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.
Swedish manufacturer Quicke has released the new range of Silocut implements for increased efficiency and safety when managing silage.
Norwood imported brands manager Greg Moore says, “Operators can efficiently remove silage from the silage clamp with less power and safely split and cut wrapped silage bales.”
Silocut M+ is offered in two versions, with the forged tine option featuring high-quality, replaceable bolt on tines, while the profiled tine format has hardened cut “tuff tines” welded in the carriage to provide excellent wear properties.
The Silocut M+ offers a width and capacity to suit front-end loaders, compact wheel loaders, and mid-sized telehandlers use. Accessories include bolt-on back screens, to allow end users to customise the implement.
The Silocut L+ is available with the same tine options, while the bucket version is particularly versatile for also handling loose material. It is also said to be capable of splitting bales, alongside dealing with different silage types and loose fodder, so removing the need for a second implement.
The Silocut XL+ model is a high-capacity shear grab that can be used for cutting pit silage and splitting bales, offered in the same three versions as the smaller L+.
Both the Silocut L+ and XL+ are available with a bale wrap handler and a push out mechanism. The optional bale wrap handler helps improves operator safety by grabbing the wrap and retaining it after the bale is split, removing the need to deal with the debris by hand. Bales can be unwrapped, split, and placed into two separate feed portions or directly into the feed wagon or mixer in one process delivering substantial time savings.
Profile-cut “tuff tine” versions can be equipped with an optional push-out mechanism option that helps unloads into diet feeders or in areas with limited space. In addition, a new sequencer valve combines the work of two independent hydraulic functions on the implement with only a third hydraulic service. By diverting oil to the bale wrap handler when the cut is completed, the sequencer ensures the bale is completely split and the claws kick at the right moment.
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.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.