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.
At the rear, the machine is fitted with the Double-U self-cleaning and anti-clogging roller, designed to provide optimum soil consolidation.
Kuhn has extended its range of independent disc stubble cultivators with the addition of the high capacity Optimer L Series.
Available in 9 and 12 metre working widths, Optimer L is designed for high quality shallow cultivation at operating speeds of 13 to 18 km/h. With a working depth range from 3 to 10cm, it is sufficiently versatile to fulfil a range of roles including enhanced crop residue management, stale seedbed creation and fine seedbed preparation.
The layout sees two rows of 510mm diameter discs operate set at 16˚ from horizontal and 6˚ from vertical for optimum tilth creation. Discs, available with small notches (for shallow cultivation) or large notches (for deeper soil penetration), are mounted individually on support arms, using four integral polyurethane elastomeric blocks to provide protection and depth control.
Each disc uses a single maintenance-free bearing, which combines with an underframe clearance of 55cm, to ensure a clear residue flow through the machine, prevents disruptions due to blockages.
Working depth is hydraulically assisted, allowing easy and accurate adjustment that, once set, is maintained across the full width of the machine via hydraulically controlled pressure in the extension cylinders – the Kuhn’s Steady Control system.
At the rear, the machine is fitted with the Double-U self-cleaning and anti-clogging roller, designed to provide optimum soil consolidation. By turning on the roller at the headlands, the machine maintains stability and minimises any risk of soil compaction in these areas.
For transport, machines fold to 3m width and 4m high, using a four-step process, activated by a mode switch on the in-cab control panel.
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.