Minimising risk of nitrate poisoning
Coming into autumn, maize and summer crops have been harvested/ grazed and farmers are planting their next crop or establishing new permanent pasture.
A free cab kit is on offer to buyers of Honda’s Pioneer 700-2P side by side, on show at Fieldays.
For a limited time every order will include a free roof, screen, wiper and tow hitch with a combined value of $2367.
The Pioneer 700-2P is New Zealand’s largest selling such machine, says Honda, and its features are “crucial to the day-to-day running of NZ farms”.
“It gives a smooth ride, has class leading stability and a well proven, fuel efficient engine with power to get the job done.”
It’s powered by a 675cc liquid cooled engine with fuel injection for easy starting in cool weather and better operation at higher altitudes.
The automatic transmission and heavy duty torque converter make the Pioneer 700-2P the only completely mechanical automotive style automatic in its class, Honda says.
The torque converter and three hydraulic clutches provide positive engine braking. And unlike typical belt drive systems the machine’s true gear based mechanical driveline is not subject to the problem of belt stretch or breakage under heavy load.
Automatic mode can be overridden with steering column mounted, paddle style shifters, and the change from fully auto to manual selection is controlled by a dash mounted toggle switch.
It has long travel suspension – 200mm movement up front and 230mm at the rear – and the rear set-up also has pre-load adjustment to cope with impressive load carrying ability.
A large, hydraulically assisted tilt bed is complemented by the ability to tow 680kg.
Braking falls to 200mm hydraulic discs up front and 170mm units at the rear.
For safety, operators are prompted to use seatbelts by a seat belt Interlock feature which limits maximum speed if the belt is not used. A sturdy protective cab, doors and side nets also favour the driver.
Honda will be at site E29 at Fieldays.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.