Valtra Reaches 1000th CVT Transmission Milestone
AGCO’s Valtra brand has announced a production milestone at its Suolahti, Finland, factory with the completion of the 1000th AGCO continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Valtra Tractors usually hit the headlines for their cold-weather performance – not surprising given these machines are manufactured in Finland.
However, one of the company’s N-Series units has recently been seen basking in the searing heat of a Saudi Arabian desert.
The N155 has been playing an important support role in the Extreme-E race series, where two dozen electric SUVs are competing for the title.
Equipped with an array of winches, a front-end loader and oversized dual tyres front and rear, the tractor’s workload includes scooping up rocks and boulders, towing the generators used to recharge racing car batteries, and using pallet tines to move ancillary vehicles.
The Extreme-E series is designed to raise awareness for climate change, alongside showcasing the performance and benefits of low-carbon vehicles, by racing electrically-powered vehicles in remote locations. All championship cars are based on a fully electric SUV called Odyssey 21, which has a peak output of 550hp and can power the 1.7 tonne vehicles from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
This race calendar kicked off on the UK’s south coast just before Christmas, with the remaining events scheduled for Sardinia in May, Chile in September and Uruguay in November.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
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