Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
From January 1, JCB's bright yellow and red colour scheme and cutting-edge innovation became available via the Power Farmer network. Its arrival in NZ will allow the rural, construction and industrial sectors to experience the international manufacturer's latest technologies, backed by support from the Morrinsville-headquartered, family-owned business.
"The addition of JCB Industrial to our product portfolio allows us to exploit the skills of our retail network that has an extensive footprint throughout New Zealand," Thomas Campbell, Power Farming NZ chief executive told Rural News.
"More importantly, it allows end users to invest in the latest technology of an industry leader, knowing they have the unwavering support of the Power Farming organisation. At the same time, they will see the benefits of working with two companies, both still under family ownership, who understand that the rural, construction and industrial sectors are time critical and never flinch at providing 24/7 support."
Alongside the local support provided by its nationwide retail outlets, Power Farming has also established regional JCB Industrial hubs based in Christchurch and Auckland.
The company says the aim is to be a one-stop, go-to location for industrial and construction customers within those regiond. The hubs will also be the home of dedicated sales, parts and service personnel to support the JCB Industrial range.
Recently appointed South Island sales manager - JCB, James Lundy, based at the Rolleston hub, says the JCB industrial range has something for everyone.
"From a large-scale construction companyor developer, the industrial sector, a farmer looking for an excavator, to rural contractors looking to diversity into pond construction or road building - there's something here to fit the bill," he adds.
The JCB Industrial range offers more than 300 different machines. The backhoe loader was pioneered and developed by JCB in 1953, which has gone on to be the largest seller of its type in the world. The company's range includes the compact 1CX through to the 5CX, not forgetting the 3CX, often described as "the Swiss Army Knife" of the construction industry. Tracked 360-degree excavators offer versatility and output in difficult ground conditions, with operating weights from 1 to 26 tonnes, taking in the key sectors of 1.8, 4.8, 5.5 and 8.5 tonne units.
Industrial telehandlers in the shape of the JCB Loadall Series offer the ability to lift, telescope and lift loads to elevated worksites.
With a range than starts with the 525.60 and its 2.5 tonne/6m reach, through to the 541.18 that delivers a lift capacity of 4.1 tonnes and a working height of 18 metres.
For those working in confined spaces, skid steer and compact tracked loaders offer manoeuvrability and versatility.
The JCB Teleskid is available in three models and is the world's only compact tracked loader with telescopic boom.
The E-Tech range of electrically-driven telescopic handlers and mini-excavators offers zero emissions and low noise, using lithium-ion battery packs that can deliver a full day's work before needing a re-charge from 110, 230 and 415-volt charging systems.
