Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 392 i Farms and Farm Machinery

TYM’s new compact T265 tractor might only have 24.5 horsepower (18kW) and a quiet 1,175cc engine, but its Australian distributor Inlon says the model packs a mighty punch for its size. Inlon sales and marketing manager Gary Surman says the T265 comes from a tractor manufacturer renowned for high quality products that are backed by heavy research and development investment. “The TYM T265 tractor is like a compact on steroids because it has a strong 865kg dry weight and will push, lift and pull more than sub compact tractors,” he says. “In fact, the powerful three-point linkage will lift 700kg, which ensures compatibility with most farm implements.” On top of this, the tractor has two separate hydraulic systems with plenty of flow for implements and attachments, plus independent rear and…

DJI says that its new Agras T20 drone is optimised to work in complicated environments and different agricultural landscapes, with easy autonomous flight planning and terrainsensing radar, extended flight time, high payload capacity and off-the-grid power options. The drone can carry a maximum payload of 20kg and the layout of the nozzles has been optimised to achieve a 20 per cent improvement on the uniformity of spray droplets and an effective spray width of 7 metres, it adds. It is equipped with eight nozzles and high-volume pumps that can spray at a rate of up to 6L/min. A highly optimised wind field produces droplets that are ideal in size and consistency, DJI says, and the new four-channel electromagnetic flow meter design can monitor and control the four hoses individually, ensuring…

The above comparison lines show the greater spreading control achieved using the section control method With the Headland Control system, operators can enter their desired switch-on and switch-off points to prevent areas of under- and over-fertilisation from occurring In some situations the operator has to drive off the tram lines to turn the sprayers off and then on again, which can lead to over-application of fertiliser where the spraying overlap occurs (above). To prevent this, seven radar sensors are positioned above each of the spreading discs to monitor the spread pattern and automatically adjust the application of fertiliser to compensate (below) GPS-Switch automatically controls the spreading pattern of the spreading discs when approaching headlands or operating in wedge-shaped fields. Claas Harvest Centre product specialist Amazone & Precision Joshua Patrick says…

Case IH Australia/New Zealand general manager Pete McCann says the new dealership arrangement is based on feedback from customers and an ongoing focus on providing the highest level of customer service across the network. “Our dealerships are well known for their customer relationships and service capabilities and this latest round of changes will only strengthen that, with some of the strongest performers in our dealer network taking on new branch locations,” he says. The expansion comes about due to Wideland Ag leaving the Case IH dealership network. Wideland Ag had been part of the Case IH network since 2010, with six dealerships in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narromine and Gilgandra in NSW, and Toowoomba and Dalby in Queensland. Three Rivers Machinery is now operating the Case IH dealerships in Narromine and Gilgandra,…

October tractor sales were up 25 per cent on the same month last year and are now up 22 per cent year to date. This outstanding result sees the full year on track to exceed the 13,000-unit mark for the first time since the 1980s. But while a strong year and the Instant Asset Write-off program has created buoyancy in the market, we are beginning to see the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on factories and shipping, and this is now impacting supply. Most dealers are not yet reporting lost business, but many are compelled to offer an alternative to buyers in order to keep sales. Lower factory output and fewer operating cargo ships mean the situation is likely to continue – adding around 12–16 weeks to most deliveries. In…

There is something special about a field day. Whether it’s the variety of exhibits or the fun atmosphere, field days always draw a crowd. The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is no different, with visitors enjoying the relaxed, family-friendly experience. In April 2021, this annual Expo continues at the recently refurbished Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek. This new home for the Expo provides all the facilities and security for a great all-weather exhibition area. Not only is the new site excellent for exhibitors, the new Expo layout makes it easy to access all sites. The variety of products and solutions at Diesel Dirt & Turf is far ranging – from site preparation, earthmoving equipment and attachments, GPS tracking and environmental solutions to public space management, farm implements and much…

Different roles within a silage crew demand different skills and experience. Obviously, the chopper driver rates pretty highly, as they should have the most experience and are operating an expensive piece of machinery. Tractor and bin drivers can be less experienced but still have an important role to play in order to avoid damage to equipment and the landowner’s property. Another key role is the mower operator – the first to the paddock and first to find any obstacles that may cause grief to valuable gear. If the mower is out of action, the whole process comes to a grinding halt. The stack man is also key. Without a well-packed pit of silage, the quality of conserved feed is going to be poor, making the rest of the process somewhat…

Eastern Spreaders Pty Ltd has turned to two Canadian manufacturers for its range of stock feeding equipment – offering a variety of sizes for local buyers. Canadian company NDE Co. has been building livestock feeding equipment from its Manitoba factory since 1998, and its line-up of vertical feed mixers can handle loads of between 9 and 48 cubic metres. The S Series mixers, with capacities of 11.1–16.3 cubic metres, are designed to be a more economical model that is highly configurable for different operations and can be operated with a power take-off (PTO) of between 75–120hp (56–89kW). Equipped with eight or nine 61cm-long curved carbide knives and an A-shaped frame for a tighter turning radius, the S-Series mixers are designed to be simple, with a single auger, side-door discharge and…

As the name suggests, the Strautmann Verti-Mix 1801 is a vertical (twin) auger mixer wagon, with a capacity of 18 cubic metres. However, it also has a blower function on the front. This allows wood chips or cut straw to be spread as a bedding material – an important job in many goat-farming operations. Personally, I’m a big fan of the efficiency of getting one machine capable of doing more than one job. For example, the combi baler/wrapper offers significant benefits in saving time, labour and tractor hours, doing away with the need to change implements for baling and wrapping. In this case, having a blower on the mixer wagon offers potentially huge time savings compared to traditional systems used for spreading bedding, as well as decreasing the amount of…

A new Honda side-by-side with a more powerful engine and improved cargo bed will make its Australian debut in 2021. It is understood the Honda Pioneer 520, which will replace the Pioneer 500 in the company’s side-by-side line-up, will arrive down under in the second quarter of 2021 – though this date is yet to be confirmed. Honda MPE Australia general manager of motorcycles Tony Hinton says the 500 proved that a compact unit could have an impressive performance. “For 2021, the Pioneer 520 features a larger engine and a dump bed, but it retains the 1,270mm width and 1,855mm wheelbase that have made it so popular,” he says. “Whether customers are looking for an entry-level side-by-side, moving from an ATV, or just seeking a vehicle that can work hard…

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started federal court proceedings against machinery dealer Agrison, alleging the company made false or misleading claims about the warranties and after-sales services it offered customers. In a statement, the ACCC says it is alleged that AA Machinery Pty Ltd (trading as Agrison) made representations that its tractors would be supported by a five-year nationwide warranty, a national after-sales service network and access to spare parts and other after-sales services. “The ACCC alleges that customers who sought assistance from Agrison after experiencing problems with their Agrison tractors found that the company did not have a service network available to provide after-sales service or repairs throughout Australia, the warranty was a limited ‘parts only’ warranty, and that spare parts were not available in a…

The technology update includes what the company says is a world first: the introduction of stepless nozzle control that ensures the chemical application rate is constant and on target, irrespective of speed. When turning, it works to adjust the flow and timing across the boom, to hit the target weed with a constant application rate. There is also added capability for full coverage spraying plus a turn compensation speed limit warning system. “Trusting that your chemical application is accurate and effective is fundamental to any spray operation,” Australian managing director Brendan Williams says. “These improvements mean greater accuracy when cornering and changing speed, so growers have flexibility, control and efficiency. “This is especially important when using residual herbicides as they stay active in the soil for a long time, so…

The three new dealerships will be operated by the Wideland Group, an Australian-owned company with extensive interests in the farm machinery, construction equipment, truck, motor vehicle and vehicle rental sectors. All three centres will represent the entire Claas Harvest Centre line-up, including the well-known Claas, Amazone and Väderstad brands that are distributed in Australia by Landpower Group, along with the Wideland Group’s existing franchises. The changes are already in place at Wideland’s existing dealerships at 55–57 Carrington Road, Toowoomba and 137 Gunnedah Road, Tamworth, while a new dealership will be established at Gunnedah early in the new year. Landpower general manager product Tim Needham says the appointment fills the gaps in the company’s footprint in Queensland and NSW. “These new dealerships will enable us to better service the grain, forage…

Eurobodalla Agricultural Show – Moruya Held at the Moruya Showground in Moruya on the south coast of NSW, the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show will focus on local produce alongside animal shows, showjumping and a vintage and veteran vehicle show. WHEN: January 23-24, 2021 MORE INFO: https://eurobodallashow.org.au Berry Show – Berry The Berry Show is an annual agricultural show held in the picturesque rural town of Berry on the NSW south coast. The show has been promoting excellence in the local community for over 132 years. Attractions include large cattle and horse shows, working dog demonstrations, an animal nursery, rodeo, woodchop competition, rides and fireworks. WHEN: January 29-30, 2021 MORE INFO: http://berryshow.org.au Royal Canberra Show – Canberra The ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show, Canberra’s largest all ages event, is staged annually by the…

Joe Biden has just won the US federal election and the very first thing that is on his to-do list is to reverse Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Accord. If you remember, that’s the meeting where the world set itself a target of keeping global temperature increases below 2 per cent by 2050, with a target minimum of 1.5 per cent. While Trump was around, no country seemed to get too excited about fulfilling their targets, other than of course New Zealand, which raced out of the blocks with a mad 2050 target of net zero and a biogenic methane target of 10 per cent by 2030. The only problem is, according to their peak farm organisation, this can only be achieved by culling significant stock numbers.…

Mixing feed has advantages for both the farmer and livestock. Uniformly mixed feed provides better nutrition, improved feed efficiency and cost, and the opportunity to reduce wastage. In dry times, when much of the feed is purchased off-farm with higher costs, wastage and efficiency are even more critical. Improved nutrition benefits milk yield or weight gain and contributes to animal health and fertility. Firstly, make sure that the model suits Australian conditions. Aussie farmers often paddock feed, yet many mixers are designed for the European ‘barn-feeding’ market with less need for strong suspension or heavy duty tyres. The German-designed and built Strautmann Verti-Mix has performed strongly in Australia for 30 years. Its large tyres and tandem sprung axle system are perfect for our paddock conditions, says Inlon. Power requirements and…

I tested the solidly built and simple-to-use Hustler SF1250 feed wagon in Matamata, accompanied by Hustler marketing manager Brent Currie, who talked me through all the features. Brent also brought a Hustler Swift Hitch, which made hooking up to the tractor a breeze with clear visibility of the tow eye and pin. The feature of being able to lock the tow eye for connection with a quick hitch is bound to save some frustration. The almost 3-tonne weight (empty) was noticeable when we hit the hills at the maize stack, but this is a positive, meaning it has plenty of steel and is built to last. We used a 95 New Holland, which was big enough, but we might have finished more quickly if we had had a bigger machine.…

Contract milkers Brad Eyre and James Welch purchased a new Jaylor 4750 twin auger mixer wagon to help them out on Oakwood Farm, located just south of Te Awamutu on New Zealand’s North Island, six months ago. They calve 800 cows (150 autumn/650 spring split) on a good concrete feed pad, using a variety of feed sources – mostly maize but grass alone in November and December. Other feed sources they are looking at using through the Jaylor mixer include whey and molasses. CONSTRUCTION Quality of build is always important, and the Jaylor ticks the boxes in this regard. The bright red paint job is well finished and the machine is built strong, with the ability to handle large round and square bales. The augers are square cut, which Jaylor…

Irish hay baler manufacturer McHale has introduced its largest ever variable chamber baler range – able to produce round bales up to 1.9m in diameter. The McHale B8940 non-chopper baler and the McHale V8950 15-knife chopper baler will be introduced to the Australian market for June 2021, local distributor PFG Australia has confirmed. Both models produce dense bales of between 0.6–1.9m in diameter – up 30 per cent more than McHale’s V6 baler range, which produces bales up to 1.68m wide. McHale marketing and sales director Martin McHale says the new balers are fitted with heavy-duty components that ensure the machine can handle some of the toughest crops and ground conditions. “Our new V8940 and V8950 have brought baling to a new level with higher density, increased bale size, better…

Locally, one of the major positives of 2020 has been the breaking of a long-standing drought in parts of Queensland and New South Wales. The dry conditions had knock-on effects on total grain production and saw sales of hay balers increase strongly, as demand for fodder rose across the country. Russell Dalziel, the Australian business development manager for agricultural equipment importer Farmgard, says the same is true of mixer wagons, which experienced a surge in popularity at that time. “During the drought a lot of people were buying in feed, but then to get the best out of the feed they were mixing it up with other additives to get the best out of their animals – to give their animals the best chances of survival and growth,” he says.…

The agreement was signed on November 10 and will be followed by the founding of a new company based in Cologne, Germany, which will be established in the first quarter of 2021. The foundation is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details. Bosch brings significant capability in hardware and software, as well as digital services for planning and decision making in field crops to the venture. BASF Digital Farming with its xarvio Digital Farming Solutions provides an automated, real-time, field specific agronomic decision-making engine for weed management that is powered by the digital xarvio platform for crop optimisation. It provides farmers with field zone-specific advice on how to produce crops in the most sustainable way. Combining the expertise of…

At 47.4 million tonnes, Australia’s total winter crop harvest is predicted to be 63 per cent greater than last year’s and 16 per cent above the five-year average, according to forecasts released by Rabobank. In its recently released Australian Winter Crop Production Outlook 2020/2021 report, the bank says Australia is on track for a “major” recovery after three successive years of belowaverage production, due to droughts in many parts. In New South Wales the grain harvest is forecast to rise by 12 million tonnes, up 366 per cent, while Queensland’s will rise 139 per cent with a 942,000 tonne increase. But a poor start and lower rainfall in Western Australia means that while the state’s harvest volume is likely to come in above the previous year’s total, it will still…

The last Brisbane Truck Show to feature heavy equipment and machinery was also the last held at the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds – back in 2009. The show’s hand was forced by the redevelopment of the Showgrounds, however the move to Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has been well rewarded. Exhibitors have been able to really step it up with the quality of their displays in one of the world’s great venues. The Brisbane Truck Show is the only event that takes over the whole centre, with fantastic displays filling all three floors. The proximity to South Bank and the CBD has opened up new opportunities for truck displays, networking, dining and entertainment. If there was one, the only downside was that there was nowhere for the big yellow construction gear.…

Catch the video on SEASON 2 @ 10play.com.au The impressive JCB Fastrac is many things. It’s striking, burley, powerful, and… fast. One thing Britain’s incumbent king of tractors isn’t, however, is boring. For example, have you ever seen a JCB Fastrac drag race a PeeWee80 motorcycle? No, we doubt you have. And had we not recently conjured up this crazy idea for our TV show Mighty Machines, the world would have been starved of such an unboring spectacle, so thank us later. ENGINE But before the drag race, a ‘serious’ test review of the Fastrac 8330 was needed. Having never driven a JCB before, I was more than happy to spend an extra day getting to know this machine. Tested at a farm about 40 minutes west of Toowoomba, the…

For 100 years now, Schuitemaker has been manufacturing and selling professional equipment for agricultural use, such as for fodder production, feeding and manure spreading. While the company’s harvesting range was the focus when Australia’s Colag Ag took over local import duties two years ago, it found that Schuitemaker’s Feedo range provides feeding solutions to suit all farmers. Sizes range in volume for single axles from 7–25 cubic metres, with a range of options to ensure the farmer can get the most out of their machine, says the company. But if that isn’t big enough, buyers can go into a larger range; pushing up to 54 cubic metres. Colac Ag says the Feedo 80-18, which has three beaters and holds 18 cubic metres, is the best seller “by far”. All types…

In today’s high tech dairy farming world a lot of focus is on gathering and using data from the herd to improve production and efficiencies. And that was the theme for Dutch dairy equipment manufacturer Lely during its latest Future Farm Days event hosted online, where the company unveiled concepts it says will take dairy farming to the next level. Lely has now introduced a new system of harvesting and feeding fresh grass to cows. Plus, it has also launched a new manure system that utilises more nutrients from the slurry and a new decision-support platform. Lely chief executive Andre van Troost says the farms of the future will be completely robotised, operational 24/7 and based on the principle of allowing cows to move freely, so they can behave naturally.…

The Faresin Magnum Double 2000 is a twin vertical auger mixer wagon able to carry a load of 20 cubic metres – built from S355 construction grade steel with 15mm or 20mm floors combined with 6mm or 8mm walls. The 8mm-thick steel bin connects to a solid rigid chassis, which in turn is mounted on a single axle. For an improved ride, large floatation tyres have been fitted. Primarily, the Faresin Magnum is used for feeding chopped and mixed product to livestock. Chopping makes feed more palatable and increases digestibility. PLAYING TO STRENGTHS About an hour out of Bundaberg in Queensland, Bernie and Liisa Ostermeyer have just purchased a Faresin Magnum 2000 to help them with efficiency and productivity on their fattening property, ‘Booyal Park’. Bernie’s Faresin feed mixer unit…

The start of this article sounds like a joke that’s crying out for a punchline: an Irishman, an Italian, and a Kiwi walk onto a farm… What we were doing, though, was testing a Keenan VA2-24S vertical mixer – one of a range of twin- and triple-auger vertical feeders to come out of the collaboration between Irish and Italian agricultural manufacturing firms Keenan and Storti. To see the new vertical mixer in action, I visited Pam and John Hunter from Eureka, in New Zealand’s Waikato region. As the model name suggests, the VA2-24S is a twin vertical auger tub mixer, which can handle mixes up to 24 cubic metres. The ‘S’ stands for short. It’s compact in length, offering a little bit more manoeuvrability around the feedpad. The loading height…