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.
International harvesting specialists Claas has increased its offering in the mounted mower arena with the new Disco Contour 4400.
With a 4.2 metre working width, when paired with a 3m frontmounted unit, the duo can cover 7m working width, without the complexities or weight of a rear mounted “butterfly” set up.
Taking many of the elements of its smaller siblings, including the Maxi-Cut mower bed, Active Float suspension and a hydraulic, nonstop collision protection system, the design also features a central pivot point above the machine’s centre of gravity using a coil spring and vibration dampers.
A pair of pivot arms at right angles to the direction of travel give excellent ground adaptation qualities, while oil displaced by the collisionprevention system moves to the suspension ram to create lift when an obstacle is encountered.
The system also reduces load on the front axle by 50%, makes it easier to get into paddocks and removes the issue of “tail swing” seen on large mowers that fold rearwards behind the tractor.
To overcome the issue of a 4m wide swath, favourable in dry conditions but less so in the wet, the mower can be specified with a double swath laying configuration that works by placing extra swath drums on the fourth and fifth discs, resulting in one narrow and one wider swath. The format should prove useful when operating on wet ground as it avoids the crop being driven over and presents a greater surface area for drying compared to one single swath.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.