Disc mower range gets upgrade
Kuhn has announced an expansion of its range of disc mowers, distributed by Norwood in New Zealand, with the addition of two new vertically folding rear mounted models, the GMD 3515 and GMD 4015.
To complement recently introduced trailed mower conditioners with centre pivot drawbars, Kuhn has announced the launch of three new models with offset drawbars.
The Kuhn FC 2860, FC 3160 and 3560 TL machines offer mowing widths of 2.67, 3.1 and 3.5m respectively, and the choice of roller or tine-based crop conditioning units.
Why the need for offset or centre-pull drawbars? Without doubt centre-pull machines have the potential for up to 10% more output in large areas because they can operate on either side of the tractor, just like a reversible plough.
By contrast, offset drawbar machines can only work to the right side of the tractor, but cost less.
The new units offer the same key features as the centre-pull units, with Gyrodine swivel headstocks taking care of any PTO problems, even in tight turns, and the Optidisc cutterbar using irregularly spaced discs to achieve crop flow and clean cutting.
A gear-driven conditioner driveline is protected by the Posiguard safety system in the case of foreign objects, and offers the choice of two speeds for best conditioning effect.
The conditioner is also fitted as standard with adjustable swath doors for different following machines, but also has the ability to spread to the machine's full width if required. This is said to promote faster wilting and in most cases can avert at least one following tedder pass.
The machine has extra-large tyres for lower ground pressure and to reduce sward damage, particularly on damp ground.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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