JD introduces new S7 Series headers
John Deere says its S Series combines have been redesigned and optimised with innovative technologies to build on their proven performance in Australian and New Zealand conditions.
JOHN DEERE is showing that a 300hp tractor need not be ungainly. Its new model 7290R was delivered last month to a Northland rural contractor by local dealer Cervus Equipment.
Launched early 2014, the 7290R (290hp) is powered by a 9L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that gives the power of a large machine without the ungainliness, says Cervus Northland manager Tim Ormrod.
He says that with its wheelbase and length more akin to 200-250hp tractors, it suits a variety of applications. “Their Northland use will mostly be cultivation but their manoeuvrability ideally suits them to silage pickup wagons or slurry tankers.”
The tractor’s AutoPowr transmission uses a hydro-mechanical system for no-step gearing backwards and forwards between zero and 50km/h. It is also available with the new e23 transmission option offering manual, automatic or optimised manual shifting modes. Built on a 23F/11R shifted through a hydraulic wet clutch, the system allows the user to configure gearing to suit the job and situations required. “It is a great addition to the options we have available. This transmission provides great pulling power and stability,” important for the tasks the tractor will likely do.
Ormrod expects large-scale farmers and contractors to show most interest, for cultivation or ‘intensive’ work. “Trailed gear is getting bigger – 3m power harrows are being replaced by 6m.”
“Maintaining one large tractor is cheaper than two smaller ones and it reduces the number of good operators a farmer or contractor needs to find.”
An optional 3.4t factory-fitted front hitch widens the possibilities with the tractor. And a 22 LED headlight package makes night work a “walk in the park,” Ormroad says.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.