increase font size
Stihl’s 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.
Stihl has released details of its BT140, its first battery-powered auger, which Stihl says lends itself to multiple tasks, including tree planting, installing fence and gate posts, or constructing gateways.
Said to offer increased performance over the existing BT131 petrol auger, the new arrival offers high performance with the lower noise, zero emissions and the reduced maintenance aspect of battery-powered technology.
The company suggests pairing the BT140 with the latest AP300 P Allpro battery, as well as the previous generation AP300 S. Both are said to be capable of boring up to 230 holes on a single charge when equipped with a 90mm auger in moderately compacted soil.
Fully compatible with the existing Stihl range of auger attachments, the machine offers two drilling speeds, while a reverse gear enables the unit to be released if it gets stuck in tough conditions.
Should the auger encounter an obstruction, the QuickStop System automatically detects the resulting torque forces and immediately stops the machine. An automatic reset function allows work to resume simply by re-activating the throttle. Meanwhile, a protective frame with recessed handle helps protect the power unit during transport, with the BTA 140 is IPX4-rated for splash protection.
www.stihl.co.nz
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
Becoming the norm in the automobile industry, but much less so in agriculture, Dutch self-propelled sprayer manufacturer Agrifac has developed a diesel-electric version of its Vanguard 55.
Building on the success of the existing Massey Ferguson 7S series, ahead of the upcoming EIMA Show, the manufacturer has announced the arrival of its new MF 7S MARK 2 range, offering six choices from 170 to 245hp, positioned between the current MF 7S and the MF 8S Xtra series.
French manufacturer Pichon has expanded its SV slurry tanker range with the launch of two new models.
OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
Fonterra board members are in line for a pay rise of around 3%.
Dairy processors are ready to further boost New Zealand’s export earnings but want the incoming government to match their ambition with good policy.
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
