In Cheshire, the team at Dobson Farm had already adopted robotic milking to improve productivity and animal welfare. However, like many rural operations, they soon faced a major hurdle: limited access to three-phase power. Consequently, Dobson Farm needed a reliable single phase screw compressor that could keep its robotic system running smoothly.
Since only single-phase electricity was available on site, and because the cost of upgrading far too high to justify, the farm relied on a series of piston compressors to run their milking robots. Unfortunately, these machines could not handle the constant demands of dairy automation. As a result, they frequently failed — leaving behind a growing collection of broken compressors gathering dust (and weeds).
The Challenge: Running Robotic Milking on Single Phase Screw Compressor
Robotic milking systems depend on a steady, reliable supply of compressed air. However, most industrial screw compressors are designed for three-phase power, which makes them unusable for farms like Dobson.
Because no robust and efficient single-phase screw compressors existed — farmers were left with solutions that simply didn’t last.
The Solution: Engineering a Custom S4-Eco DR for Single Phase
That’s where HDL (Hollingworth Design Ltd) stepped in.
By collaborating with D&A Cotton Dairy Engineers, HDL tackled the challenge directly: they adapted a Boge S4-Eco DR screw compressor — typically reserved for industrial settings — to run successfully on single-phase electricity.
Key steps:
- Motor Selection: HDL matched a custom single-phase motor with the right torque curve for the Boge system.
- Inverter Programming: Using their own control logic, they programmed the inverter to achieve maximum efficiency and consistent performance.
- Built for 100% Duty: The result? A single-phase screw compressor delivering 21 CFM at full duty — with the reliability Boge is known for, now accessible to single-phase farms.
HDL says:
“To our knowledge, this is the only S4-Eco DR single-phase screw compressor in the world — and it’s now powering robot milking at Dobson Farm.”
Built for More Than Just One Farm
This isn’t just a one-time solution. HDL now offers custom conversions for:
- End users needing single-phase power options
- Dealers looking to supply compressors under their own brand
- Custom builds and vacuum pump conversions
Whether it’s for dairy farms, workshops, or remote facilities, HDL provides reliable alternatives when three-phase power isn’t available. Learn more about our engineering services and how we design custom solutions for unique challenges.
The Result: Smoother Milking, Less Downtime, and a Happier Herd
Thanks to this upgrade, Dobson Farm now has a reliable compressed air solution that supports their robotic milking system — no breakdowns, no stockpiles of broken machines, no stress.
Just a smooth system, content cows, and milk on the table.
Visit the Milking System Directory to explore more on robotic milking and farm technology. We are also proud members of the Milking Equipment Association (MEA), reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation in the dairy industry.
