Yamaha acquires NZ’s Robotics Plus, boosting agricultural automation
New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.
The Swedish manufacturer Quicke says its new range of Silocut shear grabs deliver a cleanly cut clamp face to reduce secondary fermentation, using less power, but can also split and cut wrapped silage bales, while retaining the film and net.
Suitable for tractor front-end loaders, compact wheeled loaders and telehandlers, the new Silocut grabs are available there are three sizes: M+, L+ and XL+ sizes. Details include replaceable bolt on tines or as a cast tined implement, while the latter version of the M+ has profile cut tuff tines welded into the carriage.
The Silocut L+ offers the versatility to tackle different silage types and bales, alongside the bucket that can also handle loose material. The XL+ is a high-capacity attachment for cutting clamp silage and splitting bales.
L+ and XL+ versions are available with a bale wrap handler, that allows a bale to be unwrapped, split and placed directly into a feed trailer or mixer wagon, without needing to remove the wrap or net beforehand. Profile cut tuff tine versions can also be equipped with a push-out mechanism to ease unloading into mixer wagons or other areas where there is limited space.
For ease of operation, a new sequencer valve option allows two independent hydraulic functions on the implement to be combined using only a third service, with no need for a fourth hydraulic service. The valve divert oil to the bale wrap handler after cutting is completed, which the company says ensures bales are completely split.
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The Silocut shear grabs deliver a cleanly cut clamp face to reduce secondary fermentation. |
Henrik Jonsson, product manager implements in Sweden, said, “We pride ourselves on the strength, quality, and durability of our products, and the Silocut range is no different. It has been thoroughly tested in the field at locations around Europe. Customers who have tested the new Silocut were so satisfied, they were reluctant to return the prototypes on completion of the field tests.”
Alo, owners of the Quicke and Trima brands, claims to hold 30% of the world market for frontend loaders in the 50hp+ segment, with sales for loaders and implements in 2021 totalling SEK 2.6 billion ($400,000,000).
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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