Samasz XDF Front Mowers launched for NZ's tough terrain
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.
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.
Two butcheries have claimed victory at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards for 2025.
A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.
The Climate Change Commission’s 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report reveals steady progress on the reduction of New Zealand’s climate pollution.
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other…
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…