Agritechnica 2025 sites sold out
While we've become used to National Fieldays telling us that their event is always a big one and nearly all sites have been sold, this years’ event was noticeable by empty sites, equipped with benches for resting.
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.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
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