H is the 1!
OPINION: Good on Miraka for eschewing electric power for its future tankers, opting for the much more practical heavy-vehicle ‘green’ choice, hydrogen, putting NZ’s first H-powered tanker on the road.
Power Farming will bolster its already popular 6 Series tractors (140 - 226hp in a 6-cylinder format) with the arrival of a pair of 4-cylinder workhorses.
With maximum outputs of 126hp and 136hp respectively, the 6130 and 6140DT tractors take their styling from their larger siblings. However, they also have a longer wheelbase and greater unladen weight than the outgoing 5130 models.
Already a popular concept in the northern hemisphere, the smaller derivatives have a good power-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for mixed operations. More importantly, they are nimble, with tight turning geometry making them suitable for work in smaller paddocks, around yards or in buildings or areas where access is tight.
At the heart of the tractor is SDF’s own in-house power-plant in the form of the FARMotion engine. This 4-cylinder, 3.8L layout doesn’t need any after-treatment to comply with Tier 3 emission rules.
The unit has low fuel consumption, and its low engine noise favours the operator.
Transmission options include a 30F/30R semi-powershift or TTV for the 6130, or a 60F/60R or the TTV for the larger 6140. The semi-powershift option has speed-matching, auto-powershifting and 5-stage shuttle modulation.
Also, as part of the standard package, the clever Stop and GO function, when selected, allows the operator to disconnect the drive by applying the brake pedal. It’s useful in loader operations, particularly when combined with the QuickSteer system that requires fewer turns of the steering wheel.
The TTV transmission gives stepless control of speeds via a new joystick layout taken from the larger tractors. It’s useful during harvesting for baling, or for growers during planting.
And given the need for greater hydraulic flow and lift capacity, the 6130 and 6140 are fitted with a closed-centre/load-sensing hydraulic pump layout with a capacity of 120L/minute. This is configured with four sets of rear remote valves with electronic control of flow rates and time, and a lift capacity of 7000kg.
Options include front suspension and 50km/h for the 6140, and both models can be specified with integrated GPS, LED lighting, cab suspension and front linkage and PTO.
Whole milk powder prices on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) remains above long run averages and a $10/kgMS milk price for the season remains on the card, says ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown.
North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson is not afraid to break the mould when it comes to finding farming systems that work for him.
Former Fonterra director Marise James says the future of the dairy industry depends upon the direction of travel with respect to climate change.
Marise James describes her 38-year career as a rural and farmer advisor as one that has ridden the waves of many changes.
Farmers are calling for Kiwi banks and their overseas parent companies need to follow the lead of America's six biggest banks and urgently withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance.
Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.
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OPINION: It divides opinion, but the House has passed the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill.