Milking machine testing explained
Milking machine is testing is now a requirement and for good reason. Machine malfunctions cause teat damage, increasing the risk of infection. Not to mention the downtime involved when the plant suddenly fails. An annual test by a registered milking machine tester at least once per season will help to keep things running smoothly.
So, what’s involved? Who can do it? And what to do with the results?
Logan Barnett explains what’s involved: “A milking machine test checks all the working components of the machine, ensuring everything works to the manufacturers’ specifications.
“Testers must be MPTA certified, so they carry out a standard test procedure which involves full visual inspection of the milking machine components, plus a full vacuum, leak and restriction test on vacuum operated components. Any deficiencies in the plant will show up in the written report.”
Your report will have three parts:
Vacuum testing calculations and recordings;
A visual report page, listing the components, each marked with a tick (pass) or cross (fail);
A summary of recommendation telling you whats required to get the machine working back to full capacity.
There are a lot of numbers on the report which probably won’t mean much to farmers, says Logan.
Any deficiency is noted, whether minor, major or critical.
“It’s really important that you take action to address all the faults sooner or later, even those reported as minor because nine out of ten times, these will become major if disregarded.”
Logan stresses it’s imperative that to have a milking machine test at least once annually. “When you’re using the plant daily, you won’t notice things that slowly develop and change. This test picks up stuff like that immediately. Testing ensures your machine is operating well, while reducing the risk of mastitis and pre-empting failures in your equipment before they happen.”