Each time a cow is milked, no matter the method, she requires the same positive experience. So, when you see cows going through the robots all day, eating pellets, and leaving dipped, you might think, “Great! Everything is going well!” But what about the processes inside the cups that aren’t visible to you?
This is where the service team at Lely Center Mid-Atlantic comes in. With highly trained technicians analyzing the internal functions of the robot, like pulsation, we ensure that every time a cow visits the robot, she has the opportunity for a positive experience—or as Lely says, the Perfect Milking. In December, the Lely team furthered their training by hosting Paul Peetz, Lely North America’s Milking Technologies Manager, who covered the specifics of pulsation design and function in the Lely Astronaut. From the importance of vacuum stability and pulsation graphing to diagnosing errors and how to correct them, the hands-on training also allowed every attendee the opportunity to interact with the portable pulsation stimulator. The session allowed us to showcase our skills, refine our processes, and fine-tune the value we add with every maintenance interaction.


For a cow to be properly milked, the robot’s components must work in harmony. Pulsation controls the movement of the milking liner, while the vacuum supply manages the pressure applied to the teat to remove the milk. In the Lely system, the vacuum supply is controlled by a valve, an electric motor in each robot, and a sensor tied into the vacuum supply to adjust it as needed. These vacuum settings are configured in Horizon, and any changes should be approached with caution as they can impact teat ends and milking speeds.
Pulsation plays a critical role in milking by opening and closing the liner. Why is this action necessary? Pulsation replicates the suckling movement made by a calf when extracting milk. Without a rest period provided by pulsation, constant vacuum pressure could damage teat ends, cause discomfort to the cow, and significantly prolong milking times. Lely uses a pulsator placed close to the teat in the mothership to control all four teats separately, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for each quarter during the milking process.
How often should your pulsation be checked? We recommend checking it at least every three months due to wear on parts in and around the pulsator. Additionally, if there are issues with the milking process, such as a torn liner or a disconnected hose that sucks in dirt, pulsation graphing can be instrumental in ensuring everything is back to optimal performance.
A successful milking should always be a positive experience for the cow. Choosing Lely Center Mid-Atlantic means more than just investing in advanced technology; it means gaining a partner dedicated to your farm’s success. Our team’s expertise, combined with continuous training and commitment to excellence, ensures your equipment operates at peak performance. From routine maintenance to troubleshooting and optimization, we’re here to support you and your herd every step of the way and ensure each milking is a perfect one.