European tractor registrations down
A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.
Most heavy-duty post drivers require a heavy-duty or substantial tractor to carry the implements on the three-point linkage.
However, a new design from Scottish fencing equipment specialist Bryce Suma sees the arrival of a post driver designed for more modest power plants.
The TR 400 is a trailed design that can be used on small or even ‘elderly’ tractors. The only real proviso is the need for an an oil flow of 25 to 30L/min to lift the 400kg monkey at a reasonable speed.
Like all Bryce Suma machines, the TR 400 has a two-stage telescopic design and a drop of 3.6m. Its patented auto-tele mast allows a choice of hammer stroke without adjustment.
The layout is also said to offer a reduced overall height, avoiding contact with overhead wires or tree branches. It also can be angled during transport for even better clearance.
A robust chassis has a drawbar set-up that allows the unit to jack-knife up to 90 degrees to help get into tight corners or awkward areas.
It also has storage space for up to 20 strainer posts, 100 round or square fencing stakes or 10 rolls of netting. There is also a storage container for a chainsaw or tools, with an additional tray on the drawbar next to the hydraulic control bank. Hydraulic stabilising legs extend from the frame, near the off-side wheel and the bottom of the mast, to complement a hydraulic set-up with mast side-shift and two-way vertical alignment. Additionally, back-shift and side-shift allow the operator to precisely position the mast or the integral swing-around rock spike.
For durability, the TR 400 also has a patented greasing arrangement for the mast: this lubricates both sides of the mast without the operator having to climb onto the machine frame.
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

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