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With the wine industry seeking mechanical weeding options to reduce chemical reliance in vineyards, Italian manufacturer Orizzonti has introduced the Speed Green machine, with a novel, yet proven, solution.
Imported by Ag Tek, based at Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty, the machine takes the concept of the humble weed whacker used in many gardens and transforms it into a more industrial machine. A central hydraulically driven drum carries up to 10 heavy-duty nylon cords that effectively remove weeds.
Said to be ideal for dealing with the “dead-zone” between individual plants and removing the potential for stem damage that can occur with other mechanical mulching or cutting systems, left or right-handed units are driven from a tractor’s external remote valve with a requirement of only 25 litres per minute flow.
Offered in 60 or 80cm working widths, the “cutting” heads incorporate a quick-fix system for mounting of the cords, which allows the optimal length to be easily set as they wear during use.
Available for rear mounting on the three-point linkage or front mounting, support frames are designed and manufactured locally and can be customised for single, dual sided or bespoke operations.
The distributor suggests that because of the low hydraulic flow requirements, the machine lends itself to multi-tasking, taking care of weeding duties between the vines, to be complemented with a traditional mowing attachment to take care of grass between the rows.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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