Stihl Launches BT140, Its First Battery-Powered Auger
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
The Massey Ferguson 5700 DYNA-4 is the latest addition to the company’s Global Series range of tractors.
The company has taken the concept of a sub-130hp tractor and re-engineered it from the ground up to meet current and future needs. It has also the well-known Dyna4 transmission on the 5710D and 5711D models.
Featuring a 4.4 litre AGCO Power 4-cylinder engine, the 5710D and 5711D deliver 100 and 110hp respectively, while also offering PTO outputs of 76 and 86hp. The tractors also offer the advantage of meeting Tier 3 emissions compliance, without the need for diesel exhaust fluids or exhaust gas recirculation – thereby reducing operating costs.
The Dyna-4 transmission offers a simple, easy to use gear range with 16 forward and 16 reverse speeds.
This is activated without the need for the clutch, resulting in smooth and comfortable gear shift. The AUTO-Drive ECO mode automatically shifts through the 4 dyna-shift ratios at 1,500rpm. This makes the tractors particularly well suited for transport or light applications.
Manual shifting is as simple as moving the T-shaped transmission control lever forwards or backwards to change up or down through the four ratios. Meanwhile, a change of range is achieved by pressing the range selection button as the lever is moved. In addition, a brake to neutral feature offers operators ease of use when frequent stops are necessary.
Four-wheel drive and diff locks are electronically activated to deliver maximum traction, while the rear axles with internal planetary reductions also incorporate oil-immersed disc brakes to bring things to a stop.
At the business end of the tractor, an open-centre hydraulic system offers a combined flow of 98l/min, delivered to three rear remote valves. The electronically-controlled, Cat 2 three-point linkage offers a useful capacity of 4,300kg. The independent PTO system offers a choice of 540, 540E and 1,000rpm speeds.
The 5700D Global Series features a suspended cab mounted on silent block bushings on the front corners of the cab. This is complemented by spring-assisted shock absorbers on the rear corners of the cab to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride.
Other detail features include a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and an air-suspended swivel seat.
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
A free online platform aggregating governance vacancies across rural and regional New Zealand has been launched.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg has announced details of a new rural plastics recycling scheme.
Agricultural drone operators say that a government decision to allow lower-risk drone work without certification won’t lower standards but drive innovation and efficiency.
OPINION: Warning bells are ringing in the arable sector.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…