News
Agritechnica launch for innovative new machinery Väderstad has announced the launch of three new systems, showcased for the first time at Agritechnica. Maximising yield potential The innovative Tempo WideLining system promises to maximise yield potential. It is the world’s first tramlining system which enables farmers to spread liquid manure in a standing silage maize crop, without compromising yield potential. Instead of shutting off row units to create tramlines, WideLining automatically changes the planter row spacing hydraulically to create two 1,050mm tyre tracks, thereby ensuring all row units plant at full capacity. The row spacing between the tyre tracks will go from 750–600mm.
WideLining is fully automatic and integrated in the iPad-based control system, Väderstad E-Control. When the function is activated, the machine will calculate the field and automatically adjust the row units to create tramlines based on the working width of the liquid manure spreader. How WideLining works in practice, for example, is establishing silage maize with an 8-row planter and using a liquid manure spreader with 18m working width, the drill should plant 8.3 per cent more seeds in the field compared to alternative technology available on the market. The technology will be available on Tempo V 6-12 from the second half of 2020.
A performance standard The company is also launching the NZ Extreme 1250-1425 heavy duty tine harrow. The 12.50-14.25m
68170
Tempo WideLining.
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machine sets a new standard for field performance when it comes to seedbed preparation, says the manufacturer. The NZ Extreme’s innovative high-quality design brings capacity and agronomic benefits. Design focus has been largely on the tines of the new heavy-duty harrow. An intense vibrating tine action combined with extreme stiffness and durability is capable of crushing clods, while maintaining an exact depth and completely level field. To ensure precise field contour following and to be able to adapt to the field surface and maintain depth, the NZ Extreme is built from a five section frame. This is enhanced by an innovative weight transfer, ingenious wheel setup and heavy machine design. A limited number of NZ Extreme machines will be available in selected markets in 2020, with production starting in 2021.
Central-fill Tempo drill A new central-fill function is an option for the high speed Tempo L planter to increase capacity of
Tempo L 16.
this world-record holding drill. It will be on show for the first time at Agritechnica 2019, with 12–24 row unit versions (Tempo L 12, Tempo L 16, Tempo L 18 and Tempo L 24) available on the market in early 2021. Central filling means that instead of loading seed into each of the row units, the operator will only have to fill one large central 3,000-litre seed hopper. The Tempo L drill will then take care of seed distribution to each row unit. The central-fill feature works as a pressurised system, constantly feeding the seed meters, at which point the patented PowerShoot technology ensures excellent establishment, the company says. ■
Anti-freeze and coolants prices set to rise Maintaining your machinery’s cooling system is important to all year-round performance, but extra care must be taken during the winter months. Anti-freeze and coolants keep engines cool in the summer and offer frost protection in the winter, without which the system could freeze and cause engine damage that is impossible to repair. Therefore, it is vital to use a quality product, according to lubricant specialists the Witham Group. As winter looms, anti-freeze and coolants prices are set to rise considerably due to some unique market influences. For example, there is likely to be an increase in demand from China following US trade talks, which will create a tightening of supply across Europe. It is expected that Brexit will continue to have an adverse effect on the strength of the pound. Brexit could trigger not only finished material price increases due to currency changes, but also a possible delay in bringing tankers from the EU into the UK. While the weather is an unknown factor, extreme cold spells as we head into winter would lead to increases in demand – inevitably putting pressure on tightening suppliers.
As winter looms, anti-freeze and coolants prices are set to rise considerably due to some unique market influences.
The Witham Group says it has secured good rates on bulk orders from coolant manufacturers, to ensure there is enough supply at the best price for customers. In addition, they offer a range of three products, to suit different budgets and applications. The company provides officially approved OEM coolant products for trucks, buses and vans, as well as cars, construction machines and agricultural tractors. Witham Group managing director, Nigel Bottom commented: “Witham is encouraging customers to place orders for anti-freeze/coolants as soon as possible to get the best value price and to help avoid any unforeseeable spikes in demand or price increases. We are advising new and existing customers to get in touch as soon as possible to help ensure supplies are available going forward.” ■
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