increase font size
After picking up plaudits at the recent Agritechnica Event – Machine of the Year 2018 – a Case IH Maxxum 145 tractor with the new ActiveDrive 8 transmission has gone on to set the lowest specific fuel consumption for a 4-cylinder tractor at the DLG test station.
The Powermix test looks at 14 different cycles typically encountered by tractors, and simulates pure pulling, ploughing, PTO and heavy and light transport duties at full or partial loads.
The Maxxum 145 showed an average specific fuel consumption of 258 grammes/kWh in the field work section, almost 9.5% better than the previous record.
Powered by a 4-cylinder, 4.5L FPT engine with turbocharging and intercooling, the Maxxum 145 meets Tier 4 final emission regulations using the SCR process.
This set-up helps deliver 145hp at a rated speed of 2200rpm, which uses Power Management to boost to 160hp. Maximum is delivered at 1800rpm with 155hp available, which also uses a boost function to achieve 175hp when conditions dictate.
Vincent Hazenberg, product marketing director for Case IH, says a key factor in the impressive result was the tractor’s new 24 x 24 speed, semi-powershift transmission, which offers eight powershift steps in each of the three main ranges.
The set, which offers a maximum ground speed of up to 50km/h, is said to be particularly suited to “power-hungry” tasks where maintaining momentum is critical — such as powering cultivators or triple mowers.
While it took some time for Wakanui farmer Eric Watson to get the tracks dirty on his new Case IH AF10 combine, he says it was worth the wait, with the challenging conditions really putting the new machine through its paces.
While equipment sales teams bask in the glory when they sell a product, they often forget the designers and engineers who bring that product from an idea to production.
The Case IH Farmall C, well known across New Zealand, has just seen an upgrade including a new look, increased weight and hydraulic power, and a cab overhaul.
Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing productivity.
Case IH used Agritechnica to reveal its new Puma series tractor, featuring what it claims is an entirely new vehicle design, which allows operators to enjoy a smoother ride with superior manoeuvrability, alongside the latest precision technology.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson says his party – NZ First - isn’t opposed to the “trade element” of a free trade deal with India.
The managing director of a company seeking to build a solar farm in Canterbury says receiving fast-track approval is a “really positive outcome”.
Retiring MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron is blasting the Green Party for proposing to ban the use of synthetic fertiliser and cutting cow numbers.
A huge reduction in ACC claims from on-farm accidents over the last five years is due to thousands of small, practical decisions being made in sheds, yards, paddocks and around kitchen tables across the country, says Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson.
Wayne and Ange Moxham of Horowhenua have just been named as Fonterra's top organic performer for milksolids. As well as providing organic milk to Fonterra, the couple also sell Udderly Organic milk to more than 100 outlets in the region and are embarking on another exciting venture producing organic gelato. Reporter Peter Burke went along to see their farming operation.
Certainty and a clear understanding of the needs of rural communities is a critical outcome in the series of government reforms that are taking place at present.
