Carrfields expands South Island footprint with Agricentre South Kubota dealership acquisition
Two of the South Island’s agricultural machinery dealers are undertaking strategic changes designed to deliver even greater specialist support to farmers.
Kubota NZ is continuing to improve its equipment attachment range with the BB30 Box Blade, said to be ideal for landscaping grading operations, using a skid steer or tracked compact loader.
Built at Kubota’s Kansas manufacturing hub in the US, this dualplane grader can accommodate third party laser and GPS systems to automatically lift and tilt as it moves across the ground, making the BB30 series ideal for precision levelling and grading.
Kubota product manager John Moloney said the attachment is the ultimate tool for contractors and landscapers looking to level and grade in a fraction of the time.
“Basic grading work can be done manually, without the need for a third-party grade control system. This will suit applications requiring a rough grade such as landscaping and initial surface prep,” Moloney said.
Precision grading is delivered through an additional third-party system which takes over control of the attachment for automated and high accuracy grade control.
Fitting the optional laser/2D or GPS/3D attachment control system provides a level grade in minimal time, helping to minimise operator fatigue, while saving time and money. Operators can control grading operations from the cab with precision and accuracy.
The Kubota BB30 Box Blade is available in 2.1m or 2.4m working widths, with either model attachment- control ready and fitted with a 14-pin harness for seamless integration into Kubota SSV & SVL series loaders, and masts included as standard to accommodate third-party grade control hardware.
End in-fill panels allow greater volumes of material to be carried during more aggressive grading operations. The end panels are protected against high wear, with reversible and adjustable side cutters made from abrasion resistant AR400 steel that also ensures maximum durability in tough conditions.
Hinged forward and reverse facing cutting edges allow the operator to grade while travelling forwards or backwards, while a floating front axle allows both gauge wheels to remain in contact with the ground, so keeping the load evenly distributed.
Foam-filled turf tires ensure excellent floatation and contouring. A low-profile design allows improved visibility for the operator to observe material cut and fill during use.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
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