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 ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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