increase font size
The Fendt 728 has picked up the title of the 2023 Tractor of the Year.
Just prior to the end of 2022, the Tractor of the Year 2023 results were announced by the judging panel at EIMA – the Italian machinery show, held in Bologna.
This is said to be an important recognition of the most innovative tractors on the European market and is sponsored by tyre manufacturer BKT. A jury of 25 journalists, who specialise in agricultural mechanisation throughout Europe, reviewed the tractors entered for the award.
During the judging period, 16 different models from 13 different manufacturers were assessed. The Fendt 728 picked up the title of the 2023 Tractor of the Year, building on the Machine of the Year at the SIMA event held in Paris a few weeks earlier.
The judges praised the 728’s manoeuvrability and all-round ability, alongside the newly developed Fendt VarioDrive driveline, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure control system, FendtONE and up to 223kW (300hp) of power available.
In addition, other attributes that impressed the judges included a new 6-cylinder 7.5-litre AGCOPower engine that offers extra boost power up to 15kW (20hp) in all conditions, a new hydraulic and cooling system and a safe cabin with filtration level at cat 4.
Among a range of new features on the tractor is the driveline, which uses separate hydro motors to drive the front and rear axles, alongside a constant 4-wheel drive system that is automatically regulated for best traction.
The engine used in the Generation seven 728 is AGCO’s new Core75 unit. Initially available as a 7.5-litre, 300hp block, designed to be compatible with future fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, methanol or biogas, it could also potentially operate as an electric hybrid with further development. The first in a planned wider range, the new engine is compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuels, enabling up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Delivering 1,450Nm of torque, the unit is designed to offer maximum torque at 1,300rpm instead of the more typical 1,500rpm. This lowspeed concept is said to provide the best fuel economy in the market today in its power class at 188g/kWh.
With fewer parts, the engine’s simplified design is said to make it more reliable and easier to service. Meanwhile, the advanced Emission Aftertreatment (EAT) system meets even the most stringent emissions standards without the need for an EGR.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
Updates to the latest models of AGCO Group’s Fendt Ideal headers for 2027 sees a greater separation area and a new straw and chaff spreader kit.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
