At Van Beek Bros Dairy, efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a tradition. Tim van Beek, who runs the dairy alongside his father, shares how his family’s journey from the Netherlands to California shaped the business into what it is today.
“My grandfather immigrated from the Netherlands in the 1950s. After working in Southern California, he saved enough to start his own dairy. In the mid-70s, we moved to Central Valley, where my dad and uncles started dairying together. Now, my dad and I run this place, and my uncles have their own operations.”
2,500 cows, Twice a day—Efficiency is key
With 2,500 cows milked twice a day, feeding operations must run smoothly. That’s why Van Beek Bros Dairy relies on the Solomix 2 3600 ZKX feed mixer to prepare high-quality rations.
“What really sold me on the Solomix 2 3600 ZKX TMR mixer was the 3-speed gearbox and how it shifts automatically. It’s great technology—reliable and efficient. When you have access to innovations like this, there’s no reason not to use them.”
Now, with the Shifttronic automatic reduction gearbox, Trioliet has taken efficiency to the next level. The system automatically shifts gears based on the weight inside the feed mixer, ensuring optimal performance.
Fuel savings and smarter feeding
One of the biggest advantages of the Shifttronic gearbox is its ability to reduce fuel consumption considerably making feeding more cost-effective. “We feed about 8.5 pounds of dry hay per cow, which works here in California. Since hay quality varies, it’s important to make adjustments on the go. The mixer’s faster speed without a fuelbox lets us do that efficiently.”
The Shifttronic system ensures that the gearbox shifts down automatically when the desired weight is reached or when mixing becomes difficult. This not only optimizes mixing performance but also protects the tractor and feed mixer drive lines, reducing wear and tear.
Less wear, more control
The 3-speed gearbox isn’t just about efficiency—it’s also about keeping the tractor in the optimal RPM range, making it easier on the PTO and reducing overall strain on machinery. “I like the way the 3-speed gearbox works. It keeps the tractor running efficiently without needing to turn the PTO off and on to change gears,” says Tim.
It’s also operator-friendly. “Our operator just sets the module in the morning and doesn’t have to change it until premixing. It makes the whole process much smoother.”
At Van Beek Bros Dairy, they rely on different feeding programs, including the milk-out, dry cow, and premix programs. “For us, this mixer has been pretty much trouble-free, and it requires very little attention on our part,” Tim adds. Thanks to the Shifttronic system, adjustments happen automatically, making feeding more efficient while reducing maintenance.
A smart investment for dairy farmers
By embracing Trioliet’s technology, Van Beek Bros Dairy continues to work smarter, save fuel, and protect their machinery—all while ensuring their cows receive a perfectly mixed ration every time.
Key benefits:
- Fuel savings (Large)
- Mixing process starts up quickly
- Fast possible mixing at all times
- Uninterrupted power transmission
- Autonomous shifting
- A smaller tractor can be used
- Extends service life of PTO coupling, low starting torque
- More convenient with no manual shifting