increase font size
German machinery manufacturers Krone and Lemken recently revealed a new collaborative concept they have been exploring centering around a 230hp diesel-electric autonomous tractor.
German machinery companies Krone and Lemken are probably better known for their grassland and cultivation products.
However, the pair recently revealed a new collaborative concept they have been exploring. The Combined Powers project centres around a 230hp diesel-electric autonomous tractor that sees electricity, produced by the drive unit, transferred to the wheels, PTO and hydraulic systems.
The machine is said to have been developed to address the increasing problem of finding skilled labour. Both companies believe it will also free farmers from spending extended hours in the paddock undertaking harvest, cultivation and planting.
Tested in secret during 2021, no doubt helped by the ongoing Covid pandemic creating lockdowns and removing “prying” eyes, the concept was tested with a wide range of implements – including ploughs, cultivators and drills, as well as mowers tedders and swathers.
In practise, what were tractor drivers will now become machine operators – controlling the unit from a mobile device. This will involve transmitting jobs and receiving completed job reports via a communications module and Agri-Router – an already established data exchange hub.
In the paddock, sensors mounted on the drive unit will monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement – with the former being controlled by the latter. This, the companies explain, is important to achieve consistent and accurate work.
Based on experience with ISOBUS and TIM on existing Krone and Lemken products, the drive unit and implements communicate and interact sharing all types of data.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
