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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.
Stoll appears to have become the first frontend loader manufacturer to address the question of ISOBUS for front-end loaders, by designing a new valve configuration for the existing ProfiLine layout that integrates with the Aux N, Tech U and VT channels on an ISOBUS-equipped tractor.
While we've become used to National Fieldays telling us that their event is always a big one and nearly all sites have been sold, this years’ event was noticeable by empty sites, equipped with benches for resting.
Certainly a late starter in the self-propelled harvester arena, Krone has gone on to be a key player, with 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of presenting the results of its R&D programme, with a leap into high horsepower machines – the first BiG X with a claimed 540hp.
With the biennial Agritechnica Event just a few months away, manufacturers are offering sneak peaks at new innovations, with Claas recently highlighting its new Cerex 700 RC round baler.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
The New Zealand Fish & Game Council has announced a leadership change in an effort to provide strategic direction for the sector and support the implementation of proposed legislative changes.
AgFirst, New Zealand's largest independent agribusiness consultancy, is turning 30 - celebrating three decades of "trusted advice, practical solutions, and innovative thinking".
