Case IH launches new Tier 3 Puma Tractor at Fieldays
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
With last year’s spike in the cost of artificial nitrogenous fertilisers, there has been a renewed interest in using dairy effluent as a nutrient source, with additional benefits gained by increasing soil organic matter, leading to improved water holding, aeration and drainage.
Research suggests that 100 cows, milked over a 270-day season will produce a volume of effluent equivalent to 590kg of nitrogen, 70kg of phosphorous and 540kg of potassium, meaning that well utilised material can help reduce the dependence on bought-in products.
Otorohanga-based Giltrap Engineering offers a range of slurry tankers with capacities from 5000 to 20,000 litres, running on tandem or triple axle layouts depending on size, with corresponding axles sized from 60 to 130mm and, dependent on specification, utilising 10-stud commercial wheel equipment.
Tank diameters vary depending on capacity, but all feature high-grade rolled steel of 6mm wall thickness, or 8mm in the case of the largest unit, with domed end panels to create integrity.
The vessel is carried on an integrated heavyduty chassis and drawbar assembly, with a large range of options to suit individual situations.
These include braking systems, various tyres, sprung/steering axles, suspended drawbars or mudguards. For those looking for proof of placement information, options include flow pumps and GPS coverage maps accessed through an easy to use touch-screen system.
The heart of the machine centres around a high-end Battioni-Pagani rotary vane vacuum pump with capacities of 6500 to 12,000 litres per minute, depending on model.
The vacuum/pressure system is protected by a double moisture trap, with relief valves in each circuit, with a sight glass to monitor filing, while the use of brass and galvanised fittings throughout gives effective corrosion protection.
Separate filling points allow the machines to operate in situations where there might be access issues, with the option of an Auto-Fill set up allows users to fill the tank without leaving the tractor seat, helping to promote cleanliness and more importantly, safety.
Detail design sees inspection hatches on the side and top of the tank for easy access for maintenance or cleaning, while up to three integral tank baffles prevents “surge” as the tank empties or fills. Machines are supplied with 150 or 200mm lightweight, sectional filling hoses, in lengths of up to 8 metres. A high-quality paint finish externally, with an epoxy paint coating inside the tank, should help the machine look good over an extended working life.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
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