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.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.