JCB unveils new Fastrac 6000 Series tractor
JCB has released details of its new Fastrac 6000 Series, filling the gap between the current 4000 Series (160- 240 horsepower) and the 8000 Series (330+ horsepower).
JCB’s 403E compact electric loader is claimed to match the performance of its 403 diesel-powered stablemate.
While much of the news coming from JCB is centred around its hydrogen combustion developments, it has also been looking at electric solutions as an alternative to its largely ICE-based machine ranges.
The latest electrical addition is the 403E compact electric loader, which is claimed to match the performance of its 403 diesel-powered stablemate. Favouring a lithium-ion battery, rather than the lead-acid connection used in its 30-19E Teletruk, the 20kW/h battery is claimed to last a normal eight-hour day or four to five hours continuous use on a mixed cycle.
Primarily designed for indoor work and portability, the 403E weighs in at 2671kg, but still offers a lift capacity of 972kg with pallet forks. It comes with a pivot height of 2.9m – or 3.1m if optional high lift arms are chosen.
Offered with a choice of three charging options, a 110V socket will fully charge the batteries in 12 hours. Meanwhile, a 230V industrial or domestic plug will offer an eight-hour cycle time.
JCB’s own off-board rapid charger delivers a full charge from a threephase power supply in just two hours. This compares to a two-minute battery pack swap for the leadacid powered Teletruk, or a diesel top-up.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.
Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show president Brent Chamberlain says a big development for this year is the Wool Zone, first introduced two years ago as a showplace for everything produced from wool, but now greatly enlarged with its own Wool Marquee and more than 30 trade sites.
Salmonellosis is a serious disease in cattle.
Drench resistance is already hitting farm profits; it's not just a future problem.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.

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