Massey Ferguson Reveals Ethanol-Powered Tractor Engine Concept at Agrishow 2026
Given that current diesel pricing is a bit like a ride on a fairground roller coaster, it should be no surprise to hear that manufacturers are looking for alternatives.
Designed to clear large areas quickly by producing dense well-formed bales, the output of MF 2200 series balers looks likely to move up a notch with the new Pro-Cut option.
The Pro-Cut option will deliver a finer, more uniform chop length resulting in denser bales.
From the pick-up, quad augers constantly feed the 650mm diameter Pro-Cut rotor, which spins at 120rpm and utilises 26mm wide fingers laid out in a spiral 'v' formation to deliver crop to the knife system. Rotor fingers are a three-piece design with each finger clamping around a central tube and secured by bolts, and offering quick replacement of any damaged items in the event of a foreign object being ingested.
The chopping knives are mounted in two banks fitted in a hydraulic 'drop down' magazine which can be easily rolled out to the nearside of the machine for maintenance or repairs. With a knife spacing of 43.5mm, the 80cm chamber carries 17 knives (the 120cm version uses 26) and offers a fine consistent chop. Each 4mm knife has a new serrated edge design said to increase intervals between sharpening and reduce overall power consumption.
Each bank of knives has individual hydraulic control which allows engagement or disengagement of the chopping function and the ability to change chop length. Foreign object protection is achieved by a hydraulic accumulator system that allows knives to fold back if an object is encountered. The system is ISOBUS compatible and utilises the MF C1000 terminal.
With increased densities comes increased loadings, so the driveline is upgraded -- bigger gears, higher load bearings with heat resistant seals, and a slip clutch assembly that transmits 35% more torque.
OPINION: Farmers around the country are welcoming the proposed reform of local government.
A move to boost farmer uptake of low methane emitting sheep is underway.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.