increase font size
Tthe new Puma 4B series.
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.
With life often a matter of timing, complemented by a portion of luck, it looks like Waikato farmer Matthew Darke’s timing of an order for a new tractor in July delivered an awful lot of the latter.
Having worked as a diesel mechanic, often on Case IH machinery, Brian Hughes was familiar with the agricultural industry and looking around the Invercargill region where he was based, saw an opportunity for contracting in the sector.
Currently available in New Zealand in 250, 270, 300 and 400 horsepower options, Case IH’s Optum Series is being readied for expansion with the announcement of three new additional models, the 360, 390 and 440.
Case IH has unveiled a new 3-metre centre set-up for the the Optum tractor range, designed to meet the needs of growers operating under Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) practices.
Case IH has announced new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers for its Axial-Flow combine harvesters with features aimed at enhancing performance and easing operator workloads.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…
