Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Kverneland has introduced a new 15.6m tedder aimed at high outputs, accuracy and operator comfort, incorporating a new ground-following system, with easy and simple operations.
The new Kverneland 85156 C offers a 15.6m working width, achieved using 14 rotors, with a general construction featuring oversized elements to help increase production and reduce downtime.
The small diameter rotor design provides a generous overlap between each rotor, resulting in efficient pick-up and inversion of the crop, as well as a regular distribution over the complete working width.
Superior ground adaption over the full working width is achieved by the new TerraFlow solution, that features a highly flexible frame, allowing each of the 14 rotors to accurately follow ground contours.
A unique connection between the tedder unit and carrier frame means the rotors can flex and adapt to ground contour independent of the carrier frame. This ensures the tine- to-ground distance remains constant, providing clean work and a uniform crop flow.
Standard 380/55-17 tyres are said to give increased stability of the tedder and ensure good ground protection, while larger section 500/50-17 tyres are available as an option. Fitment to the tractor requires one single hydraulic for raising and lowering the tedder, alongside a double acting for machine folding/unfolding, with a transport width of less than 3 metres.
Crossing crop already spread is achieved using the single acting ram, which gives the machine adequate clearance and manoeuvrability. A new border spreading device helps keep the crop towards the body of the paddock when tedding along borderlines and headlands, with the hydraulically activated swath board keeping the crop within the working width of the tedder.
To reduce operational downtime, a clever design allows the Kverneland 85156 C to enjoy easy maintenance with long service intervals. Greasing points are kept to a minimum, while driveline (except for the PTO), rotors and most of the joints are maintenance-free.
Meanwhile, the 6500F, a new generation of heavy-duty fixed chamber round baler introduced in 2020, was joined by the variable chamber Plus Series in 2021, aimed at users focused on predominately baling silage. Both are designed to maximise efficiency, reduce operational downtime and lower servicing costs.
The next logical step in was to incorporate a higher level of automation in both series.
Both models have been enhanced by the addition of TIM (Tractor Implement Management) capability, targeting professional farmers and contractors looking for improved efficiency and more operating comfort.
TIM enables two-way communication between tractor and implement, allowing both machines to work in unison, increasing efficiency and reducing the possibility of human error due to fatigue.
When working with TIM activated, the operator can concentrate on feeding the crop into the baler pick-up, with the remainder of the cycle being automated.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.