Success for Argo tractors
The judges at last year’s Agritechnica event picked the Italian-built Landini Rex 4-120GT Robo- Shift Dynamic as the Best of Specialised category at its Tractor of the Year 2024 Awards.
The Case IH Optum turned heads at Agritechnica in November last year, where it won the Machine of the Year 2016 Award. The first examples are due here this month.
Fitting between the Puma and Magnum ranges and with compact dimensions and lighter weight, the Optum CVT is produced at the St. Valentin factory in Austria.
It utilises the proven FPT 6.7L NEF engine to deliver 270 and 300hp at rated speed.
This rises to a maximum of 313hp as the engine comes under load, at a torque of 1282NM at 1400 rpm. The engine meets the latest Tier4B emission regulations using SCR technology; the tractor is set up to carry 630L of fuel and 96L of Ad-Blue liquid.
The transmission is a carry-over from the LWB Puma range, but with upgrades such as strengthened castings, a new rear axle and double planetary final drives to handle the increased power.
Speed is steplessly variable from 20m/sec to 53km/h, and the active stop feature means the tractor need not be held on the brakes while stationary.
A load bearing sump assembly acts as a backbone, keeping tare weight down; this allows operating weights up to 16,000kg, which helps get the extra power to the ground without compromising the tractor's agility.
A rear lift capacity of 11,058kg combines with the ability to lift 5821kg up front, and a CCLS hydraulic system offers up to 220L/min output; steering and transmission systems are separate.
A new reactive steering system has the steering wheel return to the straight-ahead position after turns, to make high speed work more comfortable, and a headland management function takes care of repetitive tasks in the paddock.
Connectivity with implements is by an Isobus 3 plug-and-play system.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
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