Kia New Zealand reveals pricing for all-new ute
Just when you thought there wasn’t enough choices for a ute, Kia New Zealand has announced pricing for one of the most eagerly anticipated new model launches of 2025.
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.
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.