Executive Summary
| Parameter | Before (Belt-driven, 2019) | After (Hongyang SZLH420) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity (ruminant mash) | 5.2 t/h (summer) / 4.1 t/h (winter) | 8.0 t/h year-round | +30% to +95% |
| Pellet Durability Index (PDI) | 91.5% | 96.8% | +5.3 points |
| Fines return to cooler | 6.8% | 2.1% | -69% |
| Specific energy consumption | 41.6 kWh/t | 36.6 kWh/t | -12% |
| Die life (alfalfa-rich) | approx. 380 t | approx. 1,150 t | +203% |
| Pellet outlet temperature | +9 to +12 °C above ambient | +3 °C above ambient | Optimized |
1. Context: Why Romania, and why ruminant pelleting
Romania held 10.44 million sheep at the end of 2024 and ranked second in the European Union for sheep and goat inventory at 10.3 million head, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and Eurostat data published in 2025. Cattle stock reached 1.847 million head on 1 June 2025, up 0.7% year on year, with breeding cows at 1.223 million head.
The client — a family-owned compound feed mill founded in 2007 in Resita — had been running a 2019 vintage belt-driven pellet press at 5 t/h nominal capacity. Two structural issues limited its growth: seasonal throughput collapsed in winter when ambient temperature fell below 5 °C, and pellet durability on alfalfa-rich formulations consistently fell below the 92% PDI threshold.
“The mill was paying for the shortfall in two ways: a 6 to 7 percentage-point fines return loop that re-fed broken pellets through the cooler, and frequent die changeovers that cost a full production day each time.”
2. Equipment selection: SZLH420 from Hongyang Feed Machinery
- Main motor: 110 kW
- Conditioner motor: 7.5 kW
- Feeder motor: 2.2 kW (VFD)
- Rated capacity: 8 t/h (Ruminant)
- Gear-driven main transmission
- Vacuum-hardened alloy steel die
- 420 mm inner diameter
- Compression ratio: 1:8
2.1 Gear-driven direct transmission
The helical gear drive delivered constant torque to the die across the load range. Maintaining die speed without torque degradation is the single largest determinant of batch-to-batch pellet consistency for abrasive alfalfa fibre.
2.2 All-stainless-steel conditioner
Conditioning temperature reached 84 to 86 °C within 18 to 22 seconds of retention, ensuring superior starch gelatinization compared to the previous unit’s 75 °C limit.
2.3 Die specification for ruminant feed
Die life improved by 203%, delivering 1,150 tonnes of throughput before reaching wear thresholds, thanks to vacuum-hardening (HRC 58 to 62).
3. Commissioning and performance (Dec 2024 – Mar 2025)
Performance data verified by the dairy cooperative’s receiving inspector: Zero rejections and zero quality discounts recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
4. Supply Chain Impact
The 8 mm pellet diameter is now preferred for lambs, with farms reporting lower feed sorting and a measurable reduction in dust fractions in sheep housing. The regional dairy cooperative has ceased pre-screening every truck due to consistent quality.
5. Key Takeaways
Post time: Jul-08-2026
