Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
The new agreement, which starts in June, will see Norwood take over all import and wholesale activities for ARGO Tractors. This will be initially for its Landini brand, with the McCormick brand placed “on hold” while the new partnership is established. Norwood will be working with the existing network dealerships throughout the transition period.
All existing ARGO customers operating Landini or McCormick products will be supported for parts and warranty coverage under the new agreement and from an improved level of support behind the existing ARGO dealer network.
“We’re excited to enter this partnership with ARGO Tractors, who have a strong track record, manufacturing 22,000 tractors annually, with technology and sustainability front of mind,” says Aaron Smith, Norwood’s chief executive.
“Our goal is to provide exceptional distribution support to the existing network, as well as seeking out extra market opportunities.
“It’s important to us that all ARGO customers feel supported. We want them to know they will have support and access to aftersales service for their tractors, with the additional depth of extra dealerships and the largest agricultural parts warehouse in the country.”
Rod Gardner, Norwood’s national product manager, says the company is excited to be introducing some new products to the New Zealand market, such as the Landini Rex 4-120 GT RoboShift Dynamic, which won Specialty Tractor of the Year at Agritechnica 2024, and the new high horsepower Series 7 and Series 8 ranges.
“Landini has a 140- year legacy of producing innovative farming solutions, offering a broad range of products, from agricultural to speciality tractors that cover all food producing segments.”
Gardner says the decision to consolidate the distribution offering has been made to meet the current tight market conditions, and Norwood will give affected dealers all the support it can as during this process.
“We’re delighted to start our collaboration with Norwood and develop what is a new chapter for Landini in New Zealand,” says Kim Findlay, ARGO Tractors, general manager – Oceania.
“We would like to thank the current distributor Agtek who have represented the brand as importer, distributor and dealer in the Bay of Plenty for over 12 years.”
