Hi-Spec tankers have the right specs
Imported and distributed by Giltrap Agrizone in Cambridge, Hi-Spec slurry tankers and manure spreaders are offered in several ranges to suit farmers and contractors.
Trading on its history of building tough, no-nonsense feeder wagons, Giltrap Engineering showed its flagship RF25 at the recent South Island Agricultural Field Days.
It measures an impressive 9.4m long x 2.05m wide x and 3.3m high and holds 25cu.m.
The feeder comprises a double-chassis set-up, interlinked by six 500kg load cells, and weighs about 5650kg empty. It runs on a tandem axle.
The unit is configured to allow mounting in one of three positions, to transfer weight to or from the rear of the tractor.
Keeping contact with the ground are 400-70 R22.5 flotation tyres; brakes are hydraulic on all four wheels.
The body is built around a 35mm treated, tongue and groove floor, with sidewalls from stainless steel for corrosion resistance. The body also has front and rear mesh screens for load visibility, while feed control is set manually from the front.
The floor has a four chain, slatted feed system to deliver material to the front beaters, while at the rear an automated gate allows the unit to be used for bulk discharge.
A recent addition is the option of a Lincoln automated greasing system, using a unit familiar to truckers.
Sales manager Eric Crosby says “the auto greasing system takes the hassle out of a messy job and makes sure those hard to access nipples get some grease, while importantly extending the service life and retaining the capital value of the machine.”
In operation, the unit lubricates 24 points, leaving just two nipples -- on the swivel hitch and the parking jack -- to be taken care of manually.
Holding a 2kg load of grease, the unit is programmable to suit the operating regime, but initially is set to deliver four shots of grease every 15 hours of operation.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.