Thursday, 19 November 2015 15:46

Bits & pieces

Written by  Mark Daniel

What's new in machinery and products.

John Deere used Agritechnica 15 to showcase a silver medal-winning system called E-Z Ballast. It uses a 1.7 tonne weight fitted to the underside of the tractor chassis. The system is said to be easily attached or removed from the driver's seat. In operation it does not compete with the linkage for space and helps optimise weight distribution for increased productivity.

Frontloader specialist Stoll has developed a semi-automatic system to enable easy programming of two preferred heights of operation. Called Boom Kick-Out, and available on the Profi-line range of loaders, it allows the operator to select a lower position, typically for loading, and a higher one for filling trailers or feeder/mixer wagons. Benefits include reductions in loading cycles, fuel consumption and wear and tear.

McCormick is about to launch the new X8 series comprising three models -- 264, 286 and 310hp. Using Beta Power engines sourced from FPT and mated to a ZF sourced CVT transmission, rear lift capacity is said to be 12 tonnes. A new cabin design completes the package.

Toyota luxury arm Lexus has unveiled a visionary concept that for a high output fuel cell system that would drive the car's rear wheels and send power to a pair of in-wheel motors at the front. The unique layout allows precise torque distribution between front and rear, giving exceptional handling and stability.

Krone has released its ActiveMow mower range, with some models at smaller working widths but featuring specifications from higher-end units including the flagship Big M self-propelled machine. SmartCut, SafeCut, cutter bar protection and a large headstock combine for best mowing performance, and a vertical storage design saves space in the machinery shed. Working widths are 2.05-3.61m.

Cultivation and drilling specialist Great Plains has unveiled its new Saxon range of cultivator drills. They come in working widths of 3 and 4m and suit minimal disturbance situations. The drill is dual purpose: it can plant directly into a no-till seedbed with heavy trash residues, or work in a plough-based system needing extra cultivation before drilling. The key to this is a turbo coulter that can be exchanged for the angled, notched cultivation discs found on the company's Centurion machine -- as conditions dictate. Seed delivery, placement and consolidation remain common across both ranges.

More like this

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up – including three new high-horsepower four-track models.

Killing weed seeds in a single pass

John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.

Killing weed seeds in a single pass

John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.

Top accolades given out at Agritechnica

While many industry watchers have been singing the praises of the latest and greatest innovations at the recent Agritechnica Event, held recently in Germany, agricultural journalists have been deliberating the winners of the Farm Machine of the Year 2024.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter