Shearing legend hooked on CanAm
Sir David Fagan, world-renowned competitive sheep shearer with 642 shearing titles worldwide and a knighthood to his name, now runs beef and dairy operations near Te Kuiti with wife Wendy and son Jack.
A well-known name is being showcased at Fieldays as Palmerston North-based Norwood takes over the distribution of the Landini tractor brand.
Landini’s REX4 specialty tractor range, winner of the 2024 Tractor of the Year Award at last year’s Agritechnica event, is available in cab and platform options, a choice of transmissions and front and rear axle variants to provide different wheelbase sizes, ground clearances and track widths.
Offered in six models to suit traditional orchards spaced at 1200mm widths or narrow orchards and vineyards spaced at 1000mm, the REX4 is equipped with a 24Fx24R (36F x 36R with creeper) Hi-Lo transmission as standard for the New Zealand market.
Upgrades include the new RoboShift 36F x 12R (48F x 16R with creeper) transmission, featuring robotised gear and range shifts, Stop&Action brake-to-stop control, and Auto Mode, seamlessly controlled by the new SmartPilot multifunction joystick.
Configuration of the cab-equipped REX4-080, 090, 100, 110, and 120 is available in F, S, V, and GT formats, while the platform- type REX4-080, 090, 100, 110, and 120 is available in F, GE, GB, and GT models.
Engines are supplied by Deutz AG with their 4-cylinder 2.9-litre unit offering maximum outputs of 75, 90, 95, 102 and 112hp with the Rex 80,90, 100, 110 and 120 models respectively.
The hydraulic system can be tailored to meet individual requirements, with a double pump layout that supplies 58 + 30 l/min to the rear hitch and spool valves and 30 l/min to the steering system is standard, with an optional 30 + 58 + 36 l/min triple pump set up that delivers 88 l/ min for high-low demand equipment. Other options include either a flow selector with diverter or a flow diverter valve, and additional hydraulic stabilisers.
The interior of the cabin is inspired by automotive styling, with key controls at the operator’s fingertips, a digital dashboard for performance information and a tilt and telescopic steering column.
Comfort is enhanced with an air suspended seat, ergonomically placed joystick and, in the case of F and GT versions, the option of front axle and cab suspension systems.
Innovative digital technologies on the REX4 sees the Precision Steering Management satellite guidance system, which improves working accuracy and efficiency, with the ISOBUS system ensuring control of implements, including when they are in automatic mode. REX4 also features an innovative hybrid driver assist system to help operators in manoeuvring both in the field and on the road.
At the other end of the spectrum, the flagship Series 8-310 is a heavyduty prime mover suited to fieldwork and transport situations, featuring a six-cylinder, FPT/ NEF 6.7-litre engine delivering a maximum output of 313hp/1282Nm torque, with 1000-hour service intervals.
In turn, the engine is mated to the V-shift, continuously variable 4-stage transmission offering speeds as low as 40metres/hour or 50km/h. Closed Centre Load Sensing hydraulic systems offer rates of 160l/min with a high flow option of 212l/min, powering up to six remote valves.
Rear lift capacity is 11,000kg matched with a 3-speed PTO system. A 11,000kg shipping weight offers a maximum 16,000kg operating capacity, with tyre choices up to 900-65R42.
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…