Claas Axion 8 CMATIC: New Range Replaces Axion 800
Scheduled to replace its Axion 800 series, Claas has released details of the new, three model, Axion 8 CMATIC range.
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.
Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst and his family raised a glass of milk last week to toast the start of a new addition to their farming operation at Makihihi, south of Timaru.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.