Kuhn Group Sales Dip 9% in 2025 but Orders Signal Recovery
Kuhn Group recorded net sales of NZ$2.27 billion in 2025, finishing around 9% lower than in 2024.
Recently launched by grassland specialist Kuhn, the SW 4014 wraps square or round bales, notably using the unique AutoLoad function.
Awarded a silver medal at the 2015 Agritechnica Show for its ability to allow fully automatic wrapping of squares or rounds without the need for driver input, the system is said to improve output while minimising stress for the operator during long harvest days. In operation, the driver approaches a bale, which the system detects, then it scans the bale for length and sets the loading arms to a pre-set lifting position.
Heavy duty construction incorporates a hydraulic sliding frame, offers a wide track for stability, while the 'drive through' layout allows easy loading and good visibility of the wrapping cycle. In operation in the paddock the width is 4m which closes down to 2.5m for road transport.
The machine can wrap large square, medium-square or round bales up to 1500kg and 200cm long, and rounds up to 140cm diameter without any mechanical adjustment; the system can store multiple format and bale dimensions within the control terminal.
The layout and operation allows loading from the front or rear of the machine, which allows the retrieval of poorly dropped bales from difficult locations, and placement of wrapped bales back to ground level without any damage.
Shorter patented top rollers allow film roll holders to place film on the bale close to the centreline, resulting in less wrinkling and better oxygen exclusion; the IntelliWrap system allows accurate control of the number of wraps for best coverage, while the ISOBUS control system can be used to reposition bales in the preferred manner such as 'knots up' or 'drop on short side'.
Power requirement allows a range of tractors to be used, though a prerequisite is 45L of oil per minute. An optional PTO driven system can be specified which drives a closed circuit system, which reduces fuel requirement and any risk of contaminated oil getting into the wrapper system.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.
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