increase font size
The James Soil Aerator is designed and built to overcome compaction in heavy soils.
Reducing soil compaction has been recognised for many years as an efficient method of increasing production in grassland and arable operations.
While there are many products in the marketplace, key design features can have a major effect on efficiency, horsepower requirements, output and ultimately, the final surface finish.
The James Soil Aerator was designed and built to overcome compaction in heavy soils. This is evidenced by surface ponding after rainfall, shallow root systems and restricted plant growth or output.
The five-leg aerator is a linkage-mounted design. It is centred around a heavy-duty frame for durability with inherent weight to aid penetration in difficult conditions. Operating to a working depth of 23cm. The initial lifting and subsequent “wave” effect creates a vertical slot and horizontal fissures, creating drainage, oxygenation and deeper root systems.
The process also promotes the release of “locked” minerals that are typically unavailable because of a lack of oxygen. MAF trials in Southland showed that “aerated” paddocks on average produced 21.7% more dry matter over a 15-month period.
Up front, individual disc assemblies’ slice through the surface and shallow root systems to allow easy entry for the aerator leg. This also reduces surface damage to the sward.
Each of the five legs, manufactured from high-grade carbon steels, are inclined slightly forwards to aid penetration and “pull” the machine into the ground. Each leg is also fitted with an adjustable and replaceable shin to prevent excessive wear to the main part of the leg.
At the base of the leg, a heavy-duty “frog” assembly carries a replaceable point that creates the initial “lift” and initiates the “wave effect”. This creates ground shatter and allows working depths of up to 25cm.
Integral to the machine is a hydraulic auto-reset system that removes the problem of overload and the frustratingly time-consuming issue of broken shear bolts. Importantly, the system can be easily adjusted to suit prevailing conditions— such as rock burdens or sub-surface timber. At the same time, it also acts as a shock absorber system for the aerator and the tractor rear linkage.
At the rear of the machine, a full width smooth roller and scraper assembly serves to level any surface imperfections. This ensures that pastures or paddocks can be returned as quickly to onward production.
www.james-engineeering.co.nz
While it wouldn’t be unfair to call the LDV T60 “the poor man’s ute”, a change of distributor in 2023 has seen the brand raise its profile, while the recent arrival of the new LDV T60 Max Plus, will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience for the brand.
Ag and Civil Machinery Direct, a division of Hamilton- based Waikato tractors, has recently been awarded the sole distribution in New Zealand for Kemper’s range of precision forage equipment.
While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets, intellectual property and staff of the French manufacturer have been acquired by a new organisation called Agriculture Nouvelle Génération.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
Having already hit the headlines for recycling broken 2.4 metre vineyard posts into 1.8 and 1.6 metre, half and quarter posts for agriculture, Repost recently hit the milestone of one million posts recycled, diverting the CCA treated posts from landfill.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
