Australian trucking industry has the blues
The Australian Trucking Association is flashing its headlights to warn of a worsening situation with supplies of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) throughout the country.
With the increasing use of AdBlue as an additive to diesel powered vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions and with more storage needed, Sebco Fuel Storage Systems launched a new range of storage tanks at National Fieldays.
“Contractors and trucking firms and smaller operators were using 20L and 200L containers with an overriding concern for contamination,” said Sebco director Ed Harrison.
All modern tractor and higher powered truck engines are now believed to be using AdBlue as an additive to reduce emissions, including John Deere which recently changed its engine configurations. Fonterra’s tanker fleet is believed to be using it.
To avoid confusion Sebco has chosen a colour scheme for the AdBlue tanks that is a reverse of the colours of the diesel tanks: a blue container with a grey lid signals AdBlue.
“Major damage can be caused to truck and tractor engines if AdBlue accidently enters the diesel system.”
All AdBlue dispensing stations have electric pumps, either mains operated or with 12V rechargeable batteries and have electronic fuel level indicators with optional measuring and reporting options.
The pumps are designed to pump Ad-
Blue which has different resins and consistency from diesel and pumps slower for the reduced volumes.
The AdBlue dispensing stations come in three sizes; 1300L, 2300L and 4750L, priced from $6300 to $16000 excluding GST.
Tel 027 308 2800
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.