Buhler name to go
Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and Farm King equipment manufacturer, fully absorbed by Asko, its Turkish majority shareholder.
More importantly they have always met the main requirement for a heavy tractor: getting power to the ground.
A casualty of the CNH merger of the late 1090’s, it changed hands a few times, the name disappearing then re-emerging in 2008, owned by Rostelmash.
Recently resurgent in New Zealand, the firm’s new 320hp FWA row-crop tractors punch out some very good stats. From industry powerhouse Cummins, the 6-cylinder QSC 8.6 packs a punch – 322hp max power and 1383 Nm torque, and complies with emission regulations at Tier 3 levels.
Mated to a Caterpillar sourced full power-shift transmission it offers 16 forward and 9 reverse speeds, making it easy for this tractor to get moving and up to operating speed.
Heavy duty back end specs allow the machine to take 15 tonnes operating weight, 3-point linkage capacity is 9000kg, and hydraulic flow from the closed centre/load sensing system is up to 205L/min.
The operator is well looked after: the HQ Cab allows 35% more forward visibility through 7m2 of glass, and a semi-active air ride seat with swivel should add up to a comfortable day or night working.
Hawkes Bay contractor Stu Mawley, of Te Mata Contractors, is one such person.
Having run two 250hp Versatiles for the past four and a half years, clocking up an impressive 8500 hours on each, he knew the two new recently arrived 320’s would be up to the task.
Te Mata Contractors specialises in row crop work, planting and general cultivation, and at many times of the year operating 24/7, so reliability and economy are key drivers in the firm’s tractor choice.
These points were uppermost in mind when the 250’s came up for replacement, Mawley says. “The simplicity of the Versatile, and in particular easy servicing that can be largely done in-house, was a clincher.
“The 320’s will be our front line tractors doing specialised work pulling disc harrows, deep rippers, rotary hoes and power harrows.
They are used by multiple drivers, and run non-stop much of the season, so servicing is paramount.
“Versatile has put a lot of thought into the new models. Daily checks are all done at ground level using easily read sight glasses, and there’s a one-piece hood for access.”
Commenting on the latest models, Brett Maber, tractor sales manager for importer Power Farming, said “Versatile has spent many millions on R&D for their new models, addressing issues largely in styling. They’ve always had a reputation for hard work and a long life with over-engineered components, and that doesn’t change. It’s based on a 50 year history in some very tough conditions.
“And now we’re seeing lots more sophistication and style that will appeal to NZ farmers and result in a lot more interest and ultimately sales.”
