H is the 1!
OPINION: Good on Miraka for eschewing electric power for its future tankers, opting for the much more practical heavy-vehicle ‘green’ choice, hydrogen, putting NZ’s first H-powered tanker on the road.
There's no denying the Series 6 tractors from German manufacturer Deutz Fahr look sharp in the design department.
So the decision by importer Power Farming Wholesale to replace the outgoing M Series with a new 6G Series makes sense, by building on the looks of its higher-spec brothers.
Offered in a power range from 135 to 205hp, the 6135G, 6155G, 6185G and 6205G are offered in two wheelbases -- the 6135 and 6155 are the shorter -- and two specification levels, via the already familiar Vista and Summit versions.
Power is provided by a Deutz TCD 2012, 2-valve, 6-cylinder engine of 6.1L that meets Tier 3A emission regulations without the need for any after-treatment such as SCR.
The base transmission, a ZF-sourced semi-powershift unit, has 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds via 6 main speeds and 5 ranges, and has auto-powershift changes, and range changing on the two larger models.
For buyers looking for a greater number of choices, indent units can be optioned with 24+12, 48+24, 54+27 or 54+27 robotised change, while the Vista and Summit offer 40 or 50km/h maximum speed respectively. Dependent on model, another option is cruise control with auto shifting to maintain the desired speed.
At the rear of the tractor, final drives have been reinforced to deal with increased power and lift capacity, while an increase in the size of the oil immersed brake discs increases stopping power.
Ahead of those final drives Sense Clutch is fitted as standard, allowing 5-step adjustment of the aggressiveness of the clutch take-up, depending on the job in hand, while the indent option of Stop and Go allows the operator to bring the tractor to a stop using the brake pedal.
Up front, Carraro axles are equipped with LSD or full lock auto-sensing diffs dependent on model, with the Summit models using the latest Deutz Fahr suspension system with 120mm travel, and unique features like anti-dive and anti-rise for high transport speeds and safe stopping.
Returning to the rear-end, base models have an open-centre hydraulic system of 84L/min, rising to 110L/min in the 6155G, while Summit versions have a closed-centre load-sensing system that delivers up to 125L/min on the 6205G. A 4-speed PTO system is fitted to all models, and includes Auto PTO as standard
Lift capacities are rated to 6200kg and 9700kg on Vista and Summit versions respectively, and all machines are fitted with manually controlled rear remotes, with 2 ,3 or 4 sets depending on model.
The new Power Vision cab builds on the styling of the already released 6 Series models, with an improved ceiling-mounted air conditioning system and reduced cab noise. This latter feature is achieved by better insulation and by an air gap between the engine hood and the front windscreen.
A range of options includes factory GPS in the shape of AgroSky, auto-steering options and tyres choice.
Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Harvesting is underway of one of New Zealand’s rarest and most unusual fruit - persimmons.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.