SAM continues to make its mark
We all know the brand because of its colour scheme. You know the green and yellow one?
Founded in 1955, Pukekohe-based Fieldmaster is well known New Zealand-wide for its mowing and post driving equipment for the agricultural, orchard, viticulture and municipal sectors.
In 2018, the company launched the Cosmo Bully range, with products designed in Italy and manufactured in a modern factory in India. Already well-known in Australia, where Bully has a loyal following, the range includes mulchers, rotary hoes, power harrows and fertiliser spreaders.
First impressions are of simple, heavy-duty engineering, attention to detail and a high-quality powder coated finish.
Cosmo BPF mulchers are offered in three sizes from 1.8 to 2.25m working widths. A heavy-duty three-point linkage is offered with Cat 1 or 2 mounting pins and a hydraulic offset of 467mm.
A 540 rpm PTO input takes drive to a 100hp rated central gearbox with an integral free-wheel clutch to deal with overrun when the PTO is disengaged, protecting the tractor and the machine.
Drive is then transferred to a left side housing that uses four XPB-section belts to power the 170mm diameter rotor with cast-iron, inverted-T flails. The main rotor bearings are carried internally to maximise operating width and resist wrapping of debris or junk such as twine or wire.
At the rear of the mulcher a row of adjustable steel tines works with the rear hood to contain material until it is chopped to the desired size.
Also at the rear a large diameter steel roller assembly works with the adjustable side skids to control working height while also leaving a level finish.
Looking at the rotary hoes, the Cosmo Bully UHH 120 is made from heavy steel plate as indicated by a 1167kg machine weight. PTO drive is to a 140hp rated, centrally mounted gearbox with interchangeable drive gears to deliver rotor speeds from 224 to 274rpm. Drive is then transferred to a left-side gear case, then on to the main rotor which is supported on the non-driven end by a sealed, oil-filled bearing.
The main rotor is built around a 115mm central shaft that, in the case of the 3m machine, carries 12 flanges that in turn each have mounting positions for 6 L-shaped blades mounted with two high-grade bolts. The configuration results in a 530mm diameter rotor said to operate at depths of 250mm.
At the rear of the machine, twin spring-loaded rear doors contain soil until the required tilth is created, while at the same time allowing stones or foreign objects to pass through the machine and minimise damage.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…