Smart Machines: Oxin gains traction in the US
Marlborough-based agritech company Smart Machines has reached a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionise vineyard management.
Founded at Breganze, Italy in 1973, Faresin Industries is a well-known manufacturer of telehandlers and mixer wagons, in the case of the latter, including four series with capacities from 11 to 36 cubic metres.
The recent addition of a flagship self-propelled machine to the Leader PF Ecotronic range sees that capacity jump to 40 cu. metres, with the arrival of the company’s first three vertical auger unit.
Measuring 12m long by 2.8m wide and 3.75m high, the model 3.40 tips the scales at 22 tonnes unladen, carried on a three-axle layout, with the front and rear axles being driven to deliver permanent four-wheel drive.
Power is provided by a rear mounted FPT N^& engine delivering 212kW (290hp), while up front a 2200mm milling cutter head can reach to a height of 6.5m.
As part of the ration formulation process, the Ecotronic control system oversees all key components of the machine. In practice, this means that once a ration has been formulated and entered the system, the operator can set parameters for all key areas such as the milling head and the mixing tub. The control system ensures these settings are maintained to achieve a consistent homogenous mix.
Additionally, as material is loaded, it passes through an automatic shredder, located rearwards of the milling head, which allows ingredients to be “pre-prepared” to a preferred length before they enter the tub. This removes the need to engage the hydraulically-activated counter knives, thereby saving overall power demand.
As part of the ration formulation process, the Ecotronic control system oversees all key components of the machine. |
In addition, the PolispecNIR unit monitors the mix in real-time, alerting the operator when the optimum result is achieved, while also passing data to machine and management programmes for proof of product and ongoing monitoring.
A front-mounted cabin offers excellent operator comfort, with an extensive machine overview by ergonomically placed controls and multiple display screens.
Faresin mixer wagons are distributed in New Zealand by Power Farming Ashburton.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of a strong biosecurity system.
In its submission on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act, DairyNZ says its levy-paying members invested more than $60 million across the biosecurity system last year, through multiple biosecurity levies across several entities and legislative frameworks to collect this funding.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has received 136 submissions on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act.
Nick Beeby has been appointed as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Global beef supply will contract this year for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Rabobank.
Changes to migrant visa settings announced last month should take a lot of pressure off farmers in the new season, says Federated Farmers immigration spokesman Richard McIntyre.
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