increase font size
Maschio’s Toro Isotronic folding power harrow comes with ISOBUS functions for monitoring things such as gearbox speeds, working depth, hours/hectares worked and drive shaft loadings.
While we have become familiar with ISOBUS enabled planters and sprayers, it’s not normally in the sights of power harrow manufacturers.
However, cultivation and seeding specialist Maschio has bucked the trend, with the recent release of its Toro Isotronic folding power harrow.
Available in 5, 6 and 7 metre working widths, the 4.3 to 5.1 tonne heavyweights. The new models offer a range of new features designed to increase production and extend the service life of the machines.
The ISOBUS functions include the monitoring areas such as power consumption, gearbox speeds and operating temperatures, working depth, hours/hectares worked, drive shaft loadings – as well as the switch from working to transport position.
Increases in gearbox operating temperatures might suggest the oil levels need checking, that forward speed needs reducing, or an adjustment needs to be made to working depth. Likewise, driveshaft torque monitoring might indicate that forward speed is too high or depth is too great and driveshaft slip detection might mean a foreign object is jammed between the rotors. Combined, this improved machine monitoring should help increase productivity and protect the machine against premature failures or consequential damage.
Additionally, the central gearbox features an improved cooling system. This allows the machine to work at optimum operating temperatures in hot zones, while the driveshafts to the lateral gearboxes are also monitored for proper alignment after moving from the transport to work position.
Elsewhere around the machine, a range of improvements include a larger 550mm diameter rear packer roller, said to improve flotation; the increased weight gives better consolidation and a finer tilth; and the roller is supported on improved Blindato bearing assemblies, incorporating new polymide/ polyurethane seal to stop moisture and dirt ingress.
Behind the rotor and ahead of the rear roller, a new levelling bar is now 200mm high. This compares to the 160mm of the old design, as well as 30mm nearer the tines to increase clod breakdown.
Other useful features include a new LED lighting system and a modified PTO shaft stowage bracket. There are also heavy-duty steel covers over key components.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
