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The Swadro TC1570 four-rotor centredelivery rake is said to be an ideal fit for highways in paddocks.
Controlled Traffic Farming (TCF) systems see arable operators, using tramlines as “highways” for moving through a crop.
Then, use machinery with specific operating widths to ensure there is no need to move off these tracks, thereby limiting compaction to the tramlines, rather than across the whole paddock.
While CTF has never really been used in dairy operations, German manufacturer Krone suggests this is changing as forward-thinking dairy farmers strive to limit compaction, particularly in wetter seasons.
The company suggests that with a maximum working width of 15.70m, the Swadro TC1570 four-rotor centredelivery rake is said to be an ideal fit for such operations.
Wider than the existing four-rotor TC1370, the V-frame concept on the newcomer is said to be an adapted version of the six-rotor TC2000.
Featuring 15 tine arms on each of the rotors, the mechanical driveline sees the front two rotors rotating about 25% faster than the rear units, which the company suggests promotes optimum forage flow through the machine to create tangle-free, box-shaped swaths. Operated via an ISObus terminal or in combination with an ISObus joystick, overall working width is adjusted by the two front rotor arms, while final swath wide of 1.40 to 2.90 metres is hydraulically adjusted via the rear pair of rotors.
The main frame can be lowered hydraulically to reduce the transport height to below 4.0m without the need to fold or remove any tine arms. The transport chassis is equipped with 710/40 R22.5 tyres as standard, or optional 800/35 R22.5 units, while infield stability is improved with the use of wide 16 x 9.50-8 tyres on the fourwheel rotor chassis’ and the 15/55-17 support wheels on the two front arms.
Electric height adjustment allows individual or simultaneous rotor adjustment, will the choice of two preselected heights to be saved on the terminal and activated at the touch of a button.
At headlands, the rotors can be set to lift just over existing swaths, while the lift delay of the rear rotors is also adjustable, and the automatic Soft- Down mechanism slows the speed of lowering just before the rotors touch down. Section control is also available to lift/lower the rotors automatically using GPS.
Certainly a late starter in the self-propelled harvester arena, Krone has gone on to be a key player, with 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of presenting the results of its R&D programme, with a leap into high horsepower machines – the first BiG X with a claimed 540hp.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Alliance has announced a series of capital raise roadshow event, starting on 29 September in Tuatapere, Southland.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
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