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.
The latest release to an ever-expanding range at Hustler Equipment, based in Hastings, is the cleverly named Regener8r chain harrow.
As with any chain harrow the aim of the machine is to promote new grass growth by removing old thatch and moss, so increasing air movement and water infiltration, alongside allowing sunlight to provide vitamin D to the young plants.
Post grazing, chain harrowing is also useful to break up and spread any manure “pats” or clumps, while also moving any large piles of manure that might smother grasses, leading to bare areas that then become prone to growing weeds. There is also the benefit of utilising the nutrient values of the organic material, helping to reduce the overall cost of artificial fertilisers.
Offering a working width of 6.3 metres, effectively covering 13 square metres of ground, the LM 630 weighs in at around 360kg, the LM360 harrow features a 3-piece folding frame manufactured from S355 carbon steel-said to be 30% stronger than standard steels-incorporating six strengthening straps across the frame. Folded hydraulically, mechanical transport locks offer safe travel and remove any shock loading to the hydraulic system.
At the front of the harrows, a folded, 8mm thick, levelling bar creates a smoothing effect that is followed by the four row harrows that incorporate cast agitators for a longer service life. At either extremity of the harrow, heavy-duty, interchangeable skids protect the main harrow frames from any rocks, stones or foreign objects.
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.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.