Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 376 i Farms and Farm Machinery

Just in time for Agritechnica and for customers ordering a new combine for next season, John Deere in Europe has unveiled a number of optimisation tweaks to its combines for 2020. First up, the S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the interactive combine adjustment system ICA2. In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system and the combine’s speed just as the driver would normally do. Side winds can have an enormous effect on the distribution of combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series machines for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically.…

New Holland will launch an expanded T6 tractor range in the first quarter of 2020, providing a preview with the display of its T6.175 Auto Command tractor, Blue Power Edition, at this year’s AgQuip. The expanded range will include four-cylinder models the T6.145, T6.155, T6.165 and T6.175, as well as the six-cylinder T6.180. Each of these models will be available with either the company’s Dyanmic Command or its Auto Command systems, the latter of which allows the tractor to be controlled by other implements when ISOBUS III is added. New Holland product segment manager for mixed farming and livestock Ben Mitchell says the New Holland round baler, when equipped with its IntelliBale feature, is one of these. “The round baler tells the tractor when to stop, eject the bale, and…

Kent Paterson’s Bute Engineering has been developing disc chains since the company was founded in 1995, setting out to reach controlled depths in every soil and season. Disc chains normally rely on their weight to reach the appropriate depths in the ground, with farmers using heavier chains when they wanted to reach greater depths or on more difficult pieces of land. But changing weather patterns have made it more difficult to select the correct weight of chain to reach the desired depth – a problem compounded by the increasing sizes of farms and the variety of soil types within them. “If you ask a farmer what kind of soils they have got, they will answer ‘I’ve got all sorts’. Well, the disc chains in the past didn’t cater for all…

The most recent upgrade to the single disc openers produced for Serafin Machinery’s single disc seeder range will help to improve seeding accuracy and reduce maintenance downtime, company sales manager Rodney Dunne says. “We were pretty happy with the previous build and the last two upgrades; it was just the last couple of per cent of tidying things up and getting things where we want,” he says. Dunne says that customers were seeking reduced maintenance, improved seed placement and more flexibility with its operating conditions. “Tidying the disc hub and the disc hub bearing has basically halved our service interval now, so instead of having a 100 hour service it is one greasing point for the unit every 200 hours, which realistically will only be once or twice a season…

Taking the title of ‘Australia’s largest field day’, this three-day event held on August 20-22 near Gunnedah, New South Wales, attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. Here are some highlights of the show. CASE IH AFS CONNECT MAGNUM TRACTOR Tall and proud stood the giant Case IH site. Visible from the moment you entered the main gates, Case IH was without a doubt the first stop for many AgQuip visitors. And it didn’t let visitors down, showcasing some of the most impressive new machinery in the world. The highlight? The latest Case IH Magnum 340 tractor – which is looking like it will be released sometime next year. Here in Australia for some trials, Case IH high horsepower product manager Alyx Selsmeyer pointed out some of the best new…

Old tractors are being given a new lease of life pulling fishing boats on Jersey. Chris McCullough reports Sometimes older tractors are restored to preserve their historical importance and sometimes they embark on a new working career in later life. That’s exactly the case at a little fishing bay on an island where a number of tractors from the ‘60s and ‘70s, mostly Internationals, work daily hauling fishing boats to the water and back to the pier. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, situated between England and France, and is a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom, with a population of just over 166,000. While it is not an EU Member State, nor part of the UK, Jersey enjoys the free trading agreements similar to a country within…

It seems even unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, can’t fly above red tape. All drones used for commercial purposes will need to be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) at some point later this year. The registration and accreditation requirements will also apply to drones used for recreational purposes that weigh more than 250g. “No action is required at this time,” CASA says. “[Public] consultation on the cost of registering your drone will occur ahead of the scheme’s introduction.” According to the Authority’s dedicated website, www.droneflyer.gov.au, future fees may vary depending on how you plan to use the drone. To register your drone, you will need to supply CASA with proof of your identification and the make, model, serial number weight and type of drone you plan to…

Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology will lead a research project valued at over $2 million to develop new technology that will get milk from farm to fridge more quickly, enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Australia’s $13.7 billion dairy industry, it has announced. The ‘Live inbound milk supply chain monitoring and logistics for productivity and competitiveness’ project (Milk Supply Chain Project) will receive $600,000 under round 7 of the federal government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-Ps). Swinburne’s two-and-a-half-year project will develop an Internet of Things (IOT)-based system that links dairy farms, milk carriers and a milk processor, and allows live monitoring of milk supply chains. The data collected will enable highly accurate milk supply forecasting, says the university. Swinburne’s milk supply chain project will be conducted in collaboration with Bega…

The added cost that unwelcome rocks can cause farmers, both in damaged equipment and in lost working hours, can add up for grain growers across the country. Geronimo Farm Equipment has sold rock rakes and rock pickers throughout Australia over the last 20 years – but the latest addition to its product line-up is something it had never seen before – a combination rock rake and picker unit. “With a lot of our competitors, you have got to go around your paddock once with your rake and again with a rock picker to pick up everything you have raked,” Geronimo’s Alex Webster says. “This does it all in one – one tractor, one driver, one pass. So that is a good selling point from that point of view.” Needing between…

We venture a long way from Matamata Ag’s home base to check out one of its high-end offerings, the Ktwo Evo 1400, on a mixed dairy and cropping farm near Ashburton. Bruce Turpin and his team farm a 400-hectare property, run with 200 hectares as a dairy farm and the remaining as a cropping block. Having dairy cows turn food to effluent is a valuable nutrient tool that’s utilised fully across the farming operation on this property. Not only is effluent from the dairy shed and yard captured but the addition of a free stall barn three years ago also means a significant amount of the farm’s total effluent is captured, before being spread evenly over a much wider area, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the property. All of…

Equipment manufacturer Claas will launch its new range of agricultural telescopic loaders, also known as telehandlers, at the Henty Machinery Field Days in mid-September. The company will remove the Scorpion 635 and Scorpion 1033 from its existing range, with the remaining Scorpion 732, 736 and 741 telehandlers joined by the Scorpion 746 this year and the Scorpion 756 early next year. Claas Harvest Centre product specialist for the Scorpion Blair McAlwee says improving the performance, efficiency and comfort of the models was a priority for Claas and its partner in the project, materials handling manufacturer Liebherr. “They all have improved working hydraulics and increased lifting capacity, enabling optimal handling performance and productivity,” McAlwee says. “The Scorpion 732 is a compact, highly manoeuvrable ‘allrounder’ that has an above-average lifting capacity of…

The new Kubota M7-2 takes over from its M7-1 predecessor and is a product of feedback from customers. Kubota Australia senior product manager Konstantin Blersch is excited about the new M7-2’s improvements. “We listened to what our customers had to say, took on their feedback and we’re proud to bring this new model to the market,” Blersch says. The Kubota M7-2 has been doing the rounds overseas for some time now, and is said to be receiving plenty of interest from Aussie farmers already. The M7-2 has two noticeable upgrades, its Closed Center Load Sensing (CCLS) hydraulic system and a new powershift transmission. “The new sophisticated CCLS hydraulic system has a greater capacity than the M7-1, which provides unparalleled performance,” Blersch says. “We improved the M7-1’s powershift transmission from 24-speed…

Fendt’s 900 Vario range has been praised for its numerous technical highlights since the range was first launched at Agritechnica 1995, with the 260 horsepower Fendt Favorit 926 Vario. Now part of US-based AGCO, the latest additions to the range continue this tradition, with the five latest models also boasting an extensive connectivity package, a relatively low weight and a powerful new design. Sitting between 296 and 415 hp (according to ECE R120), the new models fit neatly into the compact high-power tractor class, between the Fendt 800 Vario and the 1000 Vario. The new 900-series generation (comprising the 930 Vario, 933 Vario, 936 Vario, 939 Vario and 942 Vario) is designed to be a versatile all-round high-power tractor, reaching top speeds of 60km/h, while the 942 Vario is the…

A team of 20 Komatsu employees, including 14 machine technicians, provided eight days of hands-on assistance, fixing old machines and helping with odd jobs on farms in two locations, at the Queensland towns of Miles and Rathdowney in the Western Downs recently. The Komatsu “Dreamer Team” was put together to qualify for the company’s Live Your Dream project, designed to assist employees to achieve personal goals to help their community. Komatsu has given $10,000 in direct funding and is supporting its Komatsu Training Academy trainers to provide their time and expertise to Rural Aid. “Our choice of Rural Aid was quite deliberate,” Brisbane-based Komatsu Training Academy general manager Janine Gurney explains. “We wanted to find a cause that was really deserving of our efforts and to be able to give…

With more than 8,500 visitors and 350 exhibitors from all around the Central and Southern Mallee region, the Mallee Machinery Field Days were a roaring success for all who attended. Exhibitors presented machinery worth more than $100 million in total to farmers from across the region, with organisers working hard to ensure companies both large and small had a chance to show what they had to offer. Here were some of the highlights of the event. BREDAL K135XE SPREADER The new XE version of Bredal’s K135 spreader can spread material up to 48m – meaning it is a match for the largest boom sprayers on offer, which Bredal Australia’s Ben Nichols says holds a lot of appeal for farmers in the Mallee region. The spreader is section control capable, meaning…

A rain gauge and water tank device that remotely monitors levels of water availability on farms is set to start commercial sales in October, Adelaide-based co-developer Myriota says. The sensors, developed by remote sensing solutions company Goanna Ag, will use Myriota’s direct-to-orbit satellite network to provide data about rainfall and tank levels to farmers in real time, a move the companies say will make on-farm water use more efficient. While remote monitoring is a more efficient way of checking rainfall on farms than travelling to check levels in person, the companies say that the complexity of the data received, less-than-robust sensors and a lack of field support has prevented its widespread adoption. Goanna Ag chief operating officer Tom Dowling says the high cost of hardware and communications has also been…

Ag tech giant Trimble is launching a successor to its innovative WeedSeeker spot spraying system, the WeedSeeker 2. Set to be displayed at upcoming major agricultural machinery field days around the country, the new WeedSeeker 2 has reportedly received a “complete redesign”. McIntosh Distribution’s Jonathan Bent says anew universal ISO interface suited to ISO platforms for operating WeedSeeker 2, including rate control, steering, and mapping, which showed where spraying had already been completed, was a big plus. The new system also offers section control, weed mapping and turn compensation. According to Bent, testing in North America, Australia and Argentina has shown strong results, with the new technology and demonstrations now being conducted here in Australia. “WeedSeeker 2 is showing a lot faster response down to a 2cm weed target at…

While it is not the most pleasant job to have on a farm, nothing should be left to chance when spreading slurry to improve your pasture. If wrongly spread, slurry can release high quantities of ammonia which, in turn, can damage nitrogen and mineral levels in a paddock that can cost a significant amount of money to fix. This is why Joskin’s dedicated research and development team have created precision technology designed to lay slurry as close to its target as possible, to create a more precise and efficient fertilisation process. In the slurry tanker range alone there is the option of nine models to customise, ranging in size from 2,500 to 28,000 litres. Its multi-functional Volumetra model ranges in capacity from 10,500L-26,000L with a self-supporting tubular structure integrated into…

The ‘L’ and the ‘D’ in LDV nominally stand for Leyland and DAF respectively, although the LDV T60 ute you see here has little to do with either, which in the case of the former British manufacturer Leyland could be a good thing! Currently the LDV T60 comes as a dual-cab 4x4 pick-up, as a standard model in two specification grades, ‘Pro’ or ‘Luxe’, or as the special ‘TrailRider’ model you see here, all with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The TrailRider has the distinction of being tweaked by Walkinshaw Performance, a company better known for running V8 Supercar race teams and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). In the case of the TrailRider, Walkinshaw hasn’t however tweaked the engine but rather the chassis with new dampers calibrated for…

Case IH’s Maxxum series made its debut outing at AgQuip field days recently, alongside the company’s upgraded Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the exciting new ActiveDrive 8 dual-clutch powershift transmission. “Maxxum has long been the name by which mid-range tractors are measured; a by-word for models which are agile, efficient, strong and dependable,” Case IH Australia/New Zealand product manager Seamus McCarthy says. “The new Maxxum series still delivers these characteristics but now offers a host of key improvements around the design, transmission and inclusion of a CVT six-cylinder model.” The new line-up includes the Maxxum CVT; Maxxum multicontroller with ActiveDrive 8 transmission; and Maxxum with 16x16 semi powershift transmission. Key features of the new Maxxum series include adaptive steering, Headland Management Control II, brake to clutch functionality, and a six-cylinder…

Linking the engine throttle of Tong Yang Moolsan’s (TYM) T413 utility tractor with its hydrostatic transmissions system has been a popular move with local buyers, its Australian distributor says. Inlon sales and marketing manager Gary Surman says the changes help to synchronise the tractor’s speed and its engine rpm – making it easier to operate while reducing fuel consumption and noise, vibration and harshness. “Customers love the ease of operation that this feature brings to them,” he says. “Whether you’re using a tractor every day, or a few times a month, farmers shouldn’t have to compromise on safety and comfort.” Powered by a 38.4 horsepower (27.9kW) three-cylinder Yanmar engine, the T413 can reach a top speed of 27km/h and is available in both cabin and roll-over protection models, both with…

For all the work that goes into growing and harvesting grains around Australia, it’s important to make sure that the finished product reaches its buyer in the best condition possible. But no matter how new the storage facility, stored grain runs the risk of spoiling for its intended purpose – and with varying temperatures and internal moisture, it can be very difficult to predict when this might occur. To help avoid this problem, US firm Centaur Analytics has developed what it calls its Internet of Crops platform – a range of sensors that monitor stored grain in real time and sends its data through the cloud for easy reading. Centaur director of engineering Nikos Anastasiadis says the sensors, which can monitor wheat, corn, malting barley, rice, soybeans, oats, sunflower seeds…

Henty Machinery Field Days WHAT Located in the heart of southern NSW, Henty attracts the best of the best when it comes to farm machinery, agribusiness and rural living. More than 60,000 people flock to Henty Machinery Field Days each year. WHEN 17-19 September 2019 MORE INFO hmfd.com.au World of Drones Congress – Brisbane WHAT WoDC is all about the business of drones and how drones can be applied to industry, business and the delivery of government services. Sessions cover national drone safety, autonomous transport and data and land use. WHEN 26-27 September 2019 MORE INFO www.worldofdrones.com.au Royal Melbourne Show 2019 WHAT The Royal Melbourne Show is Victoria’s largest showcase of agriculture and is conducted annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV). Visitors to the Royal Melbourne Show…

Investing in precision agriculture is an obvious move for many – and most new purchases will come with one or two options for a controller or a monitor. Many prefer to make sure they are buying an ISOBUScompatible system because of its flexibility and compatibility, with the steering or tractor screens already fitted in the cab of most recent models. But not all systems are ISOBUS compatible – either due to the unique options offered by some original equipment manufacturers, or due to the age of the equipment that the owner is looking to upgrade. The Dickey-john ISO6 ISOBUS Controller can help you get around this challenge when upgrading or selecting a new controller for your air seeder, spreader, row crop planter or custom planter/fertiliser rig. The ISO6 lets the…

Earlier this year, I managed a day off the farm to see for myself just how much fun an ATV can be recreationally. The opportunity to test-drive the single-seater Polaris RZR RS1 showed it to be an absolute rocketship, designed purely for racing and recreation. Polaris agent Steve Donoghue from New Zealand distributer Jacks Machinery supplied a range of Polaris UTVs and organised the demo day at Pirini Motorbike Park in Te Puke that features two dedicated motocross tracks as well 40km of trails through farmland and forestry, catering for various skill levels. It proved ideal to put the Polaris RZR RS1 through its paces. Adrian Bunyan from Polaris was also on hand to point out the features of the machine and show me what it has to offer. ENGINE…

For Episode 8 of Mighty Machines I wanted to up the ante, do something crazy. Or just really stupid. I had ideas – I mean I wanted some aerial action and I also wanted to sneak some dirt bikes into the show to try and claw back my reputation after rolling a Polaris RZR Turbo in Episode 3. My initial idea of going up in a fighter jet fell over before it left the ground, due to a complete lack of aviation experience on my part. But the dirt bike idea was still kicking around… The next best thing to flying a fighter jet, I figured, was taking the controls of the heftiest bit of earthmoving gear I could get my eager hands on. A joystick’s a joystick, right? Komatsu…