MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS

28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS Get in early or miss the boat!

MARK DANIEL

WITH A second wave of Covid-19 bringing Europe to a dramatic slowdown, as more severe lockdowns are imposed, reports suggest that product and parts supplies for the Australasian markets are likely to come under pressure.

It is likely to become a greater problem as we move into the second part of 2021. This is due to our growing season being the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere and falls at a time when there are annual factory summer shutdowns.

While production is continuing, with markd@ruralnews.co.nz

most manufacturers

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implementing lessons learned during “Lockdown 1”, the likelihood is that overall production levels will be difficult to maintain because externally-sourced key component supplies – such as hydraulic pumps, batteries and tyres – are said to be tight.

A further concern is that incoming President Joe Biden may take more effective control than his predecessor and place the US in some form of lockdown. This is likely to restrict supply – particularly of higher horsepower tractors and broadacre machinery.

“Covid-19 lockdowns are affecting component manufacturers in the supply chain, increased constraints at certain ports and interruptions to shipping are all making things challenging for importers,” says Peter Scott, NZ manager of AGCO New Zealand.

Rural News understands that there is also pressure on new product

Machinery product and parts supplies for the Australasian markets are likely to come under pressure due to the second wave of Covid lockdowns currently happening in Europe.

supply due to the ongoing “mini-boom” being experienced in the Australian market, driven by rains and its government’s capital allowance initiatives. The Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia is reporting year-to-date sales of tractors are up by 22%, with the eventual market likely to top 13,000 tractors – a first since the 1980s.

However, it suggests the Covid situation, resulting in lower production levels, is likely to add 12-16 weeks to typical delivery lead times.

Back in NZ, Alistair Horrocks, Deutz Fahr sales manager for Power Farming, confirms that whole-goods supplies are still flowing into New Zealand.

However, he says the typical six-month lead time from order placement to delivery has now blown out to around eight months.

“Any delays we are experiencing are largely caused by shipping issues, with empty containers hard to come by, finding slots on boats, then sailing being delayed or rescheduled,” he told Rural News.

Horrocks says that while the key German and Italian supply factories are managing the situation well and largely maintaining production levels, Power Farming is having to use extended forecasting to keep supplies arriving for its NZ, Australian and US opera-

tions.

ANYONE FAMILIAR with precision grass harvesting will remember the domination of the drum-type trailed harvesters of the 1980s and ‘90s.

This was overtaken by the popularity of flywheel type machines, which delivered more output, less fuel consumption and a better chance of surviving foreign object ingestion.

Those flywheel-based machines evolved from rearlinkage mounted, reverse drive machines that were the norm when forage maize became popular in northern Europe. This was at a time when self-propelled units were only just starting to appear.

German harvesting specialist Krone is now looking to turn the clock back and creating a sense of déjà vu with its latest development project – a prototype reverse-drive forage harvester that has been undergoing testing in maize.

Designed to be mounted on prime mowers like the Claas Xerion 5000 or the Fendt 1050, the prototype weighs over six tonnes and can be equipped with Krone’s six to 10 row maize, conventional grass pick-up or directcut, whole-crop headers.

It features a chopping cylinder from the Big-X harvester range, and hydraulically-driven header and feed rollers.

The prototype is said to be a match for Krone’s Big-X 480 cousin in terms of output and chop quality, with reduced fuel consumption and a significantly lower capital cost.

– Mark Daniel

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Krone has developed a prototype reverse-drive forage harvester that has been undergoing testing in maize.

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MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 29 Big, bold brash Ram

SNIPPETS

truck will grow on you! Harrisville Harvest demo day HEAVY METAL addicts who were unable to get their fix of tractors and machinery due to the cancellation of the regional and national field days American trucks to the (ECC) sees a new model have some good news on the horizon. A new live machinery event, the Harrisville Harvest Demo Day

MARK DANIEL Speedway Park on SH1, near Bulls in the Manawatu. markd@ruralnews.co.nz Supported by most of the key players in the New INTRODUCED IN 2018, Zealand tractor and machinery arena, the event will the Ram 1500 brought big allow exhibitors to demonstrate their products. New Zealand mainstream Virtual Pottinger – at a price point that AUSTRIAN MANUFACTURER Pottinger has largely matched high-end announced that, because it is not possible to attend European utes. “live” agricultural machinery trade fairs for the fore-

In 2019, about 140 seeable future, it will commence a virtual trade fair Ram 1500s were regis- with immediate effect. The site will give visitors tered, 120 of which were the chance to use a high quality, easy to use interthe top-of-the-range Lara- face, featuring new product details, information mie versions. and interactive demonstrations, alongside details

For 2020, the arrival of upcoming celebrations as it approaches its 150th of the Express Crew Cab anniversary. (Visit www.pottinger.at/virtual-fair) will take place on December 10 at the Harrisville that drops between the Fourth gen’ Santa Fe base Express Cab and HYUNDAI’S NEW fourth-generation Santa Fe has the Laramie, but with the recently landed in NZ. Featuring a new fresh look latter’s cabin – offering The new Ram ECC model is inside and out, along with more legroom and cargo more leg, shoulder and an imposing vehicle. area, it offers purchasers a choice of three engines: headroom, with a slightly A 2.2 litre diesel that produces 148kW and 440Nm shorter 1712mm tub. Hemi engine that pumps to carry large items inside mission is a joy to use with the optional Ram torque and is mated to a dual clutch 8-speed trans-

On walk up, the ECC out 291kW and 556Nm of the cabin, the rear seats and although fitted with box lockers on each flank, mission; a 2.5 litre petrol that delivers 132kW/232Nm is still an imposing vehi- torque. A 121-litre capac- flip up to increase space, push button changes if giving a waterproofed 210 coupled to a 6-speed auto; or the 3.5 litre Lambda cle with a broad, muscu- ity petrol tank will give but don’t fold flat like the required, was largely left litre capacity each, with II petrol, making 200kw/331Nm through an 8-speed lar front that tips the tape you an idea of fuel con- Laramie. to its own devices. For automated locking linked auto. at 2m wide, 5.8m long sumption, officially rated Precisely remanufac- those easily intimidated, to the central system. and 1.9m high. at 12.2l/100km, but you tured from a LHD vehi- the overall size makes for Our test steed in Granite Crystal also don’t buy a Ram to save the planet! cle that passes through Walkinshaws’ workshops awkward parking and the realisation that the back FREE WHEEL KIT comes as standard with a sports hood, black accent Easy to live with, the rumbling exhaust note in Melbourne, before a boat ride to NZ, the 1500 end will always hang over the lines. VALUED AT $1400 (LIMITED OFFER) package and semi-gloss black 20-inch alloys. makes you forget about consumption. But for still carries the foible of the foot operated park Likewise, the 12.2m turning radius needs a SHEEP

Dumbed down a little those looking for frugal- brake mounted above the degree of forward plan- CONVEYORS from Laramie, the truck ity, during light loads, gas pedal – leading one ning. • Low power draw offers, mechanically one bank of cylinders to wonder how hard it However, that same • Variable speed adjusted cloth seats, a shuts down. However, the would be to fit an elec- size means other drivers • No belt slippage simplified centre console, exhaust sound is lost – tronic park brake? Like- give you a wide berth. • Fully sealed electrical system the absence of volume control on the steering so just keep your boot on the loud pedal. wise, smart entry and push button start can’t be Fitted with selectable 4WD, difficult ter• Ask about different trailer options wheel and a missing rear window demister. But enough of what As you would expect, the front seats are broad, deep and comfortable – that much more expensive on a $105k vehicle? Out on the road, the rain is never a problem. The ECC offers an 830kg load-bed capacity and Ph 06-370 1329 • Stuart 0274-387 528 124 Lincoln Road, Masterton it doesn’t have, to what while those behind will ride is firm – but this is comes into its own with a E: daytech@wise.net.nz it does – in the main always have plenty of a truck. 4.5 tonne towing capacity. W: www.daytech.co.nz that glorious 5.7 litre, V8 space. For those looking The 8-speed trans- Our test truck was fitted LEADERS ON FARM MACHINERY DESIGN

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30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER Tractors of choice increase options

CANTERBURY-BASED QUIGLEY ContractREDUCING SOIL COMPACTION ing’s tractors of choice AGCO RESEARCHERS are currently rows experiencing no tyre traffic. This are Fendt – preferred for investigating the impact of compaction- was done with the planter’s compactiontheir technology and ver- reducing technology built into Fendt’s prevention systems engaged, as well as satility. new Momentum brand planter. without. Researchers also looked at tyre

Key advantages of the This consists a centre-fill seeding pressures ranging from 55 psi, similar Fendt tractors for the system equipped with weight distribution to the level for road transport, and autobusiness, which offers a and tire inflation technology, as well as an mated inflation that maintained tyre presbroad range of services, in-line wheel design. sure at approximately 17 psi. include their Vario trans- The project, aimed at maize crops, Observations so far, showed a near mission, cab suspension, began by taking 60cm deep penetrom- 9cm height advantage in maize planted 65km/h road speed and eter measurements in three different with very high flexion (VF) tyres auto Canterbury-based agricultural contracting firm ISOBUS compatibility. locations behind the planter – in rows adjusted to maintain a low psi (approx. 17 Quigley Contracting says its tractors of choice

Quigley Contracting where the tractor tyre drove, rows where psi), as opposed to the same tyres kept at are Fendt. focuses on three tractor both a tractor and planter tyre drove, and a constant 55 psi. sizes – 150 hp, 280 hp and the paddock increases operations in the spring. sors on the back of its 360 hp – with their driv- the contact patch, Furthermore, access to service utes. This has the ers allocated a tractor to wear is a big problem for “We are currently sit- implement. which gives more grip, paddocks is made much added benefit of allowing use with a range of imple- us,” he says. “But Vario- ting on 3000 hours and Raiser says it takes less wheel-slip and less easier, as the tractors are drivers to blow out radiaments. Over the last two Grip gives us the ability some have minimal wear,” about five minutes to compaction. Improved significantly narrower tors or seed drills. years, two 936 and 11 828 to run the ideal pressure he adds. change pressure, initi- traction has removed without dual wheels. Additionally, Quigley’s models have arrived, all in the field or on the road “I am reasonably con- ated via a submenu on the need for dual wheel With the VarioGrip are specifying air brakes fitted with the VarioGrip and even adjust pressures fident that with VarioGrip the main screen, allowing set-ups, with one tyre system including a com- on new implements, as tyre pressure system, for individual applica- we will get close to 6000 the right pressure to be size covering all work pressor within the tractor, they are more efficient originally to reduce tyre tions, such as cultivation hours out of our tyres or chosen for a job. scenarios, including meaning the operation no than traditional hydraulic wear. or harvest work.” potentially more.” A lower pressure in precision planting longer carries compres- systems.

Operations manager Raisbeck says on heavy As Quigley ContractRob Raisbeck says the cultivation tractors they ing offers a broad range of choice has also led to several other benefits. were lucky to get 3000 hours out of a set of services, its tractor fleet is large, so doubling tyre CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING

“As contractors, road tyres. life adds up to a massive saving. RECOGNISED Rubber Safety Matting VarioGrip allows operators to change tyre pres- FARMSTRONG IS tipping its hat • ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas sures, using a double compressor and feed lines to the farmers and growers of New Zealand who have contributed to it • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks via a rotary union to each winning two awards at the recent • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats of the tyre valves. Pres- 2020 New Zealand Workplace • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas sures can be set as low as 0.6 bar in the field and Health and Safety Awards. Farmstrong took out the sector • Utility Deck Matting up to 2.5 bar on the road, leadership and overall honours

Phone: 0800 80 8570 depending on the weight of the tractor and the with the Supreme Award. The judges highlighted that FarmAll Black and Farmstrong www.burgessmatting.co.nz strong’s intense focus on the ambassador

Quadbar introduces the new mental health of the rural community…”with a programme that seeks to engage with farmers in a relat- need for a rurally focused pro Sam Whitelock. - Farmstrong. $735 +GST FLEXIBAR able and authentic way, which a generation ago would have seemed unlikely”. gramme, centered on how to “live well to farm well”. “Since launching in 2015, Farm“What we’ve done is create a programme to facilitate important conversations to happen, see “Everyday farmers and growers strong has used an annual random a large number of farmers and Flexibar includes all the safety and convenience features of the Quadbar with the have driven this programme by sample survey of 450 farmers and growers reporting positive shifts added advantages of: sharing their personal wellbeing growers to track their awareness of in habits towards improving their • A flexible joint that allows the bar to flex stories and, with it, giving engagement with and monitor real wellbeing and how these improverearwards in the event of contact with an overhead obstacle other farmers and growers the changes they are making,” Vaughan ments are good for business,” • The joint facilitates some sideways flexibility permission, confidence and explains. Vaughan adds. before locking and becoming more of a practical ideas on how they can “This year’s results showed that Farmstrong has also completed traditional crush protection device invest in their own wellbeing,” 71% of respondents were aware other significant research about

Recommended by Worksafe. ACC subsidy • In the event of a rearwards flip there is negligible movement from the flexible joint • The top section of the Flexibar can also be easily says Farmstrong project manager Gerard Vaughan. of the programme, while 22% of all farmers and growers surveyed women in farming and the needs of younger people by teaming up available removed for transportation inside a vehicle. He says research, started five attributed an improvement in their with New Zealand Young Farmers. For a Quadbar, call me, Stuart Davidson, owner of Quadbar NZ. years ago, showed there was a real wellbeing to their engagement with – Mark Daniel Phone: 021-182 8115 Email: sales@quadbar.co.nz or for more info go to www.quadbar.co.nz BUFFALO BOOTS! FREE SHIPPING! ENDS 10 JANUARY

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