Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
John Deere 8R Series tractors can now be configured to continually monitor and adjust tyre pressures by push button.
This is done using a new fully-integrated central tyre inflation (CTIF) system.
Available ex-factory on 8Rs fitted with independent link suspension, this in-house manufactured system uses an on-board compressor. This means that tyres can be deflated to increase their footprint by nearly 25%, while a reduction of up to 3psi in ground pressure results in 2-4% less wheel slip.
Other benefits of lower in-paddock tyre pressures include reduced compaction and fuel consumption as well as increased pulling performance.
Configured with large diameter fabric air lines for rapid inflation and deflation times, the internal pressure of a 710/75R42 and 650/60R34 combination can be increased from 0.8 to 1.8 bar in under six and a half minutes for road travel.
This offers improved driving behaviour, reduced rolling resistance and less tyre wear. Once back in the paddock, it only takes around four minutes to revert to the lower pressure settings.
An external compressed air connection makes it possible to connect an air gun for cleaning purposes or powering air tools.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Readers of this column will know that your old mate has been a long-time critic of $55 million of…
OPINION: The Hound reckons school teachers like nothing better than to complain constantly about how tough things are for them…