Boasting an impressive output of up to 80 tonnes/hour, the latest addition to the Murska/Korte stable of crimpers delivers the performance requirements of large-scale farming operations, including contractors and animal-feed blending plants.

The top-of-the-range Murska 4000’s high-volume throughput comes from its four pairs of metre-long, 2mm fluted and hardened-surfaced rollers that enables it to dry-roll or crimp a wide range of cereal grains and pulses, with moisture content of up to 45%.

The Murska 4000’s robust belt conveyor gives the machine extended reach of 5 metres into grain stores, crimped grain clamps, or lorries.

 See the Murska 4000 in operation.

Muska 4000 grain crimper
Murska 4000 grain crimper

All Korte machines are supplied with tempered-steel, 2mm fluted rollers as standard. These are ideal where a wide range of grain types are likely to be processed. For more specialised applications, for example where the machine will be dedicated to maize crimping, even higher outputs can be achieved by fitting 3mm or 4mm fluted rollers.

On-board digital weighing system

The unique, Kelvin Cave Ltd on-board weighing system is also available as an optional extra on most models, ideal for contractors who have to deal with unknown quantities of grain at different locations.  The weighing system also ensures greater application accuracy when preservatives are being added during processing.

Bagging Chassis

The Murska 350 and Korte 700 and 1000 can be mounted on the Korte Bagging Chassis allowing direct ensiling into 60 metre-long, 2.5 metre diameter plastic tubes, and to add to its versatility the bagging chassis can also be supplied with its own bulk hopper. Where clamp storage is not available this allows the safe, air-tight storage of moist feeds like grain, pressed sugarbeet pulp and vegetable waste. Control of the chassis’ independent braking system enables the adjustment of packing density to ensure all air is excluded from the material being stored.

Mill & Mix Machines

Built by our expert design engineers the Murska or Korte Mill and Mix can be configured to meet individual farm requirements. Designs can be adapted for both mobile and static set-ups to allow the accurate incorporation of protein, mineral supplements and molasses to rolled grain in order to produce balanced, home-mixed rations.

Bespoke M700 mill mixer machine:

M700 dry grain roller mill & mix machine with side-loaded protein hopper and molasses tankM700 dry grain roller mill & mix machine with side-loaded protein hopper and molasses tank

M350 Mill & Mix Machine:

M350 dry grain roller mill & mix machine with protein hopperM350 dry grain roller mill & mix machine with protein hopper

Mill & Mix Machine with Molasses Tank:

M 350 Mill & Mix Machine with protein/mineral hopper and molasses TankM350 Mill & Mix Machine with protein/mineral hopper & molasses tank

Delivery & Service
Kelvin Cave Ltd offer a full UK-based workshop support facility and an overnight delivery service for most of the common spares items. The company also offer a reconditioning service and reconditioned, pre-owned machines are sometimes available. Part exchange is possible for farmers and contractors who wish to upgrade from their existing machines. Our design engineers can adapt and construct crimpers and ancillary equipment to suit situations where standard machines do not meet requirements.

Please contact us to discuss the machine specification to meet your requirements.

How to crimp

In order to produce Crimped Grain of the highest quality every time, make sure that you follow these 10 Golden Rules:

1. Ensure that all areas where the grain is to be handled and stored are clean. Grain handling machinery must also be thoroughly cleaned before use.

2. Treat storage areas prior to harvest to eliminate grain-storage pests such as grain mites, weevils and grain beetles. If possible avoid storing straw close to crimped grain – infestation by grain-storage pests can be transmitted from straw.

3. Check grain moisture content and use CrimpSafe 300 or CrimpSafe Hi-Dry Preservative at the recommended rate for the tested grain moisture – application rates are shown in the tables at the end of this brochure. Contact your Kelvin Cave Ltd representative for advice on checking moisture content correctly. N.B. Normal moisture meters will not give accurate readings above 30% moisture. However, Kelvin Cave can supply an easy to use, specially calibrated moisture meter that will give accurate readings up to 50% moisture.

4. Process and ensile all grain within 24 hours of harvesting.

5. Ensure the Murska or Korte crimper is set correctly so that all grains are crushed. Calibrate the preservative applicator to apply the recommended amount of CrimpSafe. The crimper should be fitted with spray nozzles to ensure even coverage with CrimpSafe as the grain travels along the bottom auger.

6. Make sure that the clamp walls are solid and can withstand the pressure of consolidation.

7. Consolidate the crimped crop well, in thin layers, using the Dorset Wedge method.

8. Keep the clamp sealed for at least three weeks before feeding. Make sure that all air is excluded. Use new, heavy-duty polythene side-sheeting and cover the clamp with O2 Barrier 2in1 top sheet for the most effective air-tight seal. Alternatively, use ClampFilm™ vacuum-film covered with a good-quality 125µm top-sheet. All covering should be weighted-down evenly, ClampTiles from Kelvin Cave Ltd are ideal for this job providing even weight and protection from bird damage.

9. Cut the feed neatly from the face and manage it so that feed is removed across the whole face at least once a week, or more frequently in warmer weather. Keep the face of the clamp uncovered, pulling the sheet down over an open face can create an ‘incubator for spoilage organisms.

10. Take precautions against vermin. Rats, mice and birds can cause damage to your crimped grain; your local Kelvin Cave representative can give you useful advice on how to avoid this.

When to crimp

All cereal crops (wheat, triticale, barley and oats) are at their optimal nutrient value and digestibility when their natural moisture content is between 35 and 45% moisture. This stage is reached when the stem immediately below the ear has turned yellow in the majority of plants. Grain from the middle of the ear should be at the ‘firm cheese’ stage, and can be squashed between thumb and finger with no visible moisture squeezing out. As moisture content decreases the digestibility of the grain reduces. CrimpSafe 300 is the appropriate preservative to use on grain from 25-45% moisture. (See table for correct application rates).

Once the grain moisture falls below 25% there is insufficient moisture to allow a fermentation to take place and it becomes more difficult to remove all air from the grain mass in the silo. Once this point is reached CrimpSafe Hi-Dry should be used to ensure effective preservation.

Peas and Lupins should be harvested at 25-30% moisture. The plants will have died and the pulses should be firm but ‘chewy’ rather than ‘crunchy’.  Again CrimpSafe 300 is the appropriate preservative to use at the recommended application rate. CrimpSafe Hi-Dry should be used below 25% moisture.

Beans should be harvested below 25% moisture and can be ensiled when treated with Propcorn NC at 9 litres/tonne.

Maize grain should also be harvested as near to 30% moisture as possible. The plants should have lost their green colour at this stage. Remove the cob from its sheath and grip it firmly in both hands. If it produces a slight rattling sound when rotating the hands in opposite directions, it is ready to harvest. In the UK it is rare for maize grain moisture content to drop below 30% in the standing crop. In order to produce crimped maize and other crimped grain of the highest quality every time, make sure that you follow these 10 Golden Rules:

Harvesting

Generally speaking, combining crops for crimping is no more difficult than combining traditionally. Remember that when the crop is harvested at the earlier high-moisture stage it will be bulkier than when it has dried out completely so it may be necessary to drive the combine harvester a little slower. Provided the crop is not wet with external moisture it should present no significant problems. Your Kelvin Cave representative can give useful advice on refining combine settings to optimise performance. Andy Strzelecki our Technical Director was invited by EBLEX to record some guidance videos demonstrating the ideal stages to harvest cereal crops for wholecrop and crimping and these can be viewed here.

Ensiling

Crimped grain can be stored in a conventional clamp or silo, or a special plastic-tube bag filled by a Korte crimper/bagger.

Before harvesting prepare the clamp or bagging site. All areas that will come into contact with the grain should be thoroughly cleaned, as should vehicles that will be used for grain handling and clamp consolidation. Clamp walls should be lined with heavy-duty side-sheeting. 1 tonne of consolidated crimped grain will occupy approximately 1 cubic metre.

Crimp through the Murska or Korte crimper, adding the appropriate CrimpSafe preservative at the recommended rate, and ensile within 24 hours of combining. Fill the clamp in thin layers using the Dorset Wedge method and rolling well to remove all air. If the top surface dries out during a break while filling, damp the dried surface with CrimpSafe from a watering can fitted with a fine rose before adding fresh material.

When all the grain has been processed and properly consolidated in the clamp, damp the surface again with CrimpSafe and cover immediately with O2 Barrier 2in1 top sheet. Fold the side sheets over it and weight down to exclude all air. Pay particular attention to the seal between the plastic and the concrete at the bottom of the ramp, loose sand, soil or gravel bags are the most effective weights at this point, creating a perfect seal between the sheet and the concrete.

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