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.
Massey Ferguson has announced the launch of the new MF 9S Series, which includes six models with powers from 285hp to 425hp.
The new flagship of MF’s New Tractor Era, all models feature the 6-cylinder, 8.4 litre AGCO Power, Stage 5 engine with an integrated DOC/ SC/SCR system in a non- EGR format, mated to the well-known Dyna-VT stepless transmission.
The 9S-285, 310, 340, 370, 400 and 425 include up to 30hp of extra power at speeds above 15 km/h for PTO and hydraulic applications on all models (except the MF 9S.425) to deliver maximum boosted outputs of 315/340/370/400/420 and 425hp respectively.
To deal with long working days, a 10% larger 660-litre fuel tank is complemented by a 68-litre DEF tank, while the engine is also designed to run on HVO fuel, to provide more sustainable operations.
MF Protect-U engine and cab installation is said to deliver unrivalled visibility and comfort.
It features an 18cm gap that isolates the encapsulated engine from the cab, to reduce noise, heat and vibration inside the cab.
A premium specification seat is fitted with a large comfortable armrest, which holds the Datatronic 5 touchscreen terminal and Multipad joystick.
Standard equipment includes a ventilated box under the passenger seat and there is also a wide range of storage compartments, cup and bottle holders located in convenient positions.
All-round vision is ensured via a sloping 6.6m² total glazed area, with the sloping windscreen combined with the large overhanging roof, to cut glare from the sun and helping to keep the cab cooler.
Along with the standard rear-facing camera, a further three can be added to provide an all-round view of the implement as well as the road ahead and behind. A new, 360° LED lighting configuration offers up to 23 working lights in addition to the LED high beams and rotating beacons.
All MF 9S tractors come with the option of Massey Ferguson’s new Central Tyre Inflation System, controlled through Datatronic 5 or Fieldstar 5 terminals. This employs a twin, 650 litre/ min compressor, taking four minutes to increase pressure in typical set of VF 710/75R42 + VF 620/75R30 tyres from 0.8 bar to 1.6 bar.
The 9S Series tractors benefit from an uprated ECO hydraulic system, delivering 205 litres/min at 1,650 rpm or 270 litres/ min at 1,850 rpm. This helps save fuel and cuts noise.
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The MF 9S series cab installation is said to deliver unrivalled visibility and comfort. |
Oil is delivered by an open-centre and a closed-centre pump, with a dedicated pump for control valves.
A dual, closed-centre pump option delivers 340 litres/min at 1,650rpm or 400 litres/min at 1,850 rpm, is available with six spool valves.
A new configuration with six valves enables the use of a valve, in a ¾” coupler, to provide a flow of 170 litres/min, while the five others still deliver 140 litres/min.
A higher capacity hydraulic tank provides 101 litres of oil capacity. Meanwhile, a new hydraulic top link option with a larger 120mm diameter ram increases lift capacity to 20t.
A new, straightforward, 5t capacity front linkage, connected to the first rear valve, provides an option for those who do not require front hydraulic couplers.
Built on a 3.1m wheelbase, the MF 9S tractors weigh from 10,900kg, with the MF 9S.425 offering a power-to- weight ratio of 25.4kg/ hp.
For heavy draft work and higher traction, the tractors can be ballasted up to 18,500kg, providing a power-to-weight ratio of up to 64.9kg/hp.
The new MF 9S Series is set to be introduced in Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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