Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 414 i Farms and Farm Machinery

More technology, more transmission options, and top-end horsepower are all included in John Deere’s redefined MY23 5M tractor range. John Deere says the upgrades will provide Australian hay and livestock farmers with more telemetry and power in the field. The 5M range spans five models including the 5075M, 5095M, 5105M and 5120M models, along with the addition of the all new 5130M tractor – a 130-horsepower (96.9kW) offering. All models in the 5M product line are powered by John Deere’s proven FT4 PowerTech engines. The PowrQuad Plus and Powr8 transmission is included as standard on the 5130M and are available as options on the 5095M, 5105M and 5120M cab versions, helping operators better handle large implements in the field. “PowrQuad Plus and Powr8 transmissions make it easy for operators to…

The 200/SC grinder is described by the Italian manufacturer as compact, manoeuvrable and easy to handle, and is designed for high-powered stump removal in a range of settings including farming, forests and river banks. It features a sturdy disc rotor configuration with extra support blades to ensure it can handle stumps and roots up to 50cm deep. Powered by a VT hydraulic motor, the grinder also has double relief block and anti-cavitation valves to ensure productivity while protecting the hydraulic system, while a poly chain belt transmission helps to enhance performance and power management. Hydraulic and proportional swing controls allow operators to swing the unit back and forward to grind larger material while stationary. Interchangeable protection chains help to safely deflect debris. Three attachment options for the PT-175 tracker carrier…

Pöttinger has unveiled a new 10-rotor linkage-mounted tedder, which it says is designed to meet the requirements of high-output and cost-effective farming. With a 10.7m working width, the HIT V 11100 tedder is built to produce maximum output in the field, the Austrian manufacturer says, despite its compact design. Pöttingersays the tedder is “in a class of its own” and boasts an impressive array of technical refinements, including its Dynatech rotor, which is standard across the brand. Each rotor measures 1.42m across, which Pöttinger says works well with its six swept tine arms to deliver a consistent spread pattern of forage thanks to their ideal spreading angle. When designing the HIT V 11100, Pöttinger ensured the tedder was compact and nimble, with the short three-point headstock placing the centre of…

Significant performance and capability upgrades will feature in new Toyota HiLux Rogue models and updates to the SR and SR5 range, the manufacturer has confirmed. Toyota Australia has also confirmed a new top-of-the-range apex off-road variant will replace the Rugged X – with details including launch timing to be revealed at a later date. The enhancements to the 2023 dual-cab HiLux Rogue models have seen the ute become wider, with a track increase of 140mm at the front and rear. The changes, which will also see the ride height increase by 20mm, will help the vehicle’s offroad ability and on-road performance. “The significant suspension upgrades to the HiLux Rogue not only improve off-road capability but create a more stable and comfortable on-road driving experience,” says Toyota Australia vice president sales,…

Mahar spoke at the Tractor and Machinery Association’s annual conference, held last month in Melbourne, and said while the growth target was on track, it would require the agricultural sector to work collectively as the National Farmers Federation (NFF) alone could not create the increase. Launched by the NFF in 2018, Mahar reiterated the purpose of the plan – which is reported on annually – was to give the industry a collective goal. “The objective was to give a light on the hill for all of the industry and all of the relevant stakeholders, whether they be government, retailers, universities, CSIRO to say ‘that’s our goal for the industry’,” he said. “Let’s increase their farm gate value to $100 billion by 2030, and when we started it we were at…

AgriShow Small Farms & Field Day Expo – Moss Vale More than a line-up of products for sale, the AgriShow Small Farms & Field Day Expo is a space for people involved in all aspects of farming to get together in a community atmosphere. The event features education and demonstrations of farming machinery, tools and supplies from tractors and other vehicles, to equipment and technology, so that visitors can get more from the event. WHEN: September 2–3, 2022 MORE INFO: http://agrishow.com.au South Gippsland Dairy Expo – Korumburra The South Gippsland Dairy Expo provides an opportunity for members of the dairying fraternity to be able to showcase the latest in dairy innovation and technology to local farmers. This event is organised and run by volunteers, each year enthusiastic parents and volunteers…

Tractor manufacturer Claas has used a dealer and customer conference in Melbourne to declare its intention of making a bigger impact in the high horsepower market. Claas, through its Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre networks, said it was serious about being involved in the high-end of the Australian tractor market and showed off upgrades to its Axion 900 series units. The upgrades provide an increase in horsepower and torque with the Tier 3 FPT engine and boast a new transmission, among a host of features. The biggest model in the range – the Axion 950 – has seen a power increase from 410hp (306kW) to 423hp (315kW) and has an extra 110Nm of torque, going from 1,650Nm to 1,760Nm. Claas has added reinforcements to the front axle to improve reliability…

As tractors become more powerful and capable of handling heavier attachments and loads, it can be easy to overlook the importance of stability. For Antonio Carraro, its Italian-made tractors are built with stability at the forefront, in recognition of the fact they will often be put to work on uneven and hilly terrain. Antonio Carraro Australia sales manager Marco Corra highlights the TTR 4400, TTR 7600, TRX 9900 and Mach 4R as being four models that particularly stand out for their stability and work on hilly terrain. “The low centre of gravity is given by two main factors,” Corra says. “One is the overhanging engine over the front axle, bringing the centre of gravity lower. “The other is the Actio chassis, where the front and rear axles oscillate independently up…

Within hours of the announcement of a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Australia, our 50,000 livestock producers and 250,000 hobby farmers will be in a stock standstill for 72 hours. By the end of the day all supplies of meat, milk and dairy products on supermarket shelves will disappear as consumers rush to stock up. Even the soy water and lentil burgers will disappear, along with all the long-life milk, baby milk powder, chicken, frozen fish, in fact any protein that people can lay their hands on. For those who have a cunning plan to just eat out if there is nothing to buy in the shops, then good luck with that as suppliers don’t carry much in the way of stock. For those that think fish and chips…

As part of the $1.2 million initiative, scientists will create molecules that selectively bind to and interfere with the hormone receptors of the Varroa mite and fellow honey bee pest, the small hive beetle, interfering with reproduction, development and behaviour. The target receptors are absent from vertebrates, making the pesticide safe for other beneficial animals in the environment. Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield says the project aims to help safeguard Australian honey bees and will have positive impacts to horticulture production. “Thirty per cent of global agricultural production is reliant on pollination by honey bees,” he says. “And across the board this production is currently under threat from pests including the Varroa mite and the small hive beetle.” Fifield says pesticides are a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and…

Designed for professionals and enthusiast workshop mechanics, Hare & Forbes’ new engine stand provides an efficient and practical solution for anyone working on engines, the company says. The Hafco ESR-450 engine stand has a capacity of 450kg and incorporates innovative design features for safety and functionality. It is operated via a geared worm drive that provides precise positioning with minimal effort. This geared mechanism has a manual crank handle mounted at the rear of the stand. The crank can be operated with around 95 per cent less human physical strength than conventional stands, says Hare & Forbes. The geared crank allows the user to easily rotate an engine block 360 degrees, for easier access when rebuilding an engine or dissembling components. Engineered for user convenience, supporting legs are located beside…

CFMoto has rolled out a series of upgrades across three of its all-terrain vehicles – the CForce 400, the CForce 400 EPS and 520 EPS – with all three revised models now work-ready. On all three models the towing capacity has been increased to 612kg, up from 350kg, while the front and rear loading capacity has also been improved by 50 per cent – with 30kg capabilities on the front and 60kg on the rear. A new arched A-arm front suspense design has resulted in revised shock absorber settings which not only improve ground clearance by up to 25.4cm, but offer 26 per cent more suspension travel. The models are fitted with new six-ply all-terrain tyres that boast a compound more suited for off-road applications and loading resistance. Other improvements…

Massey Ferguson says its new 7S Series tractors, now available in Australia, are an example of a new era of performance. Spanning six high-specification tractor models ranging from the 145 horsepower (108kW) MF 7S.145 through to the 210hp (156kW) MF 7S.210, the tractors are designed to offer optimum comfort, control automation and connectivity. The numbers of the models denote the maximum power of the tractors, with the MF 7S.165, MF 7S.180 and MF 7S.190 rounding out the line-up. Up to 30 more horsepower is also available through Massey’s engine power management system. All 7S Series models are powered by the 6.6L Agco engine, and, with a 2.88m wheelbase, they bridge the gap between those models and the larger, more powerful, MF 8S Series in the Massey tractor line-up. Massey Ferguson…

Comprising five models in total, the new Q Series has been designed with large farmers and contractors in mind, with models ranging from 230 horsepower (171kW) to 305hp (227kW), which slots in nicely between Valtra’s T and S Series tractors. The Q Series, which also includes a 245hp (183kW), 265hp (198kW) and 285hp (213kW) model, benefits from a 7.4-litre Agco Power engine and Agco CVT transmission, which it says allows customers to perform any farming or contracting task and handle any implement with ease and efficiency. Easy to use precision farming solutions, a powerful, robust and reliable design and excellent customer support enable Q customers to reduce their inputs and save both fuel and time. Valtra parent company Agco says the 7.4-litre engine features the biggest displacement in the market…

The natural home of the Case IH Steiger in Australia is a sun-baked paddock, but three very special Steigers are getting ready to swap the heat and dust for the ice and snow of Antarctica. The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) will take delivery this year of three 500 Steiger Quadtracs to be put to work in the challenging conditions of the world’s coldest continent. The tractors will be used to support aviation operations at Wilkins Blue Ice Runway, 70km inland from Casey Station, and also at the Casey Ski Landing Area, 15km from the station. The tractors will be used for a variety of tasks, including: pulling a 90-tonne proof roller used in the construction of the runway; fuel and cargo transport from Casey to Wilkins; and general sled towing…

Dates have been locked in for Australia’s largest civil and public infrastructure expo. The 2023 Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo will take place across 21–23 April at the Sydney Dragway for what will be the event’s seventh year. Since its formation in 2015, the event has helped bring the industry together as a great networking opportunity, enabling businesses to showcase and demonstrate the best and latest in equipment, siteworks technology, employment and more. While event organisers say many exhibitors from previous years have already booked their sites for 2023, bookings are open for industry suppliers that have not yet exhibited at the event. Sites may be reserved to ensure no one misses out on the opportunity to showcase at the expo. Diesel Dirt & Turf manager Marti Zivkovich says the…

Hardi has announced an expansion of its flagship GeoSelect targeted spraying technology, which will now also become available on trailed sprayers. First introduced to the market last year, GeoSelect was only available for the manufacturer’s selfpropelled sprayers but will now also become an option for Hardi’s popular Commander range. Hardi’s technology works by firstly scanning the paddock with a drone or even a plane for larger paddocks. The scan is then used to create a weed geolocation database that is transferred to the Geo-Select software. The database is used to calculate how much chemical will be needed in the sprayer’s tank, recommending an optimum spraying speed at each point and controlling individual spray nozzles along the boom. Hardi says GeoSelect has a 99.7 per cent hit rate and can reduce…

Landpower displayed a new machine in Melbourne recently, which it expects to be popular this season – the Väderstad PD 400 iCON air seeder. While Väderstad has been perfecting this machine for a while, Australian product manager Murray Tuck believes rising input costs make the iCON concept’s benefits more important than ever. “We questioned when the market was going to go to section control, and now input costs are just going through the roof,” he says. “This year everyone is asking about section control. The iCON concept is weigh scales, section control, input cost saving, accurate seed metering calibrations, virtual boundaries – the whole package. What makes us stand alone in section control is two really simple things and that is scales on the tank, which means we can actually…

Using Trackman tracks rather than tyres on a tractor can reduce soil compaction and lead to advantages, Big Tyre believes. Available through Queensland-based manufacturer and distributor Big Tyre, Trackman rubber tracks dispers the weight of today’s larger tractors to minimise ground pressure by as much as 65 per cent. This means less compaction, superior flotation, improved traction and greater efficiency. Big Tyre sales manager Robert Ward says the use of tracks can bring many benefits for farmers. “A major cause of soil compaction in agricultural soil is wheel traffic,” he says. “The use of tracks instead of tyres on agricultural tractors has the potential of reducing soil compaction because of the reduced surface contact pressure and uniform load distribution over the relatively long track.” Trackman holds more patents than any…

The versatile Moore Uni-Drill range was one of the most impressive arrays of gear at a recent Field Day I attended. Packed with good features, it’s definitely worth considering, particularly if you’re a smaller contractor wanting a machine that will be in high demand, or perhaps a larger farm wanting to have control over your own planting. The beauty of the Moore Uni-Drill is that it’s a reliable and effective performer, while still delivering a simple-to-operate, no-fuss machine without unnecessary bells and whistles. These days, with rising fuel prices, contractors and farmers are having to get smarter and somehow strive to produce more for less. Enter our test machine, the Moore Uni-Drill – a key tool for cost-effective and reliable grass and crop establishment. Test time At a well-attended Field…

A 12-month trial on a cotton farm just outside the rural town of Goondiwindi in Queensland has shown it’s possible to divert large amounts of cotton textile waste at end of life from landfill with no harm done to soil health or cotton yields. Project collaborators are confident that, with a solid business plan and more research, returning shredded cotton products to cotton fields could soon offer benefits to soil health, and be a scalable solution to the global problem of textile waste. “At the very least the trial showed that no harm was done to soil health, with microbial activity slightly increased and at least 2,070kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 e) mitigated through the breakdown of these garments in soil rather than landfill,” soil scientist Dr Oliver Knox…

Waringa Distribution has become the exclusive Australian distributor of cultivation equipment manufacturer Grégoire Besson. The French manufacturer has more than 220 years of history and is regarded as a premium manufacturer of cultivation and soil preparation machinery. Its range includes ploughing, stubble cultivation, soil restructuring and seed bed preparation equipment, with a variety of configurable options suitable for all farm sizes and terrains. Waringa Distribution, founded in 2014, already works with global brands such as Agri-Spread, Elmer’s Manufacturing, Highline Manufacturing, Equalizer and Geringhoff. It has a dealer network totalling more than 60 across the country and distribution hubs in Perth – where its head office is also located – and the Victorian town of Horsham. The company’s general manager Sam Abbott says the deal with Grégoire Besson will help to…

Offering a new forward-folding design, the TurboTopper slasher produced by AusCut Global brings new options for broadacre residue management. Four models are available, with cutting widths of 3m, 3.6m, 9m and 12.2m – with the two smaller models able to be towed by a 100 horsepower (75kW) tractor. The slasher was developed by Cowra-based Roly and Kurtis Larsen, with Roly saying the first unit was started in October last year – with a concept vehicle produced by late February. The units run eight cutter discs as standard on the machines, rather than a blade bar, with Roly saying the discs reduce pressure on the gearboxes and drivelines as well as providing “less unnecessary residue disturbance before it is cut”. “With a bar you can create a wind against the residue…

Customising its telehandlers for different agricultural uses is what sets Dieci machines apart, according to the company’s national dealer manager Tony Lockwood. Rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, Dieci Australia offers telehandlers purpose-built for specific industries, with three examples being its Poultry Pro, Piggery Pro and Cotton Pro units. Lockwood believes the secret to Dieci’s success has stemmed from creating quality Italian-made machines that meet specific needs and are backed up by reliable support. “The quality of the product is solid, they are easy to maintain, easy to get parts for and have good serviceability,” he says. “We have a great dealer network out in the rural areas, so it’s easy to get service and tech support if any issues do arise. “We specialise in more of a…

This strong result is largely due to the end-of-financial-year rush as buyers sought to maximise use of the federal government’s Temporary Full Expensing Program. As we have been reporting for some months, the industry’s ability to deliver tractors in such large quantities is due to the regular forward ordering that has been occurring for two years. The fact remains that if a farmer wants a specific ‘bespoke’ tractor ordered from the factory then delivery will be at least 12 months. Most dealers now are resisting taking forward orders because of the uncertainty surrounding supply combined with the price movements that are beginning to occur across the board. Looking at sales across the nation, results were strong across the board with New South Wales sales up 23 per cent to be…

ACM Rural Events is offering potential attendees 50 per cent off the purchase price of tickets to the AgQuip Field Days if they book online – the first time ticket registration has been implemented. Tickets can be purchased at acmruralevents.com. au/agquip/tickets, with online ticket admission $5 and children under 12 admitted free. An event ticket service is available on site at $10 and children under 12 are free. Ticket booths will be located around the perimeter of the static display area in the main western car park, southern car park and eastern car park. Car parking is free and gates open at 7.30am daily. For anyone who has pre-purchased a ticket online you can present your smartphone with QR code and enter via the pre-purchase laneways. The event’s public opening…

Sprayer manufacturer Hardi has launched its newest product – the Saritor 7000 Mallee edition – during its annual showcase at the company’s Adelaide head office. Packed with technology, the 7,000L self-propelled sprayer is the result of considerable planning by Hardi’s South Australian team. Hardi says it has brought “everything we’ve learned about spray technology together into one machine” in creating the Saritor 7000. It stands out visually thanks to its sleek black design and integrated LED light bar, but its looks are just a tiny part of the equation. Most importantly, there are four different nozzle technologies that farmers can use depending on their requirements. One of these is GeoSelect, the manufacturer’s selective spraying technology, which was first launched at last year’s showcase, and which uses drone mapping of weeds…

Ifm efector’s io-key is described by the company as “like an assistant or a mate” for farmers wanting to spend less time on logistics. In simple terms, the io-key provides remote monitoring of farm information such as irrigation lines, silo capacity or dam levels and does not require advanced connections or installation. “The reason we feel it’s very good for the farming industry is because you don’t need IT knowledge,” ifm business manager Freddie Coertze says. “It’s very easy, you don’t need to know what’s happening inside the product. “All you need to do is just plug in whatever you want to monitor and look it up, and everything just automatically works.” The io-key can provide farmers with data that can be accessed remotely, with alerts sent via SMS if…

Anthony Barr could not speak more glowingly about his post rammer. The New South Wales-based contractor has owned his PR50S rammer from Earthquake for over two years and praises its strength, speed and reliability for transforming his operations. Barr sums up the power of his post rammer succinctly. “Put it this way – if that thing won’t ram it in, it won’t go in,” he says. “We’re using it to ram everything from exclusion strainer posts right through the railway line and drill rod. “I’ve used other rammers before but this one just absolutely runs rings around them. “It’s very compact and very robust, and it’s an amazing bit of gear.” The PR50S silenced rammer, which Barr uses, is described by Earthquake as its “most popular post rammer to date”,…

The collaboration is a joint initiative between the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), CSIRO, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia. Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) chair and grain grower John Woods says the initiative is an important step in developing successful, efficient research collaborations that delivered positive outcomes for WA growers and agriculture more broadly. “GRDC already has significant investments with DPIRD, CSIRO and three of the university partners, but we are keen to be a part of this new collaboration, so we are committing an additional $10 million for WA-focused grains research,” Woods says. “Having the best researchers and research institutions commit to working together to develop innovative solutions to the big issues facing agriculture is monumental.…

Rabobank says Australia will need to both consume and export more avocados as the nation’s growers navigate a period of soaring production growth over the coming five years. This year alone, ‘per capita (person) supply’ of avocados is estimated to be up 26 per cent on the previous 12 months to 4.8 kilogram – equating to 22 avocados for every Australian. In the bank’s outlook for the avocado industry, Rabobank says a significant maturing of avocado trees in the past season resulted in a bumper crop, causing a national oversupply and seeing retail prices fall to a record low of $1 each in June last year and again in July. Retail prices for 2022 remain tracking at 47 per cent below the five-year average. While the low prices have been…

High powered and app-controlled, Honda has launched its new EU32i generator, which can be picked up and carried easily. It can be used to power multiple units simultaneously, has an easy-to-use interface, high output engine and lightweight design. Honda describes this as the world’s first ‘high-output’ generator, producing 3,200 watts. It is also just 26.5kg, so there’s no need for a trolley for transportation. Honda has simplified the operating interface, with the ability to start the engine in just two steps. It says that this is the first ever generator of its kind to include built-in fuel-injection, to optimise fuel for engine temperature and the power needs to maximise burn and minimise emissions. The Eco throttle will adjust the engine speed to produce the specific amount of power needed for…