increase font size
The Giant 5000 Tele is a compact wheeled loader with a telescopic boom.
A Dutch Giant is playing such an important role at Schuler Brothers' Te Aroha West goat farming operation that the head stockman says, "if I was considering a job at another goat farming operation and they didn't have a Giant, I'd say thats but no thanks".
The bright yellow Giant 5000 Tele in questionis reasonably compact, in the shape of an articulated, wheeled loader with a telescopic boom, tipping the measures at 4.5 metres long and 1.46 metres wide, with the needle on the weigh scales touching 5.2 tonnes.
Used extensively to help manage the 750 milking animals, the machine offers a lift capacity of up to 2.8 tonnes and a lift height of up to 4.35 metres with the boom fully extended.
The articulated layout around a central pendulum joint means the machine is very stable, while also imparting excellent manoeuvrability in the tightest spaces, meaning loads can be placed accurately where they are required.
Power is provided by a 4 cylinder, 75hp Kubota engine that works in conjunction with a two-stage hydrostatic transmission that offers 0-10kph or 0-20kph working speeds. With four-wheel drive as standard and 100% locking differentials on each axle, traction is never an issue, while reliability is ensured with the use of 16 tonne axles with external planetary final drive reduction assemblies.
Twin hydraulic circuits deliver 145 litres/min to the driveline, while the 78l/min delivered to the hydraulic system means the loader and implement functions are always fast and responsive.
At the Schuler Farms operation, the loader has become a key part of the daily operation, offering versatility such a loader a mixer wagon, moving pallets, pushing a manure scraper in the feeding area, handling round bales for feed and bedding, while a useful bucket/ grab combo comes into its own delivering wood shavings to the loafing area, then cleaning out, usually twice a year.
The centrally mounted cabin, in a raised position on the machine, offers excellent all-round visibility, with an adjustable steering column, a central information display and all key control functions integrated into the joystick/armrest controller
While Nokia is more likely recognised for mobile devices, a major investment of €70m (NZ$126m) by global farm machinery brand AGCO at its facility in Linnavuori, in Nokia, will see the plant establish a new laboratory for testing combustion engines running on alternative fuels, alongside a range of electric solutions, including hybrids, fuel cells and high-voltage battery technology.
Evan Paxton and his family at Riverview Farms, Dargaville, are one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of kumara.
There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally created in 1948 to deal with the population boom after the Second World War.
Think of a RAM 1500 or a Chevrolet Silverado and compare them to a Ranger or a Hilux: One is obviously a truck, and the other is a ute.
With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
