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.
Given that agriculture revolves around the logistics of moving inputs and resultant crops, productive and reliable trailers are a must.
Stewart Trailers, built in North-East Scotland, are distributed in New Zealand’s North Island by TRC Tractors in Feilding, who offer the manufacturer’s extensive range. This includes tipping, dumper, flat bed, low loader and livestock floats, all built to clever designs with sound engineering, state of the art manufacturing processes and attention to detail.
Working with customers, TRC set out about to configure a trailer that would be an ideal fit for the New Zealand market and resulted in Stewart Trailers building the bespoke NZ5500 units.
As the designation suggests, the trailer is 5500mm long, 2700mm wide, carries a 16,000kg rating and importantly allows two rows of bales to be carried comfortably. As part of the standard package, the NZ5500 is supplied with dirt sides and a removable silage bin, to offer a versatile package to meet a wide range of needs.
With regional field days just around the corner TRC will use the Northland and Central Districts events to launch the latest evolution of their NZ bespoke with the New NZ6100 trailer. Building on the outstanding reputation of the NZ5500, the 6100 stretches the body to 6100mm long, retains the 2700mm bed width and increases the load capacity to 20,000kg.
The new variant includes a steered axle, air bag suspension, spring drawbar, complemented by standard 650-50 R22.5, or optional 710-50R22.5-wheel equipment. Like the NZ5500, the design detail sees the body’s chassis rails set inside the main chassis rails, resulting in a lower centre of gravity, which, complemented by the 2700mm body, offers exceptional stability on rolling or hilly terrain.
The extensive use of Hardox steel in the base and walls of the main tub, offers substantial weight saving, allied with greater strength and durability, with maximum impact resistance against rocks and stones dropped into the body. The attention to detail is carried forward with the painting process. That starts with steel shot blasting to provide an effective key for the paint to adhere to, but importantly, also ensures a dust free process to ensure a perfect finish. The paint itself contains plastic polymers to result in a “Flexi-paint” finish that resists impact damage and surface penetration, helping to retain the finish and extend the working life.
Running on Granning, 10-stud commercial grade axles, equipped with 420 by 180mm braking equipment, the system is air activated and load sensing, so is well suited to high-speed transport situations.
An extensive range of standard fitments offers ease of use, while the trailer is also “cover ready” to allow the subsequent fitment of a folding top cover for load security. Product specialist Berg from TRC Tractors says farmers and contractors are recognising that by spending a little more, they are “investing in the best quality available in the market”.
“This results in durability, longevity, ease of use and most importantly, reduced maintenance costs.
“While we have designed the NZ 5500 and now the new 6100 specifically for NZ conditions, we can also create bespoke specifications for other models in the range to suit individual requirements.”
Visit www.trc.co.nz or see them Central districts at site C25-C27.
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