Case IH launches new Tier 3 Puma Tractor at Fieldays
Case IH is expanding its popular Puma range in New Zealand, with a new model that was released at Fieldays.
Fastrac fans will be breathing a sigh of relief knowing JCB has launched what it describes as an “all-new electronics infrastructure” offering on its latest Fastrac 4000 and 8000 models.
Taking four years to develop, the key to the revised infrastructure has been to separate tractor operation into three key areas. Each section is controlled individually through a common screen, by the new iCon system.
The first area addressed is individual operators’ interaction with the controls, allowing full customisation of the various functions possible. The most obvious sign of the upgrade is the seat-mounted iCon armrest console and a 12-inch colour touch-screen display. The position of the new screen may be altered to allow for easy viewing or moved to one side to offer maximum visibility through the tractor windscreen.
Selectable colour-coded levers give proportional control of electrically-operated spool valves, power take-off (PTO) and hitch controls. Meanwhile, an auxiliary joystick and hard keys – complemented by an encoder dial – remain as a tactile alternative to using the touch-screen interface. Control setup allows you to seamlessly switch between stick, pedal or cruise driving modes simply by touching either control.
The second key area of operation centres around precision agriculture technology. The control and monitoring of tractor operations is via the ISOBUS as the communication protocol. This optimises the operation of the latest Fastrac 4000 and 8000 series tractors that are precision farming ready.
A factory installed, integrated GPS guidance system will be available, consisting of a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, a steering controller and JCB user interface, with Section Control and Variable Rate Control available as unlock options. If the customer is already using aftermarket guidance and precision farming, the GPS Ready option allows the Fastrac to quickly embed itself within that.
The third area of optimisation is specific to the machines, with updated driveline software that allows operators to set the appropriate forward speed. This leaves the tractor to balance engine revs and gear ratio to achieve the desired speed at the most economical level.
The new JCB Pro format simplifies the selection of ground speed, by pushing forward or pulling back on the joystick to effect a change, while moving to the left or right controls the forward/reverse shuttle direction.
Away from the new control setup, both the 4000 and 8000 series Fastrac tractors remain largely unchanged, albeit with some subtle repositioning to grab handles and better situated internal door latches.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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