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 new models is said to deliver a comprehensive compact range, suitable for smaller farms, lifestyle blocks, or horticultural and landscaping businesses.
Massey Ferguson has announced the arrival of the MF1800 and MF2800 compact tractors, said to be premium workhorses built on a reputation for nimble, versatile, and reliable performance.
The addition of the new Series to the existing MFGC1700 and MF2600 models is said to deliver a comprehensive compact range, suitable for smaller farms, lifestyle blocks, or horticultural and landscaping businesses.
Both machines offer enough weight to put power to the ground, while also delivering excellent stability and lifting performance, the E Series compact tractors range from 34.9 to 57.3 engine horsepower, delivered by the wellknown Iseki diesel engines.
The E Series are equipped with a cast steel rear end and cast front axle, 4-wheel drive, and high-capacity hydraulics, providing the weight, muscle, and traction necessary to handle demanding tasks.
The 1835E and 1840E models feature a turbocharged 1.83- litre, 3-cylinder engine delivering 34.5 and 39.4 engine horsepower respectively, while the larger-chassis 2850E and 2860E models utilise a 2.43-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering 48.8 and 57.3 engine horsepower.
Liquid-cooled for increased durability, the engines meet final Tier IV emissions standards.
Designed with ease of servicing and maintenance in mind, the tractors offer significant hydraulic capacity thanks to the dual-pump highflow system that provides more responsive power at low engine speeds.
All E Series models feature an open station with a wide, uncluttered platform, offering ample space and comfort for the operator, with all controls logically arranged and easy to understand.
The E Series feature 3-range hydrostatic transmission, with the 1800E models offering a Category I, rear 3-point hitch and the 2800E models a Cat. I/II 3-point hitch with up to 1100kg lift capacity and a 540-rpm rear PTO as standard.
Four models ranging from 35 to 60 engine horsepower make up the 1800 and 2800M series that feature 4-wheel drive and a choice of factoryinstalled cab and openstation ROPS models.
The 1800 M Series tractors feature 1.83- litre, 3-cylinder Iseki diesel engines delivering 36.2 or 39.4hp, while the 2800M Series uses a 2.43-litre, 4-cylinder Iseki powerplant for 48.8 to 60.3hp, all to Tier IV emission standards.
The M Series premium compacts are equipped with 3-range hydrostatic transmission, allowing operators to reach the target speed within each range, without shifting gears.
Dual foot-pedal controls offer easy forward/reverse direction changes, while cruise control allows set-andforget function for a desired speed.
The ROPS models, along with tilt-steering and a flat platform, feature a premium seat and a new thumbcontrolled throttle that is also available on cab models. The standard cab models feature dual lockable, entry/exit doors, tilt steering and heating/ air conditioning.
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.
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OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.