Dealer relationship more than just good buys
It's spring, so harvest season will soon be upon us and shrewd operators will have used the long winter nights to service their tractors and machinery to ensure a trouble-free campaign.
Harvesting by app
FleetView app from harvest specialist Claas coordinates all grain transport tractor and trailers drivers in a harvesting fleet. The app helps the driver to decide which combine to ‘attend’ next, by displaying an exact position of the machine and the current grain tank level, ensuring the combines keep moving and maximise their output potential.
New brand
Kongskilde has announced a one-brand strategy for all machines made by Kongskilde Industries. Brands such as Howard, Nordsten, Overum, Becker and JF will all carry the parent company’s name and its new red livery. Farmguard, importer of plough brand Overum, notes that products destined for NZ will be painted the traditional blue.
China focus
Agco has opened a US$3 billion manufacturing base in Changzhou, China to supply domestic markets and as a globally important location for export prospects. The aim is to manufacture annually 20,000 tractors, 30,000 engines and 40,000 rear axle assemblies.
Award for JD
John Deere will take away a gold medal from the upcoming Agritechnica in Germany for its JD Pro-Cut system, which monitors blade sharpness and blade-to-shearbar clearance on self-propelled forage harvesters. Ongoing adjustment and monitoring is said to help keep the machines operating at maximum efficiency and save fuel.
Fendt to expand
Tractor manufacturer Fendt has voiced its ambitions to go beyond making tractors and forage harvesters; it is planning a line that will include drum and disc mowers, tedders, rakes and loader wagons made at its Feucht factory near Nuremburg which also builds the MF and Fella branded products.
More China growth
German cultivation specialist Amazone on August 1 opened a Chinese subsidiary company in Tianjin in the region of Beijing. Initially designed for local sales and service, it also opens the possibility of local manufacturing. Covered area is around 3000 sq m, costing Euro 1 million.
