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.
After a comprehensive three-year development and testing period, Projecta has launched a new 12V lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery range, suitable for agriculture and off-road applications.
While this is a new product category for Projecta, the company has extensive lithium iron phosphate know-how through products such as jump starters and work lights, where similar technology is applied.
The range’s LiFePO₄ chemistry is the safest lithium technology available and makes the new Projecta batteries inherently much safer than lithium cobalt competitors, a performance measure that was proven during in-house testing.
Said to be inherently safer than other lithium cobalt configurations, Projecta’s lithium batteries also feature a builtin battery management system, which offers protection in the event of under/overvoltage and over/underheating, alongside monitoring individual cell voltages and balancing when required.
Another key benefit of the Projecta lithium battery range is its longevity. It can deliver over 2000 cycles, up to eight times more than lead acid batteries. An extended life offsets the initial higher cost of a lithium battery, as well as reducing waste.
Offered in two models, the LB100 delivers a true 100- amp discharge current, capable of powering 1000W inverters as well as a fridge and is equivalent to a 160Ah lead acid battery. Users needing greater power can select the high discharge LB100-BT, which delivers an impressive 150-amp discharge current, capable of powering 2000W inverters.
The LB100-BT allows owners to monitor the battery status via smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth, with information including voltage, current, state of charge and any alarms that may have occurred.
Both batteries are housed within traditional N70 casings allowing easy fitment within engine bays, with the benefit of only weighing around one third the weight of equivalent lead acid batteries.
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.