Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Tractor and machinery importer and distributor Power Farming Group has extended its offering to the horticulture and viticulture sectors, with the launch of the Humus range.
Manufactured in Bermatingen, Germany, the business has been run by the Gotterbarm family since 1954 - specialising in rotary mowers and mulchers. Offering an extensive range, running to around 100 different models, its products are designed to meet the demands placed by differing topographies and growing techniques.
Manufactured using clever design and fine-grain steels, the company appears to have an exceptional reputation for producing machines that have long service lives and minimal running costs.
Looking at some of the range in more detail, the AFLR Series rotary mowers are offered in 1.8, 2.3 and 2.5 metre working widths. These machines are intended for front or rear mountin. A wide, linear side-shift system can achieve offsets of 63cm, while the drivetrain is comprised of a heavy-duty input gearbox and reinforced-belts.
An optional wing unit fitted to right hand extremity allows the machine to work automatically along a fence line or around the base of trees. The AFLR 3200 model offers a working width of 2.74 to 3.2m, using a parallelogram offsetting mechanism that offers a range of movement of 95cm.
The VO Series offers twin satellites, giving extended operating widths of up to 3.5m. The 3500-model works between 2.26 and 3.41m and up to 60cm of offset. Automated adjustment of the satellites is controlled by twin sensors that operate electro-hydraulically to guide the units around any obstacles. The configuration part of the machine has a smaller central disc, running ahead of the twin outer units.
The unique OMB Series has a triple rotor layout in 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5m widths. These are ideally suited to 'organically minded' operators by leaving a 40cm central "blossom strip" to encourage bees, butterflies, aphid predators and spider mites, which might be beneficial to the crop.
Looking at more classic configurations, the LV twin-rotor machines offer cutting widths from 1.10 to 1.8m that can be expanded laterally along a hexagonal drive shift by up to 55cm. Timed blades are configured to run at 89 degrees to each other. It comes with a range of options including spray packs with automated sensing systems, planetary heads to the side and wheel equipment for accurate cutting height control.
The STO is a low-profile series in 2.3 or 2.6m cutting widths,using a driveline with reinforced V-belts with a lateral offset of up to 151 CMS.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…