Claas Axion 8 CMATIC: New Range Replaces Axion 800
Scheduled to replace its Axion 800 series, Claas has released details of the new, three model, Axion 8 CMATIC range.
German harvest specialist Claas will take away a silver medal from the upcoming Agritechnica show for its automatic pressure control system (APC).
The APC allows operators to get maximum performance from the new Quadrant 5200 and 4200 large square balers.
As experienced operators know well, while a tractor of sufficient power is required for output, there is little point in baling at high pressure setting if the twine is unable to withstand these loads. So for the new series, Claas has moved away from working only on bale chamber pressure, to now also monitoring the load on the baling twine.
The quality of the twine, measured in metres per kilogramme, will determine its ultimate capacity. This value is entered into the implement control terminal (ICT) by the operator. Ion operation sensors measure the load on the twine and if this approaches or exceeds the maximum load the system automatically and gradually reduces the system pressure until the overload is rectified – then it resets to the pre-arranged system pressure. With this system of measurement the baler is capable of making bales of uniform density irrespective of crop conditions and operator experience, maximising daily output.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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