European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
Case IH has launched the seventh generation of its flagship tractor, the Magnum AFS Connect.
It has been just over three decades since its unveiling, with more than 150,000 units sold around the world.
The NZ range comprises the Magnum 250, 280,310, 340, 380 and 400. With maximum power outputs of 284, 315, 347, 374, 418 and 435hp respectively from 8.7 litre FPT Cursor 9 engines.
The Magnum 400 is available with 21/5 PowerDrive transmission only, offering 40 and 50km/h at reduced engine speed, while the 340, 380 and 400 can also be specified in rear tracked, Rowtrac configuration
The tractors have a rear lift capacity of up to 10,200kg while the optional front linkage is rated at 4,090kg. Up to six remote valves are available at the rear and three dedicated valves at the front. Specifying a front linkage does not now limit the number of rear spool valves. Hydraulic pump capacity is 221l/min with the option of an upgrade to 282l/min.
Obvious changes include a full-length door, new styling and lighting upgrades. The cab interior has also been revised to include familiar Case IH concepts such as pillar information displays and the multi-controller plus. The new armrest has four configurable buttons on the multi-controller joystick and a further four on the armrest, plus a turn-and-press encoder dial for selecting functions on the AFS 1200 monitor. Key operational data can be gauged quickly on the new compact VIS2 smart screen display on the right front cab pillar.
A new seat design offers 40-degree right and five-degree left swivelling. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have been improved, while storage and connectivity have been enhanced with the addition of a new arrangement of compartments and cup holders plus charging and data ports.
Recognising the importance of data to today’s farmers, information can be recorded and transferred securely in real time, on the move, with the AFS Connect telematics technology inside the new models.
AFS Connect is based on proven Case IH Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) precision technology. This provides a two-way link between the new AFS Pro 1200 display in the cab and the Case IH AFS Connect portal available through the mycaseih.com website. It offers a gateway to management of data generated by the tractor, allowing farmers to precisely manage their farming operations, from their office or mobile device, all in real time. Secure wireless transfer means no requirement for manual movement of data using USB memory sticks, eliminating the associated risk of loss or damage.
Also new is a brake-assisted steering system, aimed at Rowtrac models. This aids headland/end-of-row steering by automatically applying the brake to the inside rear track or wheel when a steering movement is made.
Signing up to a benchmarking tool is not about competition, but about improving collectively, says Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo who are 50-50 sharemilkers at a 164-hectare (effective) dairy farm in Eketāhuna in the Lower North Island.
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH), which runs a demonstration farm for South Island farmers, has a new general manager.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
According to a progress report on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP), New Zealand's horticulture sector is making real progress on the big issues facing growers.