Introduction

Automatic manure scraping for slatted barn floors

The Lely Discovery Scraper is a manure robot developed for slatted barn floors. It follows pre-programmed routes and schedules, using built-in sensors to navigate through the barn and push manure through the slats. By automating this repetitive task, the Discovery Scraper helps farmers maintain a cleaner barn floor while reducing the need for manual scraping.

Benefits of the Lely Discovery Scraper

  • Time saver

    Time saver

    The Lely Discovery Scraper automates the repetitive task of scraping manure from slatted barn floors. It follows programmed routes and schedules, reducing the amount of manual scraping required.
  • Optimal hygiene

    Optimal hygiene

    Regular manure removal contributes to a cleaner barn floor. This can help keep hooves, tails and udders cleaner and support overall barn hygiene.
  • Flexible cleaning

    Flexible cleaning

    Cleaning routes and frequencies can be configured around the barn layout and daily farm routine. Different areas can be cleaned according to the programmed schedule.
  • Smart design

    Smart design

    The Scraper uses sensors to autonomously follow its pre-programmed routes. Its compact size allows it to navigate easily below sorting gates, between cows, and from one alley to the other.

Images Discovery Scraper

A Lely Discovery robot cleaning the floor in a dairy barn. Cows are standing in the background.
A Lely Discovery robot cleaning the floor in a dairy barn. Cows are standing nearby.
A large dairy barn with cows standing on a slatted floor and others resting in their stalls. A Lely Discovery robot is cleaning the floor.

Features of the Lely Discovery Scraper

Automatic manure scraping throughout the day

The Lely Discovery Scraper relieves you of your daily manure-scraping routine. It operates at times of your choosing and follows a route that you select, helping you maintain a clean barn.  

You can customise the routes and adjust the  frequency of cleaning to align with your daily rhythm and the cows’ needs.

The Scraper is available with and without a water sprinkler. Spraying water onto the caked manure layer first improves cleaning results. Ideal for a dry barn environment. 

Its compact size enables it to clean almost every corner of the barn while causing little to no disruption to the cows and the dairy farmer.

The built-in sensors enable the Scraper to follow its routes autonomously without cables or gutters. It can reach almost every part of the barn including cross alleys and the waiting area in front of the milking robot. 

The process

Installing the Lely Discovery Scraper

  • Hardware installation

    First, the dairy farmer and Lely sales advisor discuss the installation requirements. Afterwards, the technician places the charging station in the agreed location and maps the barn in the Discovery Scraper’s memory

    01

  • Programming routes

    Next, the dairy farmer and technician together determine which routes to programme and what the schedule will be for operation.  

    02

  • Follow-up assessment

    Finally, about a week later, the technician returns to assess the performance of the Discovery Scraper and make any necessary adjustments to its routes. 

    03

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Lely Discovery Scraper

An automatic manure scraper contributes to keeping barn floors cleaner and drier throughout the day, supporting cow comfort, hoof health and overall hygiene. By automating a repetitive task, it can also reduce the need for manual labour and contributes to more consistent daily barn routines. 

Yes, an autonomous manure scraper such as the Lely Discovery Scraper is designed to handle fresh and partially dried manure by making frequent cleaning rounds, preventing manure from building up and hardening.  

Regular routing contributes to avoid caking, which supports cleaner and drier slatted floors throughout the day. If manure is already very dry or heavily caked, additional passes or complementary management practices may be needed to restore optimal floor cleanliness. 

Robotic manure scrapers navigate autonomously by following predefined routes, using sensors to navigate its way through the barn while consistently cleaning the floor. Solutions like the Discovery Scraper are designed to reach practically every corner of the barn, easily navigating below sorting gates, between cows, and from one alley to the other. 

Lely automatic manure scrapers are designed to operate quietly and at a low, predictable speed, allowing cows to recognise the scraper and continue their normal behaviour with minimal disruption.  

For example, the Lely Discovery Scraper can be programmed to avoid the feed fence area during feeding times, so cows can eat undisturbed and maintain their routine. The scraper works quietly and consistently, so cows soon become familiar with it. 

The capacity of a manure robot depends on factors such as barn layout, floor type, cleaning frequency and management preferences. Rather than working in fixed cleaning moments, manure robots operate continuously throughout the day, making frequent cleaning rounds to prevent manure build‑up. 

A single manure robot can be programmed to clean multiple alleys or sections within a barn. In larger operations or on farms with multiple barns, several robots can be used in parallel, each assigned to specific areas. Curious to what capacity fits your barns best? Reach out to a local Lely Center for more information. 

The Discovery Scraper offers a simple and reliable way to keep slatted barn floors clean and dry throughout the day. Its autonomous operation reduces manual labour and works consistently, helping to support cow comfort, hoof health and a calmer barn environment.  

Designed with cow‑friendly features such as quiet movement and smart navigation, it cleans efficiently without disrupting daily routines. Backed by the Lely Center network, it combines proven technology with long‑term service and support. 

A cleaner barn with less manual work?

Discover if the Discovery Scraper is right for your farm

Every barn has a unique layout, routine and cleaning challenge. Our specialists can help you explore how the Discovery Scraper could support barn hygiene, reduce repetitive work and fit seamlessly into your daily operation.