Equipment

Outstanding start for Agricultural equipment deliveries in 2022

2022 agricultural equipment deliveries have kicked off to fantastic start. This, coupled with many machines that are already on order as customers begin to gear up for spring / summer 2022, is driving the current performance. TAMA president Kyle Baxter said, “he was seeing and hearing first-hand how strengthened commodity prices are giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment”. The flow of equipment into New Zealand has increased dramatically, and this has offered much welcomed relief for customers who are requiring a new piece of equipment, which is then being put to work straight away when it arrives. Overall tractor sales are up more than 25 percent for the year to date compared to 2021 (which was already an increase on 2020 by around 19%) and this trend looks set to continue with confidence in the agri-sector remaining strong”, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association. There have been consistent increases across every horsepower sector, with some standout results in certain sectors such as a 20% increase in the sub 40HP sector, coupled with over a 30% increase in the 100-150HP plus sector which is predominantly used in the dairy segment. Regional performance which has a strong diary influence such as Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Southland, have also experienced significant growth. Lastly, in 40Hp – 100HP sector significant growth of 27% has been achieved, with this category predominately focused on horticulture and some dairy segments in regions such as Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Nelson. Again, strong commodity prices are driving and providing buyer confidence. The 2022 year recorded a superb start, and that, coupled with increasing imports of Ag equipment, is a trend that will likely remain strong all the way through to summer 2022. Many of our members are also turning their eyes to beyond 2022, as they look […]

Construction technology on show at Fieldays

Over the course of Fieldays 2021 some of the latest innovations in next generation construction technology was on show. Synergy had plenty of product demos to elevate awareness around these new and exciting solutions in New Zealand. The positive atmosphere around the live demonstrations was encouraging, and showed that Kiwis are curious to learn more about the latest technology that can maximise efficiency in construction and agriculture. Topcon’s X-53x with the LN-150 Robotic Total Station The latest generation X-53x excavator system on display connected to the Yanmar SV100, and focused on demonstrating the capabilities of the new LN-150 self-levelling robotic total station by Topcon. The beauty of the LN-150 is that it doesn’t rely on satellite tracking or base stations. Instead, it uses optical angles and distancing to measure the prism on top of the cab of the excavator, in combination with IMU sensors within the excavator system, which gives the machine it’s heading and position down to the bucket. This opens up the possibilities in regard to the location of your site, where access to satellites and sky view might be obstructed – working under a building, or a thick bush canopy, for instance. And there was Topcon’s additional pre-release of the slew sensor, which allows you to slew an offset boom excavator more accurately, giving the bucket position left and right. This development has been highly anticipated by the market. On that note, Synergy says a huge thank you to their friends at TransDiesel who supplied them with both the Yanmar excavator, and the Volvo 145 to show off the Steelwrist Tiltrotator. The interactive displays wouldn’t be possible without their help. The Steelwrist Tiltrotator Another show-stopper Synergy had on display was the Steelwrist Tiltrotator. With this amazing piece of technology, they could show the audience some of the latest […]

Treotham presents igus roller e-chain for targeted irrigation with savings potential

New precision irrigation carriage reduces water and fertiliser consumption by 75% – e-chain in a trough guides hoses with additional energy saving The aim of the precision irrigation carriage from Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik is to use water resources sensibly whilst protecting the groundwater at the same time. With the new automatic irrigation system, the water reaches exactly where it should: directly to the plants. For the safe and compact guidance of hoses and cables, the developers rely on an igus energy chain system consisting of roller chain and guide trough. Water shortage is a major problem worldwide, which is why solutions are needed, especially in agriculture, which bring water in a targeted manner to the plant. For this purpose, Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik has developed a precision irrigation carriage together with Landwirtschaftskammer NRW. Whereas conventional irrigation carriages with a continuous jet stream waste a lot of water, the precision watering carriage irrigates and fertilises in a stipulated way. The unique system is especially suitable for outdoor potted plant cultivation and ensures that water is delivered precisely into the middle of the plant’s growing pot. By using this new technology, savings of 50 to 75 per cent are possible in irrigation water, plant protection and fertiliser, depending on the pot size. This also reduces the nitrogen input into the groundwater. The precision irrigation carriage has a span of 40m and a travel of 208m. The cables and hoses for the water supply were pulled behind the carriages until now. A loop was created, which required about 2m of space between the carriage guide and the plants. A safe and space-saving hose with cable guidance was required. Therefore, Ralf Hormes, CEO at Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik, contacted igus. “Together with the igus experts, we decided to design a roller energy chain in a guide trough”, explains Ralf […]

Guardian Everywhere Hub: reliable safety for remote workers

Guardian Angel Security has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with US-based Everywhere Communications for their global product suite for communication, location and monitoring solutions for remote workers. Guardian Angel Security, industry-leading provider of lone and remote work solutions in Australasia, has launched the Guardian Everywhere Hub for robust and secure 24/7 communication, monitoring and local response co-ordination for remote workers; incorporating dual-mode cellular and satellite communications technology solutions from US-based Everywhere Communications. Guardian Angel Security has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island with Everywhere Communications for the use of their global suite of product solutions for communication, location and monitoring of remote workers via satellite devices, smartphone apps, a web portal, location-based services, and APIs using patented deployed technology. Everywhere Communications’ fully integrated multi-mode communications solutions utilise the Iridium satellite constellation, including the newly launched Iridium NEXT satellites, as well as Wi-Fi and cellular networks, to provide always-on connectivity globally, including the over 80 per cent of the world beyond the reach of cellular service. The Guardian Everywhere Hub, compatible with the Garmin inReach Mini, SE+ & Explorer+ devices, allows users to view a snapshot of their entire remote workforce. Colour-coded teams enable users to see the current location of each member or see a historical bread crumb trail. Remote workers can communicate via a chat-style text messaging interface or, when equipped, voice text. Workers with equipped devices can also share geo-tagged pictures, video clips and audio clips. Proactive health and welfare check features include requests of a user’s status – I’m OK, or I’m Not OK. Users can create a virtual geofenced perimeter to surround key worksites for the safe management of personnel in specific zones, and entry and exit alerts can be sent […]

Hottest new dairy technology designed here

Technology designed to bring the power of intelligent communication and unprecedented future proofing to dairy farmers’ milking systems. The product is a newly designed product known as the Bail Marshal. The New Zealand owned company’s Chief Executive Dean Bell says the innovative product has been designed to enable all technology devices on a milking system to work together seamlessly and continually communicate with each other. “I believe the Bail Marshal will be the hottest new dairy technology device farmers will find they absolutely have to have,” Mr Bell says. Waikato Milking Systems is the largest 100% New Zealand owned dairy technology designer and manufacturer. The company exports to more than 30 countries around the world and has dealers nationwide. The company’s high performing milking system designs, including rotary and herringbone, save farmers time, money and labour in the dairy. The Bail Marshal helps improve the efficiency of dairy farming businesses. The Bail Marshal is an intelligent communication device that brings an unbeatable level of integration, simplicity and future proofing to milking systems. With one at every milking point, the Bail Marshal manages connectivity and communication between all bail devices easily and effectively.

New precision irrigation carriage reduces water and fertiliser consumption by 75%

A roller energy chain in a guidelite guide trough ensures safe guidance of the hoses and cables in the precision irrigation carriage. The aim of the precision irrigation carriage from Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik is to use water resources sensibly whilst protecting the groundwater at the same time. With the new automatic irrigation system, the water reaches exactly where it should: directly to the plants. For the safe and compact guidance of hoses and cables, the developers rely on an igus energy chain system consisting of roller chain and guide trough. Water shortage is a major problem worldwide, which is why solutions are needed, especially in agriculture, which bring water in a targeted manner to the plant. For this purpose, Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik has developed a precision irrigation carriage together with Landwirtschaftskammer NRW. Whereas conventional irrigation carriages with a continuous jet stream waste a lot of water, the precision watering carriage irrigates and fertilises in a stipulated way. The unique system is especially suitable for outdoor potted plant cultivation and ensures that water is delivered precisely into the middle of the plant’s growing pot. By using this new technology, savings of 50 to 75 per cent are possible in irrigation water, plant protection and fertiliser, depending on the pot size. This also reduces the nitrogen input into the groundwater. The precision irrigation carriage has a span of 40m and a travel of 208m. The cables and hoses for the water supply were pulled behind the carriages until now. A loop was created, which required about 2m of space between the carriage guide and the plants. A safe and space-saving hose with cable guidance was required. 343 sqm of more usable space The main advantage of the system: by guiding the hoses and cables, the usable area is increased by 343 square metres. It […]

NZ food industry benefits from leading-edge portable drying technology

Drying Solutions Ltd founder Robert and wife Paulette Barnes with their Rexmoi dryer, a unit that services the food and pet-food industry. When Robert Barnes was asked by a friend to build a dryer to dehydrate macadamia nuts 25 years ago, he never thought it would be the start of his own drying machine business. Robert, an electrician and refrigeration engineer by trade, set up his own refrigeration and air-conditioning company in 1989, attracting Port of Tauranga as one of his clients. Since 1995 he has also been using his skills to develop highly innovative Rexmoi Dryers. He sold the refrigeration and air conditioning business five years ago to focus solely on Drying Solutions Ltd. Now Robert is gearing up to exhibit a Rexmoi dryer, at his fourth Foodtech Packtech show next month. Robert says he is proud that his dryers enable people to turn ordinary products, in some cases waste material, into high-quality, high-value finished goods for the ultimate benefit of New Zealand. Rexmoi dryers use a refrigeration system, rather like a heat pump, to create a warm, dry enclosure where the products are dried. Warm, dry, filtered air flows over the product to remove the moisture which is then condensed and drained out through a small pipe. The product is laid out on stainless steel trays mounted on trolleys for easy handling. Several different types of tray are available to suit the various products such as wet slices, nuts, raisins, pet-food and bushy material. The dryers use much less energy than other drying systems and are totally enclosed so no smells or gases are emitted into the atmosphere. They are covered by several patents and trademarks. The drying process is controlled by a programmable controller which Robert sets in conjunction with the client to provide an optimum drying […]

Connectivity key to health and wellbeing at Fieldays Online

If you can do it at Fieldays at Mystery Creek you can do it at Fieldays Online – with the possible exception that you might have to make your own hot bacon roll. The virtual event means you can be immersed in everything you love about the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, at the click of your fingertips. “With connectivity at the centre of the event combined with innovation and adaptability, Fieldays Online is all about bringing Fieldays to anyone, anywhere at any time. The content includes live and on-demand TV, webinars, articles, exclusive deals and much more. This is all delivered in an engaging way and is accessible on any device, so audiences can engage at a time and in a format that suits them,” says Nikki Streater, GM of Satellite, the digital agency building the Fieldays Online platform in partnership with the New Zealand National Fieldays Society. “Satellite are working with exhibitors to turn their product updates/launches, sales, promotions, news & info, activations and features into a digital site that the visitors can easily access and explore. We’ll also have live stream and on-demand videos, panel discussions and webinars bringing the latest innovation and insight for the sector.” The Fieldays Health and Wellbeing Hub, a central part of the traditional event, will be an interactive space for visitors to enjoy during Fieldays Online. Kiwi favourites Hyundai, who have been attending Fieldays since 2004, are bringing their ‘Good as Gold’ Fieldays deals as well as a unique health and wellbeing offering to the virtual event. At Fieldays Online, one of Hyundai’s ambassadors, ‘Dr Tom’ will be hosting a series of ‘talks’ on Fieldays TV, both live and on-demand, sharing with viewers some of his PGG Wrightson ‘Walk the Talk’ Wellness Tour stories from his travels meeting farmers around the countryside. […]

UBCO unveils game-changing FRX1 trail bike

Kiwi Utility Electric Vehicle (UEV) company, UBCO, has unveiled the innovative new Electric Trail Bike (FRX1). It has also launched a public capital raise of up to NZ$2m to drive further growth in product, inventory and market development, via online investment platform Snowball Effect. Pairing the power of a motocross bike with the agility of a mountain bike, the FRX1 is a high-performance, light-weight trail bike designed specifically for off-road riding – and brings UBCO closer to delivering its complete product platform. UBCO co-founder and CEO Timothy Allan says, “The FRX1 Trail Bike adds to the existing 2×2 Utility Bike and the incoming KXH portable Power Supply. Our goal is to deliver the world’s first full Off Road Electric Vehicle Platform.” Founded in 2015, the Tauranga-based company is developing a complete product platform, combining a range of two and four wheel electric vehicles, with three enabling products and services: Portable Power, Accessories and Subscription Software (SaaS). UBCO first experienced success in 2016 with the launch of the world’s first electric-powered two-wheel drive motorcycle, designed for off-road use in farming, followed by tourism, conservation and a range of other applications. It later released an upgraded dual-purpose model in response to demand for a road legal version, which expanded its use into recreational and urban environments. The unique design, functionality, safety and sustainability of its innovative products helped fuel UBCO’s successful entrance to the Australian, US and European individual and commercial fleet markets – including Agriculture, Tourism, Conservation, Food Delivery and Postal Delivery, among others. Having sold over 1,000 units since launch, and now working with over 120 dealers globally, export sales currently account for 70 percent of Global Revenue – with US sales achieving 50 percent of this. The company is forecasting a jump revenue of NZ$12.1m in FY20-21 with the […]

ThinkTop revolutionises valve sensing and control units

Alfa Laval has unveiled a refreshed, rethought version of the Alfa LavalThinkTop, the company’s best-selling valve sensing and control unit for hygienic valves used in the dairy, food, beverage, brewery and pharmaceutical industries. The Alfa Laval ThinkTop V50 and V70, the second-generation of premium control units, have been reengineered to meet customer needs while incorporating the latest advances in technology. “We have listened carefully to what customers want from a valve sensing and control unit,” says René Stietz, Product Management Valves & Automation, Hygienic Fluid Handling, Alfa Laval. “The changes we’ve made to the ThinkTop are highly responsive to customer needs and therefore highly relevant – for instance, faster and more intuitive setup without compromising durability and reliability.” Reengineered to meet customer needs For the first time, the rethought Alfa Laval ThinkTop offers customers fast and intuitive setup and commissioning; enhanced 360° LED visual status indication, a repositioned Gore Vent, a more compact and aesthetic design, burst seat clean functionality, and a QR code for easy online access to support materials and direct support. Fast and intuitiveThe new auto setup feature offers manufacturers quick, easy commissioning – up to 90% faster than the previous generation. Plus, the live setup feature coupled with true valve recognition ensures the perfect match during any-and-all setups. Adaptable and smartThe new ThinkTop fits on any Alfa Laval valve, making it perfect for all retrofits. What’s more, it is smart. It features 24/7 self-diagnostics, checking and remedying operations when required, and an enhanced 360° LED visual status indication so that operators can clearly see the valve status no matter where they are on the production floor. Durable and reliable The new ThinkTop is as long-lasting and dependable as the first generation. However, repositioning the Gore Vent makes the ThinkTop more durable and more reliable than before, […]

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