Pichon Adds SV10R and SV14 to SV Slurry Tanker Range
French manufacturer Pichon has expanded its SV slurry tanker range with the launch of two new models.
Global tractor manufacturer AGCO – the home of Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra – has released a totally new engine design.
This comes as a result of a €1 billion investment at the Linnavuori engine production plant, near Nokia in Finland.
With what appears to be a growing list of alternative fuels, which hold potential for future use – including as hydrogen and natural gas, in both compressed and liquid forms. AGCO suggests that the way forward to utilise these “alternative” fuels is a new engine, designed from the ground up to be compatible with them – rather than adapting existing engines.
The company claims their new CORE engine family can be easily developed to run efficiently with different fuels as they become adopted as replacements for fossil diesel.
Compression ignition engines have been with us for over 130 years and remain the most practical solution in many applications. While electric vehicles are becoming more common, AGCO notes that battery capacity is not yet enough for off-road machinery applications, except for compact machinery – typically less than 75hp.
It says the chief advantage of diesel fuel is that it has a high energy density and is reasonably safe and easy to handle.
Thermodynamic principles also mean that higher compression ratio engines are more efficient.
Unfortunately, however, engineering constraints created in handling the higher temperatures involved puts a limit on their ultimate size.
The first engine from the new family is the CORE75. This is a 7.5L block, which delivers 1,450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque at 1,300rpm (revolutions per minute). This is the highest in its power class, according to AGCO.
By reducing engine speed at maximum torque by 200rpm, fuel economy is improved, with a specific consumption of only 188g/ kWh.
Already fitted in the latest Fendt Vario 700 series tractors, the company claims it marks not only a new generation of flexible engines, but also a firm commitment to the internal combustion engine as a power unit for many years yet.
Designed as a multi-fuel engine, the CORE units are likely to be seen across the whole AGCO range and beyond.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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