Fendt Unveils Next-Generation 600 Series Tractors
Taking pride of place at Central Districts Field Days, the new 600 Series was Fendt’s incarnation of a compact and manoeuvrable 4-cylinder tractor in the 150-200hp sector.
Keep an eye out at the Central Districts and South Island agricultural field days for the new range of Suzuki KingQuads.
Major upgrades are seen in both the 500 and 750 models following months of onfarm testing in New Zealand. This is on top of evaluations made by technical staff from Japan visiting NZ to test prototypes.
Suzuki NZ has also commissioned two test units for ongoing use on Kiwi farms for extended monitoring.
Other than changes to the machines’ physical appearance, the biggest changes to the new KingQuad are the way they ride.
Revised suspension and gas filled shock absorbers are connected to a chassis with greater rigidity, achieved by using thicker wall section for the main frame rails.
The rear sway bar set-up has also been redesigned for a more stable ride but still retains the smooth ride all Suzuki ATV’s are renowned for.
Improvements to the electric power steering system makes for less rider fatigue and raises comfort for long days out working.
The fuel injected, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine remains unchanged on the 500 and 750; the only differences are in the CVT transmission on the 750.
Engine-braking is reckoned class-leading on all Suzuki ATVs, whether towing a trailer or descending a hill.
Towing capacity has increased to 600kg on the 500cc and 750cc – up 150kg from the previous models.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

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