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.
Front suspension on tractors is normally associated with high specification models that do haulage work at high speeds.
So it's interesting to see tractor manufacturer SDF launch a new system for the SAME Frutteto range, whose domain is normally vineyards or orchards.
It's not uncommon to find these types of enterprises located in challenging areas, so the addition of an independent front suspension system has the potential to increase stability and more importantly improve driver safety.
ActiveDrive takes technology used in the companies' premium models, with the addition of sophisticated hydraulics and electronics, to high levels of precision in the reaction times and adjustment of the system. The layout comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders linking the independent front suspension arms to the axle carrier assembly. The mechanical components are monitored by a combination of two speed sensors, two position sensors, a steering angle sensor and three nitrogen accumulators.
In operation the electronic system analyses the motion and speed of the hydraulic cylinders alongside the tractor's speed and steering angle. The information is used to keep the suspension level, irrespective of load on the front axle. This in turn allows the mechanical system to make use of the entire damping travel available and ensure effective anti-roll control.
Braking performance is also improved on slopes in particular with the inclusion of an anti-dive function which stops the front end 'dipping' under braking, and shifting the centre of gravity forwards, which if unchecked transfers load off the rear wheels.
Available for the Frutteto S and V ranges with power from 80-110hp, in either 3- or 4-cylinder configuration, the tractor recently won Best Specialised prize at the recent Tractor of the Year Awards 2016.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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