PM opens new Power Farming facility
Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.
These tractors can be configured to customers' preferred specifications in a choice of two wheelbases, three transmission variants and two options for varying levels of comfort.
At the business end, a Deutz 6.1L, Tier 4 engine is said to be more responsive, have more torque in reserve and at start-off and uses up to 5% less fuel with a revised SCR and passive DPF system. A redesign of the DPF unit sees no fuel being injected directly into the filter, lower running temperatures and ultimately longer regeneration intervals, and service intervals scheduled for 6000 hours. A new 'torque ledge' produces constant values between 1000 and 1900rpm, and constant power is developed from 1600 to 2100rpm
A new ZF sourced transaxle assembly comes in various options: a manual set-up with five main gears and six powershift steps changed by push button; a new RC version which can be run in manual, where the operator controls all functions; semi-automatic or field mode where main gears are shifted manually and power-shifts are automated; or a fully automatic transport mode where main gears and powershifts are automated, the former with a robotic shift system. These two options therefore offer 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds, or 54F &27R if a creep set is fitted.
Existing users will see a huge difference with the 6-stage power-shift, as until now the choice has been limited to four steps.
In operation, the transmission will offer 17 speeds in the main working areas at 3-18km/h, speed changes are 18% to the next gear and there is always a minimum of two powershift steps available before a gear change is required.
Speed matching is also standardised on both options, while a choice of 40 or 50km/h is available subject to local operating conditions.
At the top end of the series, the popular TTV version, offering stepless speed control from start to maximum speeds of 40, 50 or 60km/h, becomes the third transmission choice, with four mechanical ranges which should find favour with contractors or large operators.
Interestingly the TTV tractors are available with an industry unique external disc brake system designed for use in high-speed haulage applications.
At the front end an optional new suspended axle layout uses double hydraulic cylinders with a longer stroke offering increased damping effect, and a new anti-dive and anti-rise function keeps things on the straight-and-level by monitoring speed and braking intensity, and ensuring a far more comfortable ride for the operator.
Also up front a newly designed front bolster assembly now becomes the mounting point for the optional front linkage system, said to be narrower, offering better forward vision, tighter turning radiuses and an increased capacity of up to 5.48 tonnes.
The standard or MaxiVision2 cabin is designed – as is the rest of the tractor – by the Giugiaro design team in Italy; it offers the driver different levels of comfort dependent on the overall level of technology the tractor is supplied with. New features include a redesigned central console for system information, a choice of 12 or 8 inch displays for the I-Monitor and ISOBUS VT4 capability.
