JCB backhoes - 70 years and still counting
It's remarkable that it is now 70 years since the first JCB backhoe loader was released on an unsuspecting world.
JCB has given fans a glimpse of its new-spec agricultural Loadall at the recent LAMMA UK show.
The company says the new series 3 range brings together product upgrades from the last six years.
Key to the redesign is a new cab – Command Plus – claimed 50% quieter than the current model; and it’s longer and wider, has better layout, more storage space and much better forward visibility to the wheels and beyond, achieved by fitting a new low-slung dash panel.
Upward visibility to raised forks, buckets or grabs is also 15% better, by virtue of uninterrupted glazing up and over the operator’s head.
Other new features include optional Chassis Sway hydraulic levelling adjustment on the front axle, in-cab and external pressure relief when changing implements and an updated colour scheme.
Now in its fifth decade since being launched, the series 3 will have four new models with 200kg greater lift capacity than the current offering.
Models will be designated 538-60 (3.8t/6m lift), 532-70 (3.2t/7m), 542-70 (4.2T/7m) and 536-95 (3.6T/9.5m).
The high capacity, heavy-lift, bulk-handling 560-80 (6t/8m) will remain unchanged, as will the 537-70LP (3.6t/7m Low Profile) that uses a low-profile cabin for restricted height operation.
Variants will include Agri, Agri-Plus, Agri-Super and Agri-Pro options as previously offered with 4.4L and 4.8L JCB EcoMax motors delivering 75, 109, 125 and 145hp.
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.