increase font size
The ERO Impulse pneumatic defoliator delivers a pulsed flow of compressed air to shred and remove the green leaf material from apples during the ripening stages.
Probably better known in the viticulture sector, Tractor Repairs and Spares (TRS) is now expanding into the horticulture area - with a focus on apple - after purchasing the FMR business in late 2020.
At a recent demo day in the Hawke's Bay, TRS showcased a New Zealand-designed and manufactured machine, with the aim of increasing the quantity of premium quality, pickable apples, while reducing labour costs.
The ERO Impulse pneumatic defoliator uses tried-and-tested key componetry from a German manufacturer.
The machine delivers a pulsed flow of compressed air to shred and remove the green leaf material from apples during the ripening stages.
By allowing more light to penetrate the crop canopy, the onset of ripening is brought forward, while the vibrancy of colour is also markedly improved.
"There are also major production gains, given that in a typical season, orchardists will typically 'pick' the orchard three times to take fruit as they ripen," explains TRS's Chris Clifford. "Using the pneumatic defoliator results in major colouring changes in 10 to 14 days and usually reduces the picking passes to just two events."
The system comprises a front linkage mounted tool carrier/tower that can move through four different axes. This in turn carries a selectable configuration of twin-rotor distribution heads that direct the air flow into the crop canopy. Depending on the orchard layout, the rotor heads can be stacked vertically to deal with a taller wall of fruit, or 2D formats, or in tandem to operate in more conventional 3D layouts.
A rear-mounted, heavy-duty compressor sends air forwards to the distributor heads, where in the first instance it enters a manifold/gallery. This creates a "pulsed" effect as the rotating nozzles pass by.
The machine is said to be easily adjustable to change air pressure or rotor speed to suit the crop being managed. The unit normally passes through the orchard at a forward speed of 1-2km/h, with a typical horsepower requirement of around 100hp.
TRS notes that the development stages showed that a "pulsed air flow" is required to shred the leaf material, as a constant flow of air will just "bend" leaves away from the air flow, from where they will quickly return to their original growing position once the machine has passed.
The modular design of the system tower on the front linkage means that it is also capable of carrying the ERO/Binger OBS Orchard Trimmer, thus saving the capital costs of two separate machines, while facilitating overall canopy management.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
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
Farmlands has reported higher operating earnings and a profit before income tax of $4.5 million, up 118.9%, for the year ended 30 June 2026.
AgriZeroNZ has invested a further NZ$17.7 million in methane vaccine developer ArkeaBio and NZ$5.1 million in BioLumic, a New Zealand-founded company that uses ultraviolet light to develop low-emissions pasture..
Good news for Fonterra farmers. The co-op has raised this season’s farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $9.75/kgMS.
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?
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…
