Disc mower range gets upgrade
Kuhn has announced an expansion of its range of disc mowers, distributed by Norwood in New Zealand, with the addition of two new vertically folding rear mounted models, the GMD 3515 and GMD 4015.
Grassland specialist Kuhn has extended the versatility of its centre pivot, trailed mower conditioner range by adding a new grouper version – the FC 3160 TCD RA.
Suited to large scale operations and contractors, the machine offers all the advantages of the existing 3.1m FC 3160 TCD units, such as the versatility to mow on either side and the elimination of headland 'dead time' said to reduce output by up to 15%.
It also adds the option of being able to bring two swathes together.
The machine uses a conveyor belt either to place two rows side by side for harvesters, or interweave two rows to form a narrower swath for balers or loader wagons; the outcome is lower fuel consumption by reducing 'rowing-up' passes and it helps improve soil structure by reducing the amount of traffic over a given area.
The grouper conveyor belt is driven by a hydraulic pump mounted on the machine's Gyrodine swivelling headstock, and is capable of delivering swathes to left or right of the mower
Control is via an in-cab unit allowing the operator to adjust belt speed to cater for varying amounts of crop, adjust the width of the swath being formed and lift the unit in and out of work.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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