increase font size
One model finding favour with dairy farmers is the KT276.
The practicalities of dairy farming centre around looking after animals well, and a whole bunch of logistics – largely lifting and loading.
Typically, this might be shifting fertiliser in to store and out of store into a spreader, stacking bales or bulk silage and loader feeder or mixer wagons. While tractors and front-end loaders are still in widespread use, many farmers are coming to realise the value of adding a telehandler to their operation.
The German-built Kramer telehandler range is an important part of the Brandt product, with a range of models available, including the KT144, KT276, KT307, KT407 and KT457, which collectively offer load capacities from 1.4 to 4.5 tonnes, with lift heights from 4m to 7m.
One model finding favour with dairy farmers is the KT276, featuring compact dimensions of less than 2m in width and height, but nonetheless packing plenty of performance. As the numbers suggest, the 276 offers a maximum lift capacity of 2.7 tonnes at ground level and the ability to lift 1.8t to the maximum lift height of 5.73m.
Particularly suited to working in and around the yards, especially areas with tight access, recent upgrades to the KT276 have added greater sophistication to match its larger siblings, being the first in Kramer’s telehandler line-up to offer the option of Smart Attach, an automated attachment changeover system. This is very useful if daily operations include changes between forks, buckets, grabs or bale handlers, making switches fast and safe.
Focusing on the compact dimensions, a choice of height is provided by two cab mounting options. In low-cab guise, the machine stands just 1.98m tall, so is the better choice if access through a low opening is critical; alternatively, the standard cab sits at 2.1m.
Power comes from a 55kW (75hp) Kohler diesel engine mated to a three-range fully hydrostatic transmission that propels the KT276 to a top speed of 30km/h or 40km/h option. Standard spec includes a selectable two or four-wheel drive system and front, rear and crab selectable steering modes.
As well as a 103-litre/ min gear pump with load-independent flow-rate distribution hydraulics, engineers have improved productivity by relieving the operator of needing to set a precise bucket or fork angle after it has been dumped. This function joins existing automated controls, including the vertical lift mode that extends the boom’s telescopic section as it is raised and retracts it as the boom is lowered.
 |
|---|
|
Many farmers are coming to realise the value of adding a telehandler to their operation. |
The Smart Attach, quick attachment changeover system, sees oil passing through one of the locking pins, so attachments using a third service can still be coupled without the operator needing to leave the cab.
Further automation sees as standard three functional modes of bucket, stacking, and manual – all easily managed through the ergonomic joystick.
On the safety side is a Smart Handling overload protection system that helps to keep everything under control in all high reach or loading situations to prevent overloading, and further eliminates the chance of the machine overturning, while also handling many routine tasks.
The Kramer cab offers plenty of head and legroom, low noise levels and a comfortable seating position, while clever ergonomics sees all control positioned with quick access to the most frequently used functions, with switches labelled by colour according to functional groups.
All machine information for the machine is readily available on the display, while also providing access to optional functions, including joystick sensitivity and return to angle adjustment.
Visit Brandt at site number 15.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.
OPINION: Microplastics are turning up just about everywhere in the global food supply, including in fish, cups of tea, and…
OPINION: At a time when dairy prices are at record highs, no one was expecting the world's second largest dairy…
