Amazing Amazone drill - 75 years and counting
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first Amazone seed drill – the 2m wide horse-drawn D1 launched in 1949.
General manager retail, Roger Nehoff, says the introduction of the Axion 800 Cmatic series means the German manufacturer now offers CVT technology on 15 models from 145hp to 410hp.
“The new Axion 900, Axion 800 and Arion 600/500 series have been well received by local producers and the availability of the optional Cmatic transmission will increase their popularity,” Nehoff says.
“With four-point cab suspension, smart onboard technology and a range of options that allow customers to configure their tractor exactly as they want it, these are comfortable and versatile machines.”
Making its NZ debut is the Claas Cargos 8000 series of ‘compact’ dual-purpose forage loader/transport wagons.
“With a loading volume of 30-41 cubic meters, these three new models have about 20% less capacity than the 9000 series and are just the right size for local conditions,” Nehoff says. “Importantly, all three models can be converted from a high performance loader wagon to a forage transport wagon in 15 minutes. Removing the loader unit allows the wagon to be used for transporting other materials throughout the year, and it increases the wagon’s capacity by three tonnes.”
The new Claas Disco mowers and mower-conditioners come in 28 new models with operating widths from 2.6 to 9.1m. These include the Disco 9200 front-and-rear mower-conditioner combination, which won a Machine of the Year award at the SIMA agricultural expo in Paris.
All models have the new Max Cut cutter-bar, whose one-piece, wave-shaped bar support allows the cutting disc modules to be set much further forward than before. In combination with the specially formed wear inserts, this creates an enlarged cutting area and ensures optimal cutting quality, efficiency and durability under all conditions.
New at Fieldays will be the Fliegl ADS120 push-off spreader wagon, which enables fast and efficient spreading of manure. It holds 14 cubic metres (12 tonnes), and has a low centre of gravity for optimum stability. Features include a hydraulically adjustable drawbar and an optional tailgate which enables it to be used as a push-off trailer.
The site will also display the latest spreading technology from Amazone, “ZA-TS mounted and super capacity ZG-TS trailed models that set industry benchmarks for precision, efficiency and operational ease,” Nehoff says.
The latest models have integrated weigh-cell and tilt sensor technology, electronically controlled hydraulics, GPS automated part-width section control and headland systems and easy-to-use ISOBUS-compatible terminals.
“They’re easy to operate – you simply enter the desired spreading rate and drive off,” Nehoff says. “The two weighing cells detect any deviation between the desired application rate and the amount being discharged. Also, the on-board tilt sensor measures any deviation in the centre of gravity, front to back and left to right. The processor then automatically adjusts the electric metering shutter slides to ensure an even spreading pattern.”
