European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
A relative newcomer to the 'heavy metal' scene, Chinese tractor manufacturer Boton, took flight at Fieldays, launching four product offerings.
Founded in 2013 in Henan province, this company now makes 3500 units a year in a 60,000 sq.m factory, but the plant could turn out 10,000 units.
The products seen at Fieldays -- unimaginatively called A, B, C and D (compact, utility, general and high power respectively) -- include units 30-50hp in range A, 50-80hp in range B, 80-110hp in C and the largest 120-140hp using a Chinese made 6.8L Deutz engine.
Transmissions are largely Fiat designed, and are made under licence in Boton's factory. They are offered only in dry clutch configuration for all models and use LUK clutch components.
The larger models have four speeds and four ranges, and the option of creep; so here are tractors with up to 24 forward and 8 reverse speeds.
A wet clutch power shuttle transmission will be available by year end, and all models are available in 2- or 4-wheel drive variants.
Interestingly, the company takes a lead from higher end manufacturers in using a separate reservoir for the external hydraulic system, to prevent contaminating the transmission; output is up to 66L/min.
The power steering has a separate pump and circuit, ensuring enough flow for steering, brakes and transmission lubrication.
Lift capacity is rated 3300kg and the company offers its own Boton-lift self-levelling frontloader, said to use European joysticks and loader valves.
The manufacturer seeks to set up a dealer distribution network in New Zealand and is talking to interested partners.
General manager for new product development Greg Saville says Boton uses quality components from leading suppliers such as Deutz, LUK and SKF to deliver quality tractors to at least 20 countries.
It has an industry leading 3+2 warranty scheme, effectively offering five years of trouble free ownership, Saville says.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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