Five year warranty deal
Hustler Equipment, manufacturer of livestock feeding machinery, has announced the introduction of a new, five-year warranty scheme for all their products manufactured in 2023 and later.
Feeder specialist Hustler has launched a three-point-linkage bale feeder that takes conventional design thinking on this type of machine and turns it on its head.
The company says the new SL360X is the result of 12 months in New Zealand.
This new multi-purpose machine is rated at 1.25 tonnes capacity – 8% heavier and 30% stronger than previous models.
The addition of another fence gives it 1 cu. m capacity; it will pit, loose and maize silage, fodder beet and cut grass.
Improvements have been made to the auto connect and release system using a patented Snaplox coupler. This ensures accurate connect and disconnect every time and incorporates a double latching set-up that is stronger and eliminates stress on the loading spears.
Its bale spears have forged points for easier bale penetration. This counters the need to push bales along the ground and risk soil contamination, which can be a major problem with blunt tines.
A new thermo-formed floor design increases height around the feed platform. It also encloses the machine driveshafts to prevent crop build up, reducing maintenance downtime.
A redesign of the machine's headstock makes it easy adaptable to fit to high-capacity frontloaders or telehandlers, opening up the possibility of feeding over barriers or into mixer/feeder wagons. An optional side-shift system allows up to 180mm of offset to the left or right and helps ensure accurate placement of feed in all situations.
Other upgrades include bearing covers, motor protection on the head unit and self-aligning bearings used extensively. These require less greasing, extending the routine maintenance schedules.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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