Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 363 i Farms and Farm Machinery

Claas fans rejoice as the brand’s long-awaited new draper fronts for Lexion combine harvesters just dropped at AgQuip 2018. The new ‘Convio’ draper front series will be available in working widths of 10.8, 12.3 and 13.8 metres, and both rigid and flexible configurations. Claas Harvest Centre product manager Jonathon Ham says the Convio series is ideal for crops harvested closer to the ground. “Convio will have an immediate appeal for use in cereals and canola, while Convio Flex is ideal for crops that are harvested closer to the ground, such as pulses,” Ham says. “Both fronts ensure smooth, reliable flow of cut material with minimal grain loss, even in lighter conditions or direct-cut canola.” Optional left- and right-mounted 425mm diameter feed augers are available as well as canola knives that…

Case IH staged live demonstrations of its cloud-based ClearVU farm management tool at the AgQuip Field Days held recently in Gunnedah. The tool has been developed in partnership with AgDNA, in response to a need the company saw within its customer base. “There are so many variables associated with agriculture, and a multitude of decisions farmers are faced with on a day-today, season-to-season basis,” says Andrew Kissel, Case IH ANZ product manager – planting and soil management equipment. “The current drought is just one of the massive challenges being tackled by producers at the moment, and a stark example of why we as a company need to be doing all we can to help farmers with planning decisions and management strategies. “ClearVU is a way for farmers to store a…

For 20 years, Australian family-owned company Grain Logic has been serving the needs of Australian farmers by providing world-class grain-handling equipment. Founded by Phil and Jo Haeusler, Grain Logic was built on a long family history in agricultural machinery trading. Born and bred in the Mallee, Victoria, Phil worked for many years in the farm machinery business, building an extensive knowledge and network, while learning the importance of being adaptable to changes in the industry. The first product imported by Grain Logic was the Saukundiak grain auger, a product developed by a family-owned business in the heart of Canada’s grain-growing province of Saskatchewan. A relationship between the Sakundiak and Grain Logic team was formed, and the grain auger technology was developed with this broader customer base in mind. Following a…

Whether your business is in construction, demolition, mining, recycling, agriculture, landscaping or scrap, Flip Screen is your partner in efficiency. Designed and manufactured in Wagga Wagga, NSW, this screening bucket is one of the most innovative designs the engineering sector has seen. It has been tried and tested in more than 41 countries and is breaking new ground in the screening industry. The FlipScreen concept is simple and easy to use, and makes light work of sorting through various materials on-site by using a smooth, continuous 360-degree rotating action to screen with no shaking or vibrating. Counter-rotating the bucket ejects all the remaining oversize into a different area. Within seconds it can separate large from small – transforming trash into cash! Flip Screen manufactures models for any size excavator, skid…

Amulcher can be one of the most widely-used pieces of machinery on a farm so long as it is strong and versatile enough to cope with cutting grass and tidying up prunings – and everything in between. The Italian-designed Cosmo Bully range, built in India, has proven up to the job since it was launched in Australia some three years ago. Hitching it up to a John Deere 6140M (definitely a bit of overkill for a 1.8-metre mulcher, but the most convenient tractor available), Farms & Farm Machinery wanted to see how the Cosmo Bully BPF 180 performed out in the field. Our test patch was some waste vegetable crop needing to be mulched and some rough grass around the edge of the field that needed topping. CONSTRUCTION The Cosmo…

The Hilux is so popular it’s not just the best-selling 4WD, ute or otherwise, it’s Australia’s best-selling new ‘car’ overall, the only ute to achieve that distinction. Up to mid-year’s end Hilux 4WD models alone outsold Australia’s most popular passenger car, the Toyota Corolla. For every three Hilux 4WDs it sells, Toyota also sells one Hilux 2WD, which puts the Hilux even further out front in the overall sales race. Last year, however, the Hilux was deposed as Australia’s best-selling 4WD ute by the Ford Ranger. Toyota responded by fleshing out the Hilux model range, fitting alloys and sat-nav to the work-spec SR to create the SR+, and adding heated seats to the SR5+ to match top-spec rivals. Then came a range of accessorised models, first the TRD and then…

Mitsubishi’s Triton is the big mover at the pointy end of the 4WD ute sales chart despite remaining in third place overall and still a long way behind the two runaway leaders in Hilux and Ranger. Still, Triton sales are up nearly 20 per cent without Mitsubishi doing much more than a mild tweak of the model line-up, which among other changes has seen the introduction of the Blackline dual cab. The Triton sales success has much to do with its sharp pricing and Mitsubishi’s ongoing factory discounting with driveaway prices on the popular dual-cab variants sitting well below the other mainstream utes and bettered only by the Indian and Chinese offerings. Dual cabs make up 11,570 of the 12,127 Triton 4WDs sold (so more than 95 per cent) while…

Some 6,409 D-Max 4WDs were sold in the first six months of 2108, a 6.4 per cent increase on the same period last year. That’s not sufficient to see it climb out of the number-six spot in the year-to-date best sellers but at the same time it’s not far behind the Navara in sales and could pip it by year’s end. Since the arrival of this generation D-Max in 2012 it has enjoyed a steady increase in sales. In its first full year in 2013, some 8,488 D-Max 4x4s were sold. Last year 12,795 D-Max 4x4s found new homes. That’s a 50 per cent increase over that four-year period and sales continue to trend in the right direction so far this year. The D-Max sold now is, however, a different…

A stronger chassis and new rollers are key features on the latest Rollant 540 fixed chamber round baler from Claas. Available with the choice of net or film wrapping, the new Rollant 540 will produce bales with a diameter of 1.25m and widths of 1.22m. The 540’s baling chamber is formed by 16 rollers, made from 4mm thick steel plate. The serrated profile of the rollers maintains optimum bale rotation even under moist conditions. Bearing and power transmission functions are performed via specially hardened 50mm-diameter lateral-axle stubs on the input drive side. They are flange-mounted on the roller body, and can be individually replaced if necessary. The tailgate closing rams are arranged horizontally at the sides, resulting in high baling pressures. This new design also reduces the pressure exerted on…

Amazone is fighting the age-old spreading dilemma – wind – with its new WindControl system, which is designed to automatically adjust lateral distribution according to wind speed and direction. Built on Amazone’s recently introduced Argus Twin spreading pattern monitoring system, which uses 14 radar sensors to monitor the spreading pattern of the left and right spreading discs, the WindControl ups the ante. “This technology compensates for any change in spreading pattern due to variations in fertiliser quality during start-up, braking, travelling on slopes or if the spreading vanes are worn,” says Craig Hopkins, Claas Harvest Centre product manager – Amazone. “It also operates during border spreading or section control, ensuring the most effective use of fertiliser and ease of operation.” Where WindControl differs is with its high-frequency wind sensor, which…

While drought conditions in western NSW continue, you couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Aussie farmer as many swamped again to one of Australia’s premier field days, AgQuip. A delayed flight that resulted in missing a connecting flight to Tamworth couldn’t deter Farms & Farm Machinery from getting there, and it was well worth it due to the fantastic machines and equipment on display at Gunnedah. CHALLENGER MT700 We’ll start with the new Challenger MT700 from AGCO. It’s freaking massive, and dwarfs even the larger Fendt tractors that sat close by to the MT700 at AGCO’s stand. And according to AGCO product manager Tim Oldaker, the model has been pretty popular with farmers since arriving down under at the start of the year. “Sales have been excellent, farmers have been…

Testing the latest high-tech offering from any manufacturer is exciting and this particular example – John Deere’s new 6155R courtesy of Cervus at Ballarat – is no different. This machine is the largest in the ‘mid-frame’ six-cylinder line up which, like all 6000 series John Deere’s, comes complete with full-frame chassis design. The rear hitch, axles and the optional loader attach directly onto this, while the engine and transmission are cradled within allowing the chassis to take up the strain, not individual components. While the full chassis is a tried-and-tested design, this machine is also equipped with the new high-tech StarFire 6000 receiver which allows full auto-steer. ENGINE The 6155R is equipped with John Deere’s own tier four-compliant 6.8-litre, six-cylinder engine with maximum power of 195hp plus 40hp Intelligent Power…

There was a TV commercial way back in the 1970s that ran on rural TV stations pushing a certain agriculture/livestock business and the advertisement was based around “trust”. The very successful advertisement ended with the words: “When you know the man who owns the store, runs the store, he’s the man you can trust.” Fast forward almost 50 years and those words came back to haunt me when I caught up with a real good old mate of mine who depicts that advertising campaign to a tee. Bruce Pennells, managing director of Australian Hammer Supplies, not only owns the store but runs a brilliant, almost vertically integrated business from his Ingleburn yard in Western Sydney, which includes several Kubota dealerships, Australian Hammer Supplies (and Hire), Australian Bucket Supplies and now…

The Colorado is the highest ranked of the best-selling 4WD utes that has gone backwards in sales in the first six months of 2018 compared with the same time last year. The slower 2018 sales come off the back of a big surge in 2017 with a year-on-year 11.2 per cent slide reversing most of the 2017 gains. This generation Colorado first appeared in 2012, was tweaked just 12 months later and then again the year after before being pulled completely apart and put back together again for the 2017 model year. What resulted was a completely different vehicle from what had gone before. The changes to the engine, transmission, chassis and body were deep, extensive and thorough, resulting in a vehicle that’s far smoother and quieter engine-wise, rides and…

The LandCruiser 79 Series, complete with its then all-new 4.5-litre V8 diesel, arrived in 2007 and has never been more popular than it is now. In fact, in the first six months of 2018 it has sold almost as well as it did for the full 12 months of 2008. What’s more surprising is that its year-on-year sales increase to June 30 is better than any of the other best-selling utes with a 24 per cent increase, despite the fact that it’s the oldest and most expensive ute here. In its 11-year history in Australia, two significant things have happened to the LC79. Firstly, in late 2012 the dual-cab model appeared, Australia being the first market to receive it off the back of what Toyota said was “demand from the…

The combine harvester is probably one of the most important inventions in the agricultural industry as it helps farmers save serious time and labour costs at harvest. However, due to their sheer size and complex technology, combines do not come cheap. The price, depending on the combine class, can easily exceed half a million dollars. Hence it is certainly not an investment farmers take lightly. Therefore, if you are in the market to purchase one for your operations, it is crucial to know what to look for and points to consider before committing to a potentially life-changing decision. First of all, what are you expecting out of your harvester? A good harvesting operation should ensure: • A timely harvest • Maximum grain in the bin • An optimal throughput •…

The Tigercat 1185 eight-wheel drive harvester is now available to Australian operators through local dealer Onetrak. Equipped with Tigercat-built bogie axles and a powerful Tigercat ER crane, the 34-tonne 1185 sets a new standard for durability and productivity in tough terrain. Tigercat’s unique WideRange drive system increases working travel speed while delivering powerful tractive effort for high performance in steep terrain and quick in-stand travel on good ground. The 1185 blends high performance with fuel efficiency through the use of advanced hydraulic circuits. Dedicated pumps power the drive, harvesting head, crane, fan and cooling circuit functions. In addition, a closed-loop drive system provides excellent performance and response on steep slopes. A pressure- and flow-controlled piston pump drives the cooling fan, maintaining optimal operating temperatures at the lowest-possible fan speed. The…

Drought conditions are straining the patience and funds of farmers across Australia, leading them to search for alternatives. Queensland dairy farmer Peter Mengel has found some relief in his new Strautmann Verti-Mix 2401 feed mixer. With conditions so dry he can’t even grow grass, let alone feed crops, Mengel took to a feed mixer. “I previously used a blue vertical feed mixer, which didn’t have the suspension to cope with our terrain. When the undercarriage needed fixing, it was going to cost me thousands of dollars, so I bought a Strautmann Verti-Mix 2401 instead,” he says. “It comes standard with tandem sprung-axle suspension, which ensures a comfortable ride in the paddock on my 191hp tractor.” The Verti-Mix offers the new Vario2 mixing auger, which has a unique stepped flight design.…

The Farmall range of tractors has been a staple of the Case IH brand for 95 years. It’s an icon, and for farmers across the globe the Farmall has been a trusty workhorse, tasked with anything and everything on the farm. But a new generation of Farmall has arrived – the JXM – joining the likes of the Farmall B, JX, C and U, and Farms & Farm Machinery was given an exclusive first look and test drive before its big debut at this year’s AgQuip Field Days. You won’t see any fancy gizmos or GPS monitors on the Farmall JXM, but what you do get is a hardy all-round tractor that will complement hobby farmers or smaller-scale farmers looking to include a utility tractor for more general-purpose work. ENGINE…

Some 19,216 Ranger 4WDs have been sold in the first six months of 2018, a 3.5 per cent increase over the same period in 2017. Unfortunately for Ford, that number puts Ranger just 21 units short of Hilux and for the time being has silenced Ranger’s claim of being Australia’s top-selling 4WD ute. But that could soon change with the imminent arrival of a new engine in the Ranger. It’s a more powerful (157kW/500Nm) but very much smaller two-litre four-cylinder option to the current 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel in best-selling XLT and Wildtrak models. The new Ranger will also bring a host of other suspension, NVH and equipment upgrades. The new bi-turbo engine, which brings a surprisingly modest premium of just $1,200 over the 3.2, will only be available with…

The Navara is the second of the best-selling 4WD utes to actually lose sales in the first half of 2018 compared with the same time last year despite a rising market. In the first six months of 2018 Nissan sold 6,722 Navara 4WDs, some 651 fewer than the same time in 2017. This may not look like a big drop but comes despite two upgrades since this generation Navara (the D23) first appeared in late 2015 and in light of generally disappointing sales along the way. When you consider the previous D40 Navara was selling twice that five years ago – in a 4WD ute market that was 20 per cent smaller – and was second only to the all-conquering Hilux at the time, the D23 hasn’t been what Nissan…

Mazda’s BT-50 is the third vehicle in the best-selling 4WD utes to suffer a sales decline in the first six months of 2018 compared with the same time last year. Mind you, it’s only dropped by 1.3 per cent year-on-year but due to better sales of others the BT-50 now only scrapes into the top eight by around 150 units in front of the steadily-improving Volkswagen Amarok. In what has been a booming ute market over the past decade, the BT-50’s sales have remained pretty constant since it first arrived in late 2011. In its first full year of sales in 2012, 8,279 BT-50 4WDs were sold while last year 8,900 BT-50 4WDs were sold. It’s hard to believe how poorly the Mazda BT-50 sells in comparison to the Ford…

On show at the recent Queensland Mining Expo, Atlas Copco’s XAS 88 air compressor can deliver up to 100psi of pressure; and can also be conveniently towed behind a normal passenger car. Full story at TradePlantEquipment.com.au 1996 FRANNA MAC 14. NEW TYRES ALL ROUND. RECENT CRANESAFE • NSW 0413 899 412 TOYOTA 32-5FG25. 2.5TON LPG FORKLIFT. 2 STAGE, 4,000MM LIFT. 6,196HRS • NSW 0417 754 322 HEAVY DUTY STEEL STORAGE CRATES. 2-3T CAP. CAN BE STACKED 6-8 HIGH • VIC 0418 362 624 22,350+ items for sale in print & online…