Krone unveils new CombiPack HDP baler and halts US exports
Well-known for an extensive range of round balers, Krone’s new CombiPack HDP looks to have several features that sets it apart from its competitors.
Krone says a dedicated NZ team will be established to provide tailored support to customers and John Tulloch, alongside several existing Tulloch employees, will transition into the new business.
Following 54 years of representation by the same importer and distributor, Kubota New Zealand and Tulloch Farm Machines have announced the transfer of Krone Agricultural Machinery distribution rights to Kubota.
The transfer, effective from 1 March 2024, will see Krone New Zealand operate through the existing Krone Dealer network under a standalone brand presence. The distribution arrangement continues Tulloch’s successful legacy in the market, while providing broader collaborations offered by the Kubota New Zealand network.
The transition is the result of ongoing discussions and an agreement between the two parties and Krone Germany. Kubota Australia and New Zealand’s Malcolm Owens says the move is a positive step toward the evolution of Krone in NZ.
“We will continue to offer Tulloch Farm Machines’ same high level of service and quality, while introducing additional resources to boost the brand presence in the market.”
The Krone-Tulloch relationship was initiated 54 years ago when Graeme Tulloch visited Germany in 1969. Tullochs was introducing wilted fine-cut silage into New Zealand and needed the Krone TM 4/270 mower conditioner to perfect the silage system.
The Krone mower conditioner not only vastly improved silage quality, but the daily silage making capacity more than doubled due to the well-formed and even windrows. From these humble beginnings, many other Krone models were introduced, and the Krone-Tulloch relationship grew steadily with time.
“We congratulate Tullochs on its longstanding success in providing Krone products to the New Zealand agriculture community, established by John Tulloch’s late father Graeme, and thank them for trusting Kubota to continue its 54-year legacy,” Owens says.
“A dedicated Krone NZ Team will be established to provide tailored support to customers and John Tulloch, alongside several existing Tulloch employees, will transition into the new business.”
Tulloch Farm Machines managing director John Tulloch says he’s thrilled to be working within the newly established Krone NZ business.
“Working with Kubota NZ to ensure a seamless transition from Tullochs to Krone NZ is our priority.
“This includes retaining key personnel and continued warehousing and distribution operations from the Tulloch’s Masterton site.”
Krone NZ says it will continue to work with the existing 25 dealership outlets for sales and services of Krone products.
“Working with the existing Krone Dealer network is a key part of our launch to market. We appreciate the level of dedication and success the dealer network has had representing Krone in New Zealand.”
Krone New Zealand will be launching sales promotions and an extensive new marketing campaign across TV, radio, press, sponsorships, alongside social and digital marketing to highlight the transition.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?