Geoff Maber Awarded ONZM for Lifetime Contribution to New Zealand Agribusiness
Waikato agribusiness leader Geoff Maber has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.
The release of the new HX Series at Fieldays will take the brand into the increasingly important agricultural sector that encompasses 100 to 150hp, with the HX1301 and HX 1401, offering 130 and 140hp respectively, peaking at 900Nm maximum torque.
Kioti national sales manager, Chris Young, sums up the new arrivals succinctly: “It’s just a bloody good tractor.”
Power is provided by Kioti’s own 4-cylinder, 3.8 litre engine, delivered in tier 2 format, meaning there is no need for emission control systems such as EGR, DPF, or DOC after-treatment.
Engine output is mated to a power shuttle/ power-shift transmission, featuring four defined ranges and 8-step powershift to deliver 32F and 32 R speeds, with 24 speeds available in the key 0.4 to 12km/h working section. Hydraulically engaged 4WD combines with a rear mechanical diff lock, with a limited slip diff on the front axle, to deal with traction in sticky or difficult ground conditions. Tipping the scales at around 5 tonnes, the combination of a 2600mm wheelbase and a 4200mm turning radius means the tractor should prove useful around the farmyard, while being equally at home in the paddock.
At the business end, PTO output is 109 and 120hp respectively, offered with 540, 750 and 1000rpm speeds, while the electronically controlled rear linkage with hook ends, offers a useful 4852kg lift capacity. On the hydraulic front a closed centre, load sensing (CCLS) pump layout offers up to 118 l/min output via four rear valves, with a cabmounted, multi-function joystick with third service included in the standard equipment. A dedicated hydraulic pump of 47 l/ min takes care of power steering duties.
In the operator cabin, a sense of space is created with an overall width of 1700mm, complemented by a 5-post cab design, meaning unobstructed views to the offside of the tractor. To the right of the air-suspended swivel seat, a multi-function armrest takes care of key functions such as throttle control, powershift and auto-powershift functions and the rear linkage operation.
A wide range of standard equipment includes an instructor seat, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel function, air conditioning and an audible park brake alarm. The company has also taken things a stage further with a PTO cruise speed function, a fridge and heating cabinet, multiple drinks holders, Bluetooth radio and a panoramic sunroof with shade blind.
Around the tractor specifications also include 420-70R28 front and 520-70R 38 rear radial tyres complemented by front fenders. Attention to detail includes easy access to daily maintenance check points, a battery isolator and rear external linkage controls on the rear fenders.
