Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
The complete Puma range is being revamped with a new design and additional features geared towards operator comfort.
Scheduled to hit New Zealand’s shores in time for the next spring campaign, the new MY2021 Stage V Puma Series from Case IH will see its first major cosmetic change in more than a decade.
While the complete Puma range is being revamped with a new design, the larger frame models – from 185-240hp – also benefit from additional features geared towards operator comfort.
Split into the standard wheelbase Puma 150-175 models and the larger, longer wheelbase Puma 185-240 tractors, features include an optional hood-mounted camera and upgraded road and work lights as fitted on the larger Case IH Optum and Magnum tractors.
New cab features include a low-mounted front windscreen wiper for improved visibility, a cool box with cover on the front end of the steering column and turning indicators with electronic cancelling. New left-hand aluminium steps with high performance LED ingress lighting makes entrance to and exit from the cabin safer and easier.
On the mechanical front, the FPT Industrial 6.7-litre engines meet the latest Stage V emission standards with HIeSCR2 technology, without the use of exhaust gas recirculation. Housed under the distinctive new hood, the Stage V models offer lengthened engine (750hr) and transmission oil (1,500hr) change intervals meaning fewer oil/filter changes over a machine’s lifetime, lowering the total cost of ownership.
On Puma CVT models, updated engine power management is now also available when operating in reverse. Meanwhile, both transmission offerings gain extra power at high RPM for a more agile drive in transport applications.
Overall, the factory reports improved acceleration and deceleration, better shuttle behaviour – as well as drive pedal sensitivity and cruise control override – and better multi-controller sensitivity and position detection.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says while it's still early days in terms of the kiwifruit harvest, things are looking pretty good.

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