Kverneland to debut Alentix fertiliser spreaders at Agritechnica
With Agritechnica just around the corner, it’s no surprise to see manufacturers drip-feed some information of new products worth a closer look.
Dorie farmer John Evans takes possession of his new iXdrive, 4180 self-propelled sprayer from Erik Hogervorst of Kverneland.
A first for the Power Farming Group sees the delivery of the new Kverneland iXdrive 4180 self-propelled sprayer to John and Kai Evans farm at Dorie, mid Canterbury.
The 4180 offers a 4000L spray tank capacity, 520L of clean water and 27m wide aluminium booms using a unique ‘glued up’ manufacture said to be 40% lighter than conventional construction methods.
Power comes from a 165hp, 4-cylinder JCB Dieselmax engine which drives twin Sauer hydraulic pumps, to power the four Poclain wheel motors and then a dedicated traction/drive pump, which negates the need for mechanical differentials.
Offering 50:50 weight distribution in all conditions, irrespective of tank levels or boom position, a hydro-pneumatic suspension system on both axles gives operator ride comfort and boom stability. A separate 3-D rear axle layout allows movement, but limits track influence on the sprayer boom.
The 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab steering options take care of manoeuvrability, and track width can be hydraulically adjusted on the move between 1800 and 2250mm. Ground clearance of 1300mm is provided by the operator-specified 12.4 x 52 inch tyres.
The operator cab, supplied by harvester manufacturer Claas, has an air-suspended operator’s seat, air conditioning and filtration system control via a Kverneland Iso-Match Tellus control system.
Automated steering is provided by the customer-specified Trimble RTK system which will integrate with other vehicles in the operation.
On the nearside of the machine, the EasySet control panel, located between the front and rear wheels, is a one-spot location for control of all valve assemblies, pumps, filters and the 42L chemical induction system.
The machine also has the iXclean, automated self-cleaning function which uses 300L of clean water over three rinse and wash cycles to ensure thorough cleaning after use or chemical changes.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…