GEA DairyRotor T8600: New conventional milking parlor with digital control

• GEA launches a new milking carousel: GEA DairyRotor T8600 with new new, digitally networking DigiTron control units.
• Real-time data management: Fully integrated with the GEA DairyNet herd management system.
• Flexible sizes: Available with 28 to 72 milking stalls, suitable for medium to large dairy farms.
• Ergonomic design: Slim dividers and low entry height for stress-free milking.
• Optimized hygiene: FutureCow brushes clean, disinfect, and stimulate teats in a single step.
• Efficient milking process: "GoAround" function for slow-milking cows, "Turn-While-Wash" saves cleaning time.
• Service & maintenance: Three optional service packages and warranty extension up to four years.
• Availability: Now available in Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand, with more markets to follow.

With the new DairyRotor T8600, GEA combines the advantages of a conventional milking parlor with the latest digital technology. The GEA DairyRotor T8600 is fitted with GEA's new DigiTron milking control units. This latest generation of milking control technology fully connects the farm to the GEA DairyNet herd management system. Thanks to the cross-system networking, dairy farms have all important data at their fingertips in real time. A wide range of new equipment options increases comfort for both animals and operators and promotes a stress-free and efficient milking process. The DairyRotor T8600 is delivered in pre-assembled packages, which not only reduces packaging waste, but also significantly reduces on-site installation time.

Maximum flexibility for farms of all sizes

The GEA DairyRotor T8600 features a robust design and extended flexibility. With a wide range of configurations, the system offers 28 to 72 milking stalls, making it ideal for medium to large farms. It is suitable for all dairy farm requirements and can be used in both barn and pasture systems worldwide. Designed as a modular system, the new rotary milking parlor offers the possibility to easily retrofit various options and functions at any time.

Digitization through GEA DigiTron control units

A key aspect of the T8600 is the standard integration of the new DigiTron control units, which significantly increase working comfort while being easy to operate. The networked control units and their digital environment offer real-time data management and monitoring options via the GEA DairyNet platform. Intuitive operation is based on a language-neutral concept that ensures quick and easy understanding without language barriers through "learning by doing". An intuitive user interface with four light indicators provides milking status information and user-friendly control options.

Designed for ergonomics and animal comfort

The DairyRotor T8600 is designed to maximize animal and operator comfort. It was developed according to the latest findings in farm animal anatomy and behavior. Slim partitions with a low entry height allow cows to enter and exit the stall comfortably and quickly. The optimally designed milking area promotes a calm and comfortable atmosphere for the cows. For example, they have enough space to use their hind legs to adjust their stance in any situation, allowing them to be milked safely and relaxed.

Hygiene options for clean teats and udders

Appropriate options, such as pre and post spray and an effective hind leg positioning aid, enable optimal udder preparation, attachment and care for the best udder health and milk quality. GEA's FutureCow also offers a special cleaning brush with integrated LED light for teat preparation, which reliably handles several pre-milking processes such as washing, disinfection, stimulation and drying in just one step. With FutureCow, every cow is pre-cleaned and stimulated quickly and evenly at milking time, resulting in improved teat health. Cleaner and healthier teats are less prone to mastitis and maximum udder stimulation helps improve milk flow.

For employees, the use of FutureCow means significant relief and time savings due to less work. FutureCow replaces the manual use of wipes and paper and can be quickly integrated into existing milking routines, reducing training time for new and experienced operators. The device is easy on the hands and back and allows thorough cleaning of even the dirtiest teats.

Stress-free feeding during milking

Optimally adapted and stable partitions ensure that each animal can be fed without stress during the milking process. Up to four solid and two liquid feed components can be dosed in the animal-friendly stainless-steel troughs. The troughs are easy to clean and designed for years of use in harsh conditions. Sturdy partitions ensure that each cow receives her individual ration at feeding time and can consume it completely during the milking process.

Workplace ergonomics and time saving options

Ergonomic workflows are also the basis for efficient operation for the milking staff: The milking clusters and stall controls are positioned at working height and promote a gentle and hygienic milking process. With the optional GEA EgoFloor lifting floor, the working height can also be optimally adjusted. The cow drive and speed of the DairyRotor T8600 are perfectly synchronized for a harmonious cow flow: At any selected speed, the cluster moves to the operator first, followed by the cow. For maximum comfort, optional cluster positioning arms are available. They raise the cluster to the optimal height for ergonomic grip and direct application by the operator.

If a milking station signals an alarm or a cow is very slow in producing milk, the optional GoAround function allows a second round to check individual animals on the rotary. The cows are gently held back by a flexible restraining bar and the milking process does not have to be interrupted during the check.

The T8600 options also include a turn-while-wash solution. This allows the rotor to be washed through the rotary coupling without being connected to rinse lines, saving additional time at the end of each milking shift.

With ParlorView, all processes in the rotary milking parlor can be followed in live view via an optionally available touch screen. The display shows the current key figures of the ongoing milking processes, and specific milking parlors or individual animal data can be displayed by touching the central monitor.

Service packages for long-term success

Comprehensive, customizable service packages and an optional warranty extension up to a maximum of four years on top of the manufacturer's warranty also ensure the short, medium and long-term success of the partnership investment. Three service modules are available - Basic, Advanced and Comfort - which include regular maintenance, including cyclical replacement of wear parts and system monitoring, as well as online support and proactive advice on management issues.

The GEA DairyRotor T8600 is now available in all European countries, as well as in South America, Australia and New Zealand, and will gradually be introduced in other international markets. With this new customizable rotor for small to medium-sized farms, GEA is setting new standards in animal and milking comfort. This is in line with GEA's consistent digitalization of conventional rotary milking parlors to provide dairy farms with an efficient, modularly expandable and therefore future-proof solution.