European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
Most heavy-duty post drivers require a heavy-duty or substantial tractor to carry the implements on the three-point linkage.
However, a new design from Scottish fencing equipment specialist Bryce Suma sees the arrival of a post driver designed for more modest power plants.
The TR 400 is a trailed design that can be used on small or even ‘elderly’ tractors. The only real proviso is the need for an an oil flow of 25 to 30L/min to lift the 400kg monkey at a reasonable speed.
Like all Bryce Suma machines, the TR 400 has a two-stage telescopic design and a drop of 3.6m. Its patented auto-tele mast allows a choice of hammer stroke without adjustment.
The layout is also said to offer a reduced overall height, avoiding contact with overhead wires or tree branches. It also can be angled during transport for even better clearance.
A robust chassis has a drawbar set-up that allows the unit to jack-knife up to 90 degrees to help get into tight corners or awkward areas.
It also has storage space for up to 20 strainer posts, 100 round or square fencing stakes or 10 rolls of netting. There is also a storage container for a chainsaw or tools, with an additional tray on the drawbar next to the hydraulic control bank. Hydraulic stabilising legs extend from the frame, near the off-side wheel and the bottom of the mast, to complement a hydraulic set-up with mast side-shift and two-way vertical alignment. Additionally, back-shift and side-shift allow the operator to precisely position the mast or the integral swing-around rock spike.
For durability, the TR 400 also has a patented greasing arrangement for the mast: this lubricates both sides of the mast without the operator having to climb onto the machine frame.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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