Krone XDisc 710 Now Fits John Deere, New Holland Foragers
Krone's XDisc 710 direct-cut header can now be used by John Deere and New Holland forage harvesters, as well as the Krone Big X it was originally designed for.
New Holland is now offering its Auto Command continuously variable transmission on the T9 Series tractors.
The eight-model series includes five agricultural models, two scraper models and a 4WD track model. The line-up develops maximum outputs from 429 to 605 boosted horsepower in the range-topping T9.600 AC. It also uses the ZF developed CVT transmission already seen in the Case IH Quadtrac CVX Drive, which is configured to deliver at least 60% mechanical drive in all situations.
The Auto Command transmission provides seamless speed changes via the CommandGrip multifunction handle in the SideWinder II armrest, with integrated IntelliView IV ultra-wide colour touchscreen interface. The CommandGrip handle uses force-based logic to control the tractor’s speed and acceleration, working with the transmission to deliver a stepless range of speeds to exactly match the application.
Automated functions enable the operator to switch between three target speeds and four driving modes: Auto, Cruise, PTO and Manual, to optimise the task or fuel efficiency. In operation, the transmission adjusts engine power and ground speed for maximum productivity to match the work in hand; in transport mode the AC allows acceleration to 40km/h at 1650 engine rpm.
In PTO mode, speeds as low as 500m/hr can be achieved, which should suit the machine to heavy duty applications such as slurry injection, bed tilling or wood chipping.
The intuitive automatic control of engine power and ground speed, seamless speed adjustment and clutchless braking are said to dramatically reduce operator fatigue and boost productivity.
Auto Command also offers the maker’s Active Stop Start safety feature that prevents the tractor moving backwards or forwards when it is brought to a standstill, even with a heavy load, while also removing the risk of roll-back when stopping on steep inclines.
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Red meat farmers are welcoming Labour’s plan to review the Emissions Trading Scheme and not to campaign on pricing agricultural emissions.
Where any worker in the kiwifruit industry is mistreated, we expect the authorities to take action.
Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers arable chair, Bevan Lill, said Beef + Lamb NZ data indicated that for the last six years, the average arable return on investment was about 0.8% while inflation ran about 4% - so the average arable farm was going backwards at about 3% a year.
Seed and grain companies share the concerns of arable farmers about the viability of their sector, says Seed and Grain New Zealand chief executive Dr Sarah Clark.
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) says unnecessary changes to New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) will seriously erode investor confidence and result in significant reductions in forest planting rates.

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