Transmissions factory for big brands
Italian tractor manufacturer Argo Tractors, builders of the McCormick, Landini and Valpadana marques, has opened a new factory to develop and manufacture transmissions for those brands.
A new generation of McCormick tractors, aimed at livestock operators, is now available in New Zealand.
The new X5 Series, offered in three models, is powered by a 3.6-litre Deutz four-cylinder engine – delivering max outputs of 99hp (X5.35), 110hp (X5.45) and 113hp (X5.55).
All models feature a simpler emissions control system in the form of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).
This, unlike a diesel particulates filter (DPF), requires no fuel-burn offs to clean, no maintenance and no operator intervention.
Power is channelled through a new 24x24 transmission with a splitter operated by a button on the gear selector. This permits easy up-and-down-shifts to cope with changing loads. In addition, the new Eco Forty feature offers reduced engine revs once a 40km/h cruising speed has been attained – saving fuel and reducing noise.
A four-speed PTO system also helps save fuel, by offering an economy setting for each of the normal 540 and 1000rpm speeds.
The hydraulics see a 63-litre/min gear pump (complemented by a 32-litre/min pump dedicated to steering and ancillary clutches), supplying the three, double-acting spool valves fitted as standard.
Meanwhile, a separate, dedicated 32l/min pump looks after power steering and transmission lubrication.
Other standard equipment in the X5 Series range includes interchangeable ball and claw ends for the 4500kg rear linkage lift arms, electronic rear hitch control, air suspension seat and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
New Zealand dairy farmers are set to be the first in the world to receive access to a new digital physical milk pricing tool that enables them to fix the price for their physical milk.
State farmer Pāmu is opening its farm gates this summer in an effort to give the rural sector the opportunity to see how large-scale, multi-system farming is delivering productivity and profitability across New Zealand.
A five-year study has found that the cost of reducing emissions without technology may be significant and unsustainable for Northland dairy farmers.
DairyNZ says Waikato farmers need certainty on Plan Change 1, but they say that certainty must be matched with practical, workable rules and a clear transition that doesn't get ahead of the new resource management system currently under review.
While the Government has moved quickly to make commercial hauliers' lot easier during the current fuel crisis, they appear to be stuck in the creep box when it comes to the agricultural industry.
Waikato farmers have been told that the Government’s new planning system legislation and the region’s Plan Change 1 (PC1) “won’t mesh together very well”.