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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.
Easily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to see John Deere’s E-Power 130hp electric tractor prototype.
Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the arrival of the Krone BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6, is being touted as a major leap forward in baling technology for New Zealand farmers and contractors.
Manufactured in Ireland, tested and launched at Agritechnica in Germany, AgriSpread’s new AS3000 bulk spreader takes much of the technology and features of the well-established AS2000 Series but adds a conveyor system to increase spreading widths up to 30m with lime/gypsum, up to 48m with urea and a whopping 52m with mineral and synthetic fertilisers.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
Case IH used Agritechnica to reveal its new Puma series tractor, featuring what it claims is an entirely new vehicle design, which allows operators to enjoy a smoother ride with superior manoeuvrability, alongside the latest precision technology.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
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