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.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.