In September, Milcotec will install a new Dairymaster milking parlour for dairy farmer Jørn Friis Møller at Årslevgård near Aabenraa, Denmark.
What makes this project unique is that the new milking parlour will be installed in the same location as the existing one – while daily milk production continues without interruption.
Installation work will take place between milking sessions, ensuring that the cows are milked as usual throughout the entire process.
Precise installation during full operation
Standing outside the milking parlour, Jørn Friis points inside. This is where the current parlour is located – and exactly where the new one will be installed.
– The cows still need to be milked. That’s why the installers first mount the swing-over system. Once the new components are ready, the old system is removed, the new one is lowered into place and fully installed, explains Jørn Friis.
Milcotec has visited the farm several times in advance to take precise measurements. The new milking parlour must fit perfectly into the existing building, requiring detailed planning and coordination.
Expectation of faster milking and improved working conditions
The current milking parlour is a 12-stall DeLaval system from 2002. With the new 18-stall swing-over parlour, Jørn Friis expects a more efficient milking routine.
– Today we milk twice a day and spend a total of 11–12 hours per day on milking. I hope we can save 2–3 hours daily, but that will depend on how quickly the cows move through the system, he says.
The farm has around 450 dairy cows, five employees and 190 hectares of land. Jørn Friis runs the farm together with his wife and represents the 14th generation at Årslevgård.
– I don’t want this to be a stressful workplace. I want my employees to have a better working day and possibly a weekly day off. Retaining skilled staff is very important to me, he explains.
Why milking robots were phased out
In the past, Jørn Friis used milking robots and initially planned to operate seven units. However, the solution was abandoned in 2011.
– The robots simply didn’t suit me. There were too many small issues and daily frustrations, he says.
According to Jørn Friis, robotic systems are better suited for smaller herds of around 100–150 cows. Milcotec assisted in selling the robots, which were eventually purchased by a farmer in Bavaria, Germany.
Leasing a new Dairymaster milking parlour
Milcotec has also helped sell the existing milking parlour. Previously, Jørn Friis leased a Mobistar mobile milking parlour and was impressed by its low operating costs, reliable service and excellent milking performance.
Today, he has entered into a leasing agreement with Milcotec for the new Dairymaster milking parlour.
– The leasing solution makes it possible for me to invest in a new milking parlour. That would not have been an option if I had to purchase it outright, says Jørn Friis.
Considering a new milking parlour?
Contact Milcotec to learn more about Dairymaster milking systems, installation during operation and flexible leasing solutions.
🚜 Machines
Gerth Petersen – 📱 +45 20258260 – ✉️ gerth@milcotec.com
🔧 Spare parts
Anne Lang Krogh – 📱 +45 23354095 – ✉️ anne@milcotec.com
