AGTEK and ARGO part ways
After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’ manufacturer have mutually decided to wind up their long-standing agreement.
To meet the needs of the New Zealand market, the Te Puke-based importer and distributor, led by industry stalwart Gayne Carroll, has launched the Basak orchard range.
It comes in three versions – the Kiwifruit Special ROPS, designed specifically for NZ kiwifruit conditions, alongside orchard models, in ROPS and air-conditioned cabin layouts.
Established in 1914, European-headquartered Basak is a part of ASKO Holdings, a group of companies in growth mode, who also own other well-known brands such as Versatile Tractors.
Looking at the Basak tractors a little closer, a Tier3, 3-cylinder turbocharged Perkins engine, offers a punchy 80hp, with frugal fuel economy, complemented by an industry-leading 85 litre fuel tank, meaning less down time for refuelling. In turn, this is mated to a mechanical, Synchro transmission with 16 forward/8 reverse speeds, complemented by 4WD, with mechanical rear and limited-slip front diff locks.
At the business end of the tractor, a 3000kg, Cat 2, three-point linkage with hook ends is mechanically controlled, offered with 50 l/min hydraulic flow, two remotes and a 2-speed independent 540/540E system.
The 2080BB “Kiwifruit Special” version, while offering a low comfortable seat height for operators, is fitted with 20-inch wheels for greater ground clearance, improved traction and a faster road speed.
General manager Gayne Carroll says customers were always asking for a more mechanically focused tractor that was simple to operate and not stopped by electronic faults.
“We spent time in Europe looking at options and found that Basak addressed that wishlist, but also offers a price position that sits around 20 – 25% below other European competitors, meaning it’s already generating a lot of interest.”
Complementing the Basak launch, the arrival of the all-new Goldoni Q Series offers engineering excellence and an extensive redesign for ease of use and ultimate operator comfort.
It has the latest Hyundai Doosan 4-cylinder, Tier5 engines offering less emissions, higher performance and fuel savings. Other new features include cruise control, telescopic/tilting steering column and a new 24 forward & 12 reverse synchro shuttle, including a creep range offering speeds from 0.46 to 40kph road speed.
The new “Super Kiwi” Q Series is the first kiwifruit tractor to be able to offer a low seat height, for working under kiwifruit pergolas, with mechanical adjustment of suspension and still fitted on 20” wheels. All kiwifruit models come fitted with full underbody belly pan protection.
The Q Series is available in a Super Kiwi kiwifruit ROPS version, standard orchard ROPS and narrow, low-profile cab and standard cab options. Depending on wheel equipment, this can achieve an overall width as narrow as 1250mm.
As part of the overall package the Q series comes with 2-speed PTO, three rear remotes and hydraulic lift arm levelling, Cat 1& 2 linkage arms, HD front axles, 280-70R16 and 340-65 R20 radial tyres, front weights and a 3-year or 3000-hour warranty.
For info visit www.agtek.co.nz
