Case IH partners with Meet the Need
Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.
National Fieldays in June will see the arrival of a much awaited tractor from Case IH — the new Puma 4B series.
Existing Puma models already have a good reputation with larger farmers and contractors for delivering efficient power, reliability and operator comfort. The new 4B series will embody significant improvements and refinements, says NZ operations manager Case IH, Tim Fanning.
"It will set the benchmark for other manufacturers to follow," he says
Taking a quick peep before Fieldays, the most noticeable visual difference is the new roof cap which sports 360 degree LED surround lights and the overall family look of the Magnum and Optum ranges. At the front of the cab, a single-piece front screen gives unhindered forward visibility which should prove a favourite with operators.
Inside the cabin greater comfort is offered with a new Grammar Maximo Evolution, semi-active leather clad seat. This has a novel sideways-sliding backrest for added support, but cleverly moves out of the users' way when he looks over his shoulder to inspect work or hook up implements.
For easier control of repetitive field tasks, the headland management control (HMC II) can be used to record or edit sequences during work or while stationary. It offers 12 triggers to start the next step in a sequence such as time, distance, hitch position, PTO or shuttle movement. Control is via the PRO700 touch screen, which is ISOBUS 3 compatible and allows control of all the tractor's key functions.
As the name suggests, a key change to the machine centres on the 6.75L FPT engine which is upgraded to meet Tier 4B /final emission regulations. This is achieved by using the Hi-SCR system (DEF only), which removes the need for any energy sapping exhaust gas recirculation or diesel particulate filters (DPF). The company claims that the set-up results in a cleaner burning and more powerful engine, with lower fuel consumption, and an industry leading 600 hour service interval.
For the NZ market, customers will be able to choose a Classic or Ultimate level of specification and a decision to specify full powershift or CVT transmissions according to operating requirements or personal preference.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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