Kubota tests diesel engines
Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.
A Kubota RTV-X1140, the highest horsepower RTV in its class, has been tried and tested by Taranaki farmer Kevin (Smiley) Barrett – who also happens to be the father of three well-known All Blacks.
Barrett, an organic dairy farmer, farms in a rolling coastal environment in Taranaki.
“The X1140 performed exceptionally well,” he says. “I tested it out on a few hills, activated the diff-lock control, took my foot off the accelerator and was surprised at how well it held on the hills – no slippage at all.”
Designed around a longer wheelbase and utilising a hydrostatic transmission, the RTV is particularly stable on rolling country. The tractor also offers good accessibility, making it a breeze to get in and out of the vehicle.
“If you’re struggling to get your leg over a bike these days then this little beauty is for you,” Barrett claims.
The four-seater option has proven ideal for taking staff or the grandchildren out onto the farm, with four seatbelts making sure that everyone is secure. While the dual seat arrangement makes engine access easy, another unique feature is the ability to fold the seats up and extend the tray capacity, offering a payload of up to 700kg. Barrett says it has got a very spacious tray with the tipping option.
“This proves ideal for loading up with standards, reels or bales of hay,” he adds.
“I also worked out you can get nine kegs of Guinness on there – if you really want to get serious!”
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.
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
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