Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
French machinery manufacturer Kuhn has expanded its range of mower-conditioners fitted with rollertype conditioners, with the addition of the new trailed FC 3155 TLR and FC 3555 TLR models.
These have working widths of 3.10m and 3.50m respectively.
The side-pull drawbar units, with hydraulically offset mowing elements, feature Kuhn’s SquareFlex roller conditioners that incorporate mechanically driven 240mm diameter rollers that are claimed to be synchronized for life.
The unique profile of the polyurethane rollers ensures that plants and stalks are crimped, irrespective of the direction the crop is presented.
Driven by a gearbox to rotate at 780rpm, the pressure exerted by the rollers is easily adjusted, while also allowing them to move apart to allow foreign objects to pass through.
The layout is said to be suited to dealing with crops such as alfalfa, clover and lucerne or any crops where there is a risk of leaf shatter or those with thicker stems.
Both models are fitted with the Opti- Disc Elite cutter bar, fitted with the Protecta- Drive safety system that, when an impact occurs, sees the shaft above the bearing “shear” through a pre-determined groove to allow the disc to freewheel and protect the gear train.
The “sealed for life” cutter-bar requires no maintenance and is equipped with large diameter gear assemblies and double-row angular contact ball bearings for robustness and durability.
Equipped as standard with the Fast- Fit quick knife release system, a leaf spring layout ensures that there is constant pressure on the blade securing pin, with rapid change of any blunt or damaged blades.
A spring suspension system ensures efficient ground pressure reduction of the mower unit while also ensuring positive ground contour adaptation.
The clever Gyrodine headstock ensures that the PTO input shaft remains straight when undertaking tight turns, allowing the machine to manoeuvre tightly in narrow plots or irregularshaped paddocks.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.