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The 8S was entered in the truck category and is the first tractor to enter the event.
It seems that tractor manufacturers will go to great efforts to promote the versatility and durability of their offerings, a recent example being a Massey Ferguson with an 8S tractor entered into the Morocco Desert Challenge.
Next to the Dakar Rally, the Moroccan event is the second largest rally raid in the world, with eight stages leading entrants into the south of the country and the Sahara Desert. The 8S was entered in the truck category and is the first tractor to enter the event.
While the standard 8S series offers a maximum output of 301hp, the event entry – powered by the 7.4l Agcopower engine, was “tweaked” to deliver 400hp, with an additional fuel tank fitted to cope with an increased thirst.
Transmission choice was the standard Dyna E-Power dual-clutch unit, which MF says combines the benefits of a continuously variable transmission with the ability to transmit power as efficiently as a mechanical transmission.
The choice was driven to address the challenging terrain of sand dunes, requiring the tractor to apply maximum power to the ground without the momentary breaks in drive typically associated with mechanical transmissions during gear or range changes.
The top speed was increased to 75km/h (47m/h) with Michelin Evobib VF 600/70 R30 tyres fitted to the front and VF 710/70 R42 at the rear, with a PTG central tyre inflation system allowing inflation pressure adjustments to suit the varying conditions.
Prepared by Swiss machinery dealer Kufferagri Sarl, additions included a full roll cage with two fully harnessed racing seats and offset controls, a spare wheel mounted on the rear with a 180° pivoting crane, front axle suspension modification, side windows replaced with polycarbonate instead of glass and camera rearview mirrors.
The tractor completed the course in 75th place of 144 overall competitors, hitting fourth place from eight entrants in the truck category, surviving for more than 2000km of rigorous driving and more than 13 hours of continuous gear changes, proving itself a true competition-grade sequential gearbox.
While feeding dairy animals in New Zealand is largely centred around feed trailers, mixer wagons or baleage, one wonders whether there is a place for robotic feeders, particularly in South Island locations, where cows are housed during winter or full time.
Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range of transport solutions, from their base in Bavaria.
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
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While tractors combines and machinery for agriculture and construction is still its key business, John Deere appears to be taking opportunities in the hightech sector via acquisition, with the recent purchase of Sentera, a Minnesota-based company that specialises in equipment for capturing and interpreting aerial images.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
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.
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