Farms & Farm Machinery #450 May 2025

CHOOSE TYRES THAT WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO.

CHOOSE A PARTNER WHO KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE 70 YEARS IN THE FIELD.

On the cover

10 Bourgault says the time is now for farmers to upgrade their seeding equipment – with multiple reasons why

6 Looking back as magazine marks

Industry news

16 Meat & Livestock Australia forms transport taskforce

16 Research project into soil water repellence

18 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state winners named

20 Further hay donations help ease drought stress

20 Help for SA dairy farmers a ected by liquidation

21 SA government details further drought package

22 Mildew and drought-resistant grapes planted in Coonawarra

22 Red meat industry gets improved access to China

23 Local reaction to USA tari s on Australian beef

Market news

50 National tractor sales were steady in March, the Tractor and Machinery Association says, although two states rose

with fallout from the United States imposing tari s, WAFarmers CEO Trevor Whittington argues the impact will also be strongly felt in America

Dealer and event news

14 Wise Farm Equipment adds new locations and brand

15 Growers to gather in Brisbane for Hort Connections

56 Merlo Group Australia marks 20 years in operation

58 Machinery highlights from Farm World eld days

Regular items

4 Editor’s note

54 Calendar of upcoming events

74 List your item for sale!

Energy Australia supplying trusted Shell Lubricants

Editor Lincoln Bertelli

lincoln.bertelli@primecreative.com.au

Journalist Jackson Haddad

Contributors Trevor Whittington, Gary Northover

Design Danielle Harris, Jacqueline Buckmaster

Art Director Daz Woolley

Managing Editor Eugene Du y

Cover image Bourgault

52 As Australia and the world deal

81 Leading the future Australian manufacturers to bene t from international partnership

Image: Merlo

Welcome

to

the

latest edition of Farms & Farm Machinery

Agriculture can o en be a mix of focusing on the present and ensuring daily operations keep ticking over, while also maintaining a ‘bigger picture’ perspective and planning for the future.

Amongst all of this, there can always be room for a nostalgic look back to the past.

This edition of Farms & Farm Machinery combines all three of these themes.

Our look back to the past comes via a snapshot of an edition from March 1993 as we delve into the archives to mark our milestone 450th edition of the magazine.

Doing this provides an insight into how the magazine – and Australian agriculture more broadly – has evolved over time.

The look at farming’s ‘bigger picture’ and the need to plan ahead comes via our cover story, where seeding equipment manufacturer Bourgault is o ering an early order program to encourage farmers to lock in their 2026 purchases now.

With discounts on o er and delivery locked in early, we hear about the bene ts of thinking about next year now – as well as delving into the company’s range of specialised products which can enhance the 2026 seeding season.

There is plenty of machinery to talk about in this edition – highlighted by the new Ford Ranger Super Duty which has launched and promises the ruggedness that Australian farmers require.

We speak to the team from Wattz lights to learn more about the science behind the products, which are o ering an exciting and powerful new alternative for farmers.

Speaking to farmers directly about their machinery and telling their stories has been a priority for this magazine, and in this edition we hear from a Victorian ower grower about his McCormick tractor.

Some of the other products pro led include Dieci’s Poultry Pro 30.7 telehandler and Viva En

ergy Australia’s range of Shell Lubricants, while we also discuss CJD Equipment’s ongoing role as the national distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment.

There is exciting news also from Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales, which now has a new name. We reveal what it is and why the company feels this new identity better re ects its evolution.

Merlo Group Australia also recently celebrated 20 years in business and we share the photos and stories from their celebratory event.

Farms & Farm Machinery also headed to Warragul, east of Melbourne, in late March for the Farm World eld day and we highlight the range of machinery which was on display at this popular annual event.

Our industry news section looks at the state winners for this year’s AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, ahead of the national winner being announced later in the year.

We also get reaction to the United States government’s decision to impose tari s on products including Australian beef.

It is a time when eyes are focused on the political landscape both locally and globally and our next edition will look at how the recent election will impact what comes next for Australian agriculture.

Lincoln Bertelli Editor

Looking back

As Farms & Farm Machinery marks another milestone, with this being our 450th edition, we take a look back through the archives to chart the magazine’s evolution

Farms & Farm Machinery has a long and proud history in Australia’s agricultural landscape, having existed for more than 35 years and now reaching our 450th edition.

Just as the wider Australian agricultural sector has changed over that time, so too has the style, priorities and purpose of the magazine.

Having existed primarily as a classi ed magazine in its early years, Farms & Farm Machinery has evolved into a product which is about storytelling – showcasing the machinery through the Australian farmers actually using it – along with articles about newly launched products and wider industry news.

Looking back at one selected edition from our archives – the March 1993 edition – shows the ways in which many things have changed, but some which remain strong despite the passage of time.

The cover of our March 1993 edition

The Veldonas ad from March 1993

Originally in more of a newspaper size, there were only four pages of news in this edition – all of which were short pieces.

The remainder of the magazine was classi ed listings, mostly from dealers around Australia.

Many of these dealers no longer exist or have been merged into larger dealership groups.

Some of them are still going strong though and still feature in the pages of Farms & Farm Machinery today – including Veldonas, Massaro Motors, Robinsons of Bookham and Wrights Tractors.

Their classi ed listings, along other dealers from around Australia, form the thousands of listings which are available around the clock through our TradeFarmMachinery website.

Unlike today’s edition, very few pages were in colour in March 1993, with only

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Victoria’s Massaro Motors featured in that edition

the cover and a couple of selected double-page spreads having that honour.

While there have been a lot of changes to the Farms & Farm Machinery style and wider media landscape during the 32 years since that March 1993 edition was published, we are proud to remain a part of Australian agriculture’s ongoing story. We look forward to telling many more stories, showcasing the breadth of products on o er and publishing many more editions to come.

Robinsons of Bookham is one company which has remained strong 30 years later

A JCB Fastrac ad was one of the few pages in colour

Australia’s Most Useful Attachment

Time TO STRIKE

Bourgault says there are several reasons why now is the right time for farmers to upgrade their seeding equipment

An early order program, bonus product add-on, and extensive range of seeding equipment has Bourgault excited about what lies ahead for Australian farmers.

The time is now for farmers to start planning for the 2026 seeding season, the company says, with early ordering helping to not only ensure the best deals are locked in but also providing the complete choice of equipment and securing delivery ahead of the season.

Bourgault specialises in products which are suited to Australian conditions – with many having been designed speci cally for the local market – and this is demonstrated by the unique features which many of them o er.

One such product is the 4420 Deep Knife Drill (DKD) which has seen a significant uptake from farmers who observed and were impressed by its results during

the product’s maiden season.

Another is Bourgault’s 3720 ParaLink Walking (PLW) Coulter Drill, which is now available with a free, limited time upgrade to a Disk Wing scraper which enables it to become a dual shoot distribution machine with fertiliser and seed placed in the ground separately.

Combined with other products including air carts that exceed 45,000L in capacity, it means Australian farmers can be con dent that Bourgault can help with whatever their seeding requirements are.

Early bird

Bourgault has a strong customer base on both sides of Australia and prides itself on having a true national presence.

The company has full distribution centres in both Perth and Albury – with extensive spare parts, workshops, o ce and sta

in both locations – meaning customers across the country can access machinery, support and parts quickly.

This means that if a customer who may never have used Bourgault products chooses to purchase during the early order program, they can be con dent they will also have the a ersales support they need for the life of the machine.

Ongoing support is just one of the many incentives on o er from Bourgault Australia for early buying though.

To encourage early ordering, the best deals are available from now until the end of June, Bourgault says, with some early ordering deals still available a er this date.

Bourgault Australia’s Mark Harrison says these price savings are one of many reasons why customers should get in early ahead of the 2026 season.

The 4420 DKD has been a successful product for Bourgault

“The early order program allows you to get in early and get a good discount as the earlier you order in the program, the stronger the deals are,” he says.

“It also allows plenty of time to order in the exact stock that someone might want, so your delivery times are never a concern if you’re on the early order program.

“We’re still ordering equipment on the factory at this point so if you order early you can get a good price and also get exactly what you want.

“If you leave it until later in the season, you’re more at the whim of what stock we’re carrying - which might not be exactly what you’re a er.”

Getting ahead

One of Bourgault’s star attractions is its 3720 PLW Coulter Drill, which forms part of another of the company’s current promotions.

Until June 30, or sooner if stock runs out, Bourgault is giving customers who order this product an additional bene t of its unique Disk Wing scraper.

When the drill is tted with this scraper and a dual shoot distribution system, starter fertiliser is directed to the bottom of the furrow while the seed is directed to a soil shelf created by the opener to the side of the coulter furrow.

“By placing fertiliser and seed separately in the ground, it helps to reduces things like fertiliser burn on seed and allows you to plant higher rates of fertiliser, while not affecting your germination and early stages of growth,” Harrison says.

“If you take the free upgrade to the disc wing scraper option, which is a signi cant upgrade, you’ve got a dual shoot so you can plant your fertiliser and seed separately to each other.

“There are not a lot of companies that o er a dual shoot disk machine on the market and PLW with a disk wing scraper can do that.

“It’s the same opener itself - the PLW opener is the single disc opener - and then the disc wing scraper allows you to do double shoot.”

Bourgault’s PLW Coulter Drill is available in working widths between 9.1m and 21.3m working widths, with row spacings o ered at 190mm, 254mm and 305mm.

Precision and uniformity are two of the PLW’s standout features, Bourgault says, with even germination and minimal soil disturbance among the other bene ts it o ers.

The patented ParaLink Walking axle design splits the opener downforce, with one-third being at the cleaner wheel and the remaining two-thirds being at the packet wheel during typical operation.

The bene ts are enormous, Bourgault says, with vertical movement of the seed boot and scraper reduced by approximately half, which results in exceptional seed depth consistency.

Bourgault’s PLW coulter assemblies also feature hydraulically controlled parallel arms with on-the-go adjustment from the tractor cabin.

They can also be tted with Bourgault’s PackMaster system as an optional extra, which provides automated packing pressure adjustments determined by changes in soil conditions without the need for manual adjustment.

Popular choice

Another of Bourgault’s standout products – and which has also been manufactured with the Australian market in mind – is the 4420 DKD.

This deep knife drill is optimised for

depths between 12cm and 16.5cm below the surface and has proven a winner since its introduction in late 2023.

“We had another good uptake in the last season, selling machines across the country, and the feedback we’re getting has been really good,” Harrison says.

“Germination has been excellent, so we’ve had a lot of customers that looked at some machines which were sowing a year prior and made their purchases o the back of looking at machines that have been already in the eld.

“They were fairly impressed with what they saw the previous season and we got a number of orders o the results that we had in the paddock.”

This word-of-mouth endorsement has been a winner for Bourgault so far, with several areas being highlighted by these early adopters of the new drill.

“Reliability has been good; people are liking the ease of adjustment and there’s been a lot of positive feedback,” Harrison says.

“The transport width has been a big tick as well, because we can do a 12m or 18m machine and remain under 5.5m transport width.

“Going to large machines but keeping a narrow transport width is pretty critical to a lot of people.”

Despite its ability to be folded away to under 5.5m for transport, the 4420 DKD can still be paired with any of Bourgault’s air carts – even the 45,000L giant.

The new style seeder bar has a deep-ripping front fertiliser knife, a new opener, and a seed knife which follows behind on a parallel arm to give accurate seed placement and depth setting.

It can carry up to 5,400L of liquid on board, which helps to reduce lling time.

Images: Bourgault

Complete package

Bourgault understands the importance of endorsements from customers who are already using these new and unique products, along with the desire from some people who want to see them in action before investing.

This is why the company had a major in-house eld day for customers at its Albury site last year, something which Harrison says is planned to occur again this spring.

“We put all the machines together and we have a fairly large display of equipment, people can come through and look at all the di erent models of air seeders, bins, bars and openers and talk to all the reps about the equipment,”

down the track, Harrison says the time remains now to lock in early orders for the 2026 season and trust in Bourgault.

“We have an excellent product range and we’re one of the leading air seeder manufacturers in the world,” he says.

“We’ve got a lot of service and support in Australia and our parts backup is strong.

“Having the local backup is critical during the season when we have customers calling for service and support.

“We’re well equipped to service the machines that we’re selling and we get a lot of positive feedback on our setup in Australia.

“If customers are planning to upgrade their seeding equipment for 2026, they

Bourgault’s 4420 DKD working at a farm in Western Australia

Bourgault’s products are designed for superior seeding

Wise call

Wise Farm Equipment has expanded its footprint in South Australia, acquiring two dealerships which will enable it to now sell Case IH machinery

South Australian agricultural machinery business Wise Farm Equipment has undergone a major expansion, with the acquisition of two Case IH dealership outlets in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier.

These are the former Hage Tractors and Implements dealerships, which will enable Wise Farm Equipment to include Case IH machinery in its o ering from these two locations.

Wise has represented fellow CNH Industrial brand New Holland since 1981, and will continue to sell New Holland exclusively from its original Bordertown dealership.

Second-generation business owner Grant Wise says he, along with wife Nicole and the business’ 48 sta , are looking forward to the new opportunities o ered by the expansion and what it means for their existing and new customers.

“As a proud family-owned business ourselves, we saw the opportunity to purchase another respected family business and to really solidify our position as agricultural machinery suppliers in the south-east of South Australia,” Grant says.

“This decision to invest and expand is about our future, and our commitment to supporting our customers who now have more options available in more locations,

with quality CNH-backed brands available at each location.

“This expansion allows us to take advantage of some synergies with training, with parts supply and availability, through the sharing of service resources when needed, and with a broader management structure, o ering more skills across the board.

“This will bene t our customers and provide opportunities for growth and development for our sta . We are committed to supporting our new and existing customers with the same focus on a ersales support we have built our reputation on.”

Grant says South Australia’s south-east is a diverse farming area, with businesses ranging from broadacre and livestock, to horticulture and viticulture.

The new Wise Farm Equipment dealerships will be o ering the full range of Case IH tractors, combines and hay equipment, he says, while the two sites will also be representing the Flexi-Coil and Horwood Bagshaw brands.

CNH business director – agriculture ANZ, Aaron Bett, congratulated Wise Farm Equipment on the move and says the business will be a great addition to the Case IH dealer network.

“Hage Tractors and Implements served

the Naracoorte and Mount Gambier areas very well for many years, so we welcome the acquisition of these Case IH machinery dealerships by Wise Farm Equipment, which has built a reputation for quality service in the Bordertown region,” he says.

“We know they’ll bring this dedication and expertise to the Case IH brand in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier, and both existing and new customers can be assured they are in the best of hands.”

Grant and Nicole Wise are second-generation owners of the business, having taken over from Grant’s parents Harold and Joy.

The past 24 months has seen the business introduce shareholders for the rst time, namely three current employees.

These are experienced service technician William Dreckow, machinery salesperson Tim Ballinger, and business manager Kane Cuthbertson.

“We’re excited to have William, Tim and Kane come in as shareholders with a commitment to, and a nancial stake in, Wise Farm Equipment,” Grant says.

“It’s a business model we will continue to pursue to o er opportunities and growth for the right people to ensure our organisation has a key point of di erence and a positive future in the industry, along with a solid succession plan.”

Wise Farm Equipment team Tim Ballinger, Nicole Wise, Grant Wise, Kane Cuthbertson and William Dreckow. Image: Case IH

Industry gathers

Australia’s horticulture industry will gather in Brisbane for this year’s Hort Connections event

More than 200 companies are expected to exhibit at next month’s Hort Connections.

Being held at the Brisbane Convention Centre, the Australian horticulture industry’s largest conference and trade show brings together the sector for three days of networking, industry recognition and product showcasing.

Hort Connections was established in 2017 when AUSVEG and International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ joined forces, and the event has grown to the point of hosting 4,200 delegates during last year’s staging in Melbourne.

The focal point of the event will be the trade show, where the latest in machinery

There will also be an industry breakfast with a keynote speaker to o cially kick o , while a gala dinner at the end will include the announcement of Horticulture Awards for Excellence winners.

Speakers will also feature throughout the trade show, with sessions held throughout to enable delegates to hear from experts on the industry’s most pressing issues.

Visitors will also have the option of attending an o -site farm tour before the conference begins, enabling them to learn from some of the region’s most innovative horticulture growers.

to purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines and maximise their Hort Connections experience.

The event will commence with the farm tours and a welcome reception on Wednesday June 4.

The Perfection Fresh breakfast and opening day of the trade show will be on Thursday June 5, before the event wraps up with the second trade show day and gala dinner on Friday June 6.

For more details, or to register and attend Hort Connections 2025 in Brisbane, visit www.hortconnections.com.au

Hort Connections will head to Brisbane after a successful staging in Melbourne last year. Image: Prime Creative Media

Animal welfare

A taskforce created by Meat & Livestock Australia will look at ways of improving the welfare of livestock when being transported

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has formed a Transport Sustainability Taskforce with red meat supply chain representatives to measure animal movement and welfare metrics for the livestock road transport industry.

The taskforce will guide the domestic livestock transport industry’s focus on three pillars – animal welfare, education and training, and supply chain e ciency. This will include identifying and evaluating practical animal welfare indicators to track and report sheep and cattle welfare throughout the road transport chain.

Annual tracking of animal movements, animal welfare status and overall performance will build transparency and highlight areas for improvement, MLA adds.

Data recorded will then be reported in the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework and Sheep Sustainability Framework. MLA project manager animal wellbeing Sharon Dundon says the taskforce consists of people from across the supply chain including producers, saleyards, agents, transporters, retailers and processors, which brings expertise in science, industry knowledge and practical experience.

Water resistant

Australian grain growers will be able to better manage and mitigate soil water repellence and its impact on crops thanks to a new research project

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has invested $3.9 million into a ve-year research project that aims to explore better management of soil water repellence and its impact on crops.

Soil water repellence is where soils temporarily resist wetting, restricting the water available for crops.

The GRDC says it a ects more than ve million hectares of cropping area in western and southern Australia, costing growers an estimated $100 million each year in reduced yield, due to poorer germination, nutrient storage and availability, and plant-available water.

Led by Murdoch University in WA, the research project will explore the relationship between soil repellence and crop and pasture species, stubble and farming systems across di erent seasons and soil types.

Project lead professor David Henry from Murdoch University says the spatial and seasonal variations in soil water repellence create signi cant challenges for growers.

“Australian growers are aware of existing amelioration and mitigation methods available for managing soil water repellence, largely due to previous GRDC-invest-

ed research in this space,” he says.

“However, there are gaps and issues remaining including the dependence on applying soil wetters each year, the ‘patchiness’ of areas a ected and the impact of stubble.

“The project team will explore how common crop types – wheat, canola, barley, oats, and pulses – as well as pasture species – ryegrass and clover – contribute to soil water repellence both within and across crop rotations.”

GRDC manager sustainable cropping systems Rowan Maddern says previous projects looking at available management options for soil water repellence included wetter placement, application rates, wetter tie ups on stubble and practical methods for applying clay.

“The unpredictable and transient nature of soil water repellence, coupled with gaps in understanding of where and when to target soil amelioration, means that wetters are o en applied by growers as an insurance option, which can be expensive and is not always e ective,” Maddern says.

“This project will explore these gaps and issues to develop management options for

“Across the country, trucks are transporting livestock daily. It’s crucial for the entire industry to proactively collaborate, ensuring we do right by our animals and our industry,” Dundon says.

“This taskforce is bringing the industry together, helping people understand their roles and responsibilities for livestock transport. It is also helping improve the understanding that best practice livestock transport comes down to good preparation.”

Chair of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework Patrick Hutchinson says the taskforce is needed to provide a supply-chain wide approach to considering the risks and opportunities for domestic livestock transport.

Hutchinson adds he hopes the taskforce would lead to greater recognition of the vital role transport plays in the supply chain as well as considering how challenges can be solved.

growers focusing on crop type and environmental conditions, cost-bene t analysis and the biological and wetter chemistries currently available.”

Information and resources generated by the project will support growers to manage soil water repellence both strategically and tactically.

They will include recommendations on crop sequence and strategic soil tillage such as spading, as well as optimal sowing times, direction of sowing and the use of soil wetters.

Field trials for the project will start this year in the Geraldton and Wickepin regions in WA, the Mallee region in SA and the Mallee/Wimmera region of Victoria across a range of non-wetting soil types.

MLA project manager animal wellbeing Sharon Dundon. Image: MLA

Project lead professor David Henry. Image: Evan Collis/GRDC

HANDLE MORE OUT BACK

Vehicle shown with optional accessories, modifications and conversions. Specifications, features and finishes shown are subject to change and will vary on production model.

ful in a small, tangible token that reminds people they are not alone.”

With her Westpac grant, De Jonge plans to expand 1000 Hearts, increasing the reach of this initiative and ensuring more people in need, particularly those in hospitals, aged care facilities, crisis centres and schools can bene t from this act of kindness.

Queensland – Nicole McNaughton CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) Nicole McNaughton was named Queensland’s winner for her leadership in strengthening regional food and agribusiness industries.

National nalists

AgriFutures Australia has named its Rural Women’s Award state and territory award winners, who will now represent their states at the national announcement

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

State winners receive a $15,000 Westpac grant for a project, business or program, and access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Later this year, the national winner and runner-up will be announced at Australian Parliament House in Canberra, with the national winner awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the runner-up an additional $15,000.

Each state and territory has now named its winner, who become national nalists.

Victoria – Mary Cole

An internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology, Mary Cole has dedicated her career to advocating for biological farming practices that regenerate soil health, reduce synthetic chemical use, and improve the long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture.

She was named the winner for her pioneering work in biological farming and soil microbiology, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

“For more than 45 years, I have been working to promote biological farming

methods that not only sustain the land but also ensure farmers remain nancially viable for generations to come,” Cole says,

“Through education, research, and on-farm application, I have seen rst-hand how prioritising soil health can transform agricultural productivity, reduce farmer input costs, and protect the environment.

“This award will allow me to expand my work, reaching more farmers and communities with solutions that are cost-e ective and regenerative.”

Tasmania – Sarah De Jonge

Sarah De Jonge is the founder of 1000 Hearts, a movement dedicated to spreading kindness and human connection through handmade fabric hearts.

The project began in 2016 as a simple, personal act of kindness, hand-stitching tiny fabric hearts to give away, and what started as a heartfelt gesture has since grown into a global movement, with thousands of volunteers and community groups sewing and sharing hearts as symbols of comfort, hope and connection.

“1000 Hearts began as a way for me to o er kindness to people in need, and it has since grown into something far beyond what I ever imagined,” De Jonge says.

“The response from communities, hospitals, and individuals across the world has been overwhelming.

“There is something incredibly power-

At the helm of one of Australia’s leading food industry clusters, McNaughton leads the FAN in connecting and supporting over 420 members across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions, fostering collaboration, growth and innovation.

McNaughton has dedicated her career to connecting producers, manufacturers and industry leaders, ensuring regional food businesses can thrive in domestic and global markets.

“The success of regional agribusiness depends on strong collaboration and FAN exists to bring people together producers, innovators, and businesses to grow stronger as a collective,” McNaughton says.

“This award is a testament to the impact of our food and agribusiness community in Queensland, and I’m honoured to champion the incredible work being done across our regions.”

Western Australia – Isabella Thrupp Isabella Thrupp is the founder of Prinking in Pindan, a new workwear brand inspired by life on cattle stations in the Kimberley.

A er relocating to the Kimberley region, the project started a er having conversations about the struggle of nding jeans that could withstand the harsh conditions of station life.

Jeans needed to be durable, comfortable and a ordable, and these discussions planted the seed for Prinking in Pindan, a brand built from the dust and determination of the outback.

“Today, Prinking in Pindan is more than just a clothing brand – it’s a celebration of life in the outback,” Thrupp says.

“I am passionate about empowering rural women, bridging the gap between country and city, and championing sustainability in an industry that o en overlooks the needs of those on the land.

“This award will allow me to drive innovative product development, amplify our brand’s presence across diverse communities, integrate eco-friendly practices into every facet of our work and deepen our

Kelly Johnson (middle) was named the South Australian winner for her leadership in transforming food waste into opportunity. Image: AgriFutures Australia

engagement with local communities.

“It is an investment in both our creative vision and our commitment to lasting, positive change.”

South Australia – Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson was named her state’s winner for her leadership in transforming food waste into opportunity.

Johnson’s enterprise SPhiker turns surplus and second-grade produce, purchased straight from farms, into shelf-stable meals, setting a new standard in circular economy-based agribusiness.

“Rural enterprises are uniquely positioned to lead the way in sustainability. With SPhiker, we’re showing how you can make great food, back local growers and tackle food waste,” Johnson says.

“This award is a powerful recognition of the role regional women play in shaping a more resilient, responsible future for our food systems.”

With the $15,000 Westpac grant, Johnson will invest in specialised equipment to help scale SPhiker‘s operations.

This addition will enhance production by reducing cooking times and allow the inclusion of new produce, expanding

meal o erings, further reducing food waste and supporting more South Australian farmers.

Northern Territory – Kristy Hollis

Kristy Hollis, founder of Everlasting Health, with her project ‘Women’s Business: Nurture and Thrive’, is a trailblazer in naturopathic care and is committed to transforming rural healthcare through holistic, communitydriven approaches.

With over 23 years of experience, Hollis is a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor. She has worked with more than 8,000 women through clinics, workshops and events, bringing a unique perspective to rural and remote health in the Northern Territory.

Hollis’s work is informed by both lived experience and deep industry knowledge. Inspired by her nan Norma, and the power of herbs, her journey began with eradicating weeds using insects, only to later recognise their value as medicinal allies.

Today, she is driven by a passion for bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, particularly in preventing chronic disease in underserved communities.

“Australia’s healthcare system still focuses heavily on treatment over prevention,” Hollis says.

“In regional areas, the cost of chronic disease is profound, economically, socially and emotionally. I believe a respectful, collaborative approach that embraces both traditional and modern medicine can improve outcomes and strengthen whole communities.”

New South Wales – Carol Mudford

Carol Mudford from Dubbo is the founder of sHedway, a community-led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support to shearers.

Mudford is a registered nurse, shearer and wool handler and aims to expand the reach of sHedway across the country with her grant, having delivered 42 events across every mainland state in 2024.

“sHedway exists because I believe in the strength of our shearing family,” she says..

“ It’s time mental health was prioritised alongside safety and skill. Our mission is to make sure everyone working in the sheds knows how to look a er their mental health as well as they look a er their shearing gear.”

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More than 4,200 tonnes of hay has been delivered to primary producers in South Australia. Image: Barrys Gallery/stock.adobe.com

Delivery day

South Australian farmers battling the ongoing e ects of drought are receiving support, with thousands of tonnes of fodder already delivered and more to come

The South Australian government has included additional hay runs in an expanded Drought Support Package.

A new $2 million investment in charity hay runs has enabled more than 4,200 tonnes of hay to be delivered to 436 primary producers across drought-a ected regions of the state.

The program has been delivered in close partnership with ve charitable organisations – Rural Aid, Rapid Relief Team, Aussie Hay Runners, Need for Feed, and Farmers Relief Agency – each

working to get fodder to those most in need.

This investment is in addition to the state government’s recent announcement of a further $4 million in funding for the SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme – taking the total to $6 million – to assist with the cost of transporting donated fodder across South Australia.

Currently, Rural Aid and Farmers Relief Agency are continuing to deliver fodder regularly to small groups of farmers, and Rapid Relief Team is preparing a major

delivery to the mid-north scheduled for early June.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia is actively working with the charities to enable feedback gathered from producers to help nalise the next phase of the scheme.

This includes targeting support across geographical areas and streamlining administrative requirements to focus on delivery.

Primary producers are encouraged to contact participating organisations directly to understand what types of fodder are available and to register their interest.

For more information about the SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme, visit pir.sa.gov.au/drought

photology1971/stock.adobe.com

Support system

Dairy farmers impacted by the collapse of Beston Global Food will receive nancial support through a South Australian government assistance program

A $3 million government support scheme will be administered by the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association to help farmers le out of pocket due to the collapse of dairy company Beston Global Food.

Beston went into administration on September 23 last year and by November 26, the administrator, KPMG, announced it no longer had the funding to continue operations.

By December 6, milk production ceased and a er a creditor meeting on February 21, 2025, Beston was placed into liquidation.

According to the state government, the covid pandemic and rising interest rates have been blamed for contributing to Beston’s collapse.

To help dairy farmers re-establish themselves and grow, grants will be available to those listed as creditors in the Beston liquidation process, enabling them to invest in farm modi cations, pay invoices or accounts or reduce working capital debt facilities.

The grants will not exceed the amount lost as a result of Beston going into administration, and applicants will be required

to submit a plan for how farmers intend to utilise the funding to grow their business.

SA Dairyfarmers’ Association, within the agreed guidelines, will determine the best way to distribute grants based on each business’ requirements.

“The Beston farmers have had a double whammy, with the impact of a severe drought like all other farmers, but further complicated by not receiving signi cant milk payments for milk they had produced,” SA Dairyfarmers’ Association president Robert Brokenshire says.

“This will help them to get through a very tough situation and also be able to pay creditors in the regions that have been waiting many months for their payments of goods supplied to those farmers.”

Beston Global Food went into administration in 2024, leaving South Australian dairy farmers in limbo. Image:

Drought assistance

A new $55 million drought assistance package for South Australian farmers has been designed with direct feedback from primary producers

The South Australian government has announced a $55 million assistance package for drought affected farmers and communities across the state.

It builds upon the $18 million in initial assistance announced by the state government in November 2024, with the latest package designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies.

Most of South Australia has been experiencing drought conditions, including some regions with their lowest rainfall on record.

The state government says even if the drought were to break, its impacts will continue for many months or years.

“When we announced our first drought relief package in November, I made clear that we would closely monitor the rollout of support and would not hesitate to act if needed,” premier Peter Malinauskas says.

“In the time since, the drought has not abated. In fact, things have got worse.

“We cannot make it rain. But we can take practical action to support our farmers and help prepare them for the next drought.

“The package announced is wide ranging and has been designed taking on board the direct feedback of primary producers.

“It includes immediate nancial relief for those doing it toughest, signi cant mental health supports, support for wider regional

communities and businesses.”

New assistance measures in the package include:

• A further $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness

• An additional $4 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock

• Immediate nancial relief by providing rebates for Emergency Services Levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance

• $2.5 million for an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought a ected areas

• $1 million for Rural Financial Counselling Support

• $3.5 million in additional supports for Rural Small Businesses

• $3.1 million to assist with culling pests and manage kangaroo populations

• $4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identication for sheep and farmed goats

• $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes

• $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the

Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu

• $500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and/or Beetaloo Reservoirs

• $2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought a ected areas through the Active Club Program

• $400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought a ected areas through the Regional Event Fund

• $250,000 to provide nancial support for country students a ected by drought to attend camps and excursions

• A further $250,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for the ‘Connecting Communities Events Program’, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support

• $17.4 million for Future Drought Fund Preparedness and Resilience programs. Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin says the announcement of the drought support package is a signi cant step in helping livestock producers across the state who have been impacted by some of their driest years on record.

“From water and other critical infrastructure, electronic sheep identi cation, kangaroo measures, rebates to reduce the cost of doing business in the short term and resilience planning to help producers longer term – it is welcome support for our industry as it continues to supply quality red meat and wool to South Australian’s and the world,” Tobin says.

Some South Australian regions are experiencing the lowest rainfall on record. Image: bouybin/stock. adobe.com

On the grapevine

Climate-resilient and mildew-resistant grapevines have been planted in South Australia to help protect Australia’s $45 billion wine industry

New mildew-resistant and drought-resilient grapevines have been planted in South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region to help safeguard the future of Australia’s wine industry against a changing climate and disease threats.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) partnered to future-proof some of the most collected wines in the region from old vines, with the rst vines of the new progeny recently planted at Wynns Coonawarra Estate.

The new grapevines blend genetics from TWE’s heritage vines in Coonawarra and Barossa Valley, which have enhanced climate resilience, with mildew-resistant traits developed through years of selective breeding by CSIRO, with funding from Wine Australia.

Powdery and downy mildew costs the Australian wine sector an estimated $160 million in management expenses and

production losses annually, according to CSIRO.

CSIRO research scientist and project lead Paul Boss says breeding mildew resistance into elite vines gives future grapevines a genetic advantage to withstand these disease-causing pathogens.

“Using traditional breeding methods, we introduced two distinct genes to the Wynns heritage vines, which give resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew,” Boss says.

“These are from CSIRO-developed breeding lines that confer robust disease resistance and other quality traits onto their progeny.

“Having resistance genes for both powdery and downy mildew makes these plants more robust as it is unlikely the pathogens can break both sources of resistance with a single mutation.”

Through decades of exposure to climate extremes of hot, cold, wet and dry, CSIRO

says the heritage vines from the Wynns and Penfolds vineyards have developed a natural resilience to drought, making them prime candidates for further development to enhance their tolerance to climate extremes.

Chief supply and sustainability o cer at Treasury Wine Estates Kerrin Petty says the global wine industry faces signi cant challenges managing grapevine disease pressure sustainably while also managing the increasingly variable growing conditions created by the changing climate.

“In partnering with CSIRO for this important project, we’re combining the genetics of heritage Australian vines from our renowned Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Penfolds brands with scienti c research and innovation,” Petty says.

“Creating mildew resistant vines that are also able to withstand climatic variation means we’re setting up our vineyards to continue producing world-famous wine for generations to come.”

The resulting superior cultivars are expected to require fewer inputs, such as the application of fungicide sprays, which will likely lead to additional sustainability bene ts including lower carbon emissions from less frequent use of diesel-powered tractors in vineyards.

General Administration of Customs China have approved access for both chilled and frozen sheep and goat meat. Image: tutye/stock.adobe.com

cess for as well the thousands of farmers they support through the livestock they purchase,” Ryan says.

“Australian meat processors and exporters are committed to providing consumers with reliable supply and the highest levels of assurance.

Expanded access

New approvals have enhanced the Australian red meat industry’s access to China

Seventeen Australian sheep, lamb and goat export establishments have gained new approvals to access the Chinese market.

The approvals published by the General Administration of Customs China include access for both chilled and frozen sheep and goat meat, and includes new access for ten establishments, and expanded access for new product categories for seven establishments.

The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) says this outcome is a signi cant

win for Australian sheep, lamb and goat processing and export businesses that will have bene ts across the red meat supply chain.

AMIC CEO Tim Ryan adds the outcome is the result of years of sustained effort by government and industry and reflects the strength of the China and Australian bilateral relationship.

“This is a great outcome not only for these companies which have received new approvals, but the clients they pro -

“This outcome builds on the work done in collaboration with Australian government regulators, particularly the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to provide the highest levels of assurance that China’s technical requirements are met.

“Industry and government have welcomed opportunities to demonstrate to China’s regulators that Australia has robust systems and quality assurance measures in place to reliably produce and export safe, quality meat and meat products to Chinese consumers.”

Ryan adds he remains optimistic that dialogue and future approvals can continue to a point where all Australian meat processors operating under the Australian meat export system are able to access the Chinese market.

The first vines of the new progeny were recently planted at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, South Australia. Image: CSIRO

Beef exports will be impacted by the United States’ tari s. Image: Rafael Ben-Ari / stock.adobe.com

Tari frustration

Agricultural industry leaders have reacted with disappointment to a USA government decision to put a tari on Australian exports

The United States government’s decision to place a 10 per cent tari on all Australian exports has been met with disappointment by beef industry representatives.

The decision impacts all Australian exports to the USA, with Australian beef mentioned speci cally by US president Donald Trump while outlning the tari s.

The USA is the largest export market in the world for Australian beef, 2024 gures show.

Australia and the USA has had a free trade agreement since 2005, which meant no tari s were applied to trade between the two nations.

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke says the decision is a “dis-

appointing step backward for our nations and for the global economy.”

“The Australian agricultural industry supports a considered and measured approach to negotiations with the United States and will work closely with the Government and all sides of politics to seek a resolution to this issue,” he says.

“The NFF has long championed free and fair trade, not just for agriculture but all industries, recognising its role in global economic growth and stability. Australian agriculture is unwavering in its commitment to this.”

Jochinke met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a er the tari s were announced and outlined that the agricultural sector does not support the introduction of reciprocal tari s.

He also welcomed a $50 million government commitment to help sectors a ected by the tari s to diversify markets.

The market diversi cation already in place was cited by Cattle Australia CEO Chris Parker as a reason why the industry’s overall outlook should remain positive.

“While we value the US market and our

relationship with its beef industry, Australian producers should take comfort from our market diversi cation and the overall global demand outlook which remains very strong for Australian beef,” he says.

Parker visited the USA when the tari s were announced to represent the interests of Australian beef producers, and reiterated that the tari decision was “disappointing”.

“Imposing tari s on Australian beef disregards the mutually bene cial role of each country’s supply chain, and the effects will be most acutely felt by American consumers and industry,” he says.

“While this is an incredibly disappointing decision, Australian producers can be assured that Cattle Australia will continue to pursue open international trade and will ght for the removal of these new tari s.”

Super strong

Ford says the new Ranger Super Duty will be well suited to Australian customers - including farmers – once it arrives Down Under next year

Australian farmers need strength and durability from every machine they rely on – including their choice of vehicle.

Ford’s new Ranger Super Duty is delivering just that, having been put through a “torture test” during development to ensure it can repeatedly handle the toughest of jobs in any environment.

It is set to arrive in Australia next year, with a variety of chassis and trim con gurations available to suit individual needs.

Across the board, the Ford Ranger Super Duty boasts numbers which allude to its workhorse nature – with a 4,500kg gross vehicle mass, 4,500kg maximum braked towing and 8,000kg gross combined mass.

Describing the Ranger as being commercial grade but consumer friendly, Ford says plenty of work has been undertaken to ensure it can handle tough environments such as those experienced by Australian farmers.

“We torture test our trucks to earn the name Super Duty,” Ford Motor Company vice president Jim Baumbick says.

“For instance, to make sure Ranger Super Duty is ready for almost any work environment, we created an even tougher mud pack test to simulate mine work.

“Ranger Super Duty had to continue working, even with 600 kilograms of mud stuck to the bottom of the truck.”

Additional testing took place at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria, with autonomous driving robots being used to run 24/7 tests and simulating driving down a rocky dry riverbed.

Ford’s usual durability tests also took place, which include 24/7 corrosion baths, towing dynos, shaker rig testing, extreme real-world o -roading, and more lowspeed, low-range heavy load driving.

Engineers also ensured the di erential, transmission, fuel and transfer case breathers are all mounted high, while the Ranger Super Duty has an improved water wading depth compared to other diesel Ranger variants.

There are six selectable drive modesnormal, eco, tow/haul, mud/ruts, sand and rock crawl.

“Extensive testing in controlled and real-world situations proved Ranger Super Duty has the capability needed for all manner of user from emergency services to farmers and recreational o -roaders,” Ford Australia chief program engineer Dave Burn says.

Feature packed

While Ford’s Ranger Super Duty o ers the strength and ruggedness which Australian farmers require, it is not the only aspect in which it excels.

Images: Ford

Improved cooling ensures optimum temperature management during oroad driving

It can tow more than any other factory-built mid-size pickup, the manufacturer says, while it includes a recalibrated integrated trailer brake controller and Ford’s Pro-Trailer Backup Assist that makes backing up as easy as turning a dial, with a yaw rate sensor helping to automatically manage the trailer angle.

The Ranger Super Duty is also the rst instance where Ford’s Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales feature on a Ranger.

Smart Hitch helps customers better understand the weight on their vehicle’s towball and how to adjust the trailer load to ensure optimum load distribution, while the Onboard Scales help customers estimate their payload and is assisted by sensors mounted in the suspension of all four wheels.

It runs a stronger front and rear drivesha , and a new heavy-duty rear axle provides enhanced load carry capacity.

Ford says the new rear di erential is the biggest and strongest to ever be tted to a production Ranger, while eight-stud wheel hubs with larger bolts help to spread the load.

A reinforced frame and readily accessible mounting points make it easy to integrate a variety of a ermarket accessories and specialised equipment.

“These enhancements are key to Ranger Super Duty being able to carry and tow bigger loads than any other factory-built mid-size pickup,” Burn says.

“These larger, stronger components improve vehicle durability and reliability which is something we know our customers will appreciate.”

While its overall chassis dimensions are the same as the Ranger, the unique frame has been engineered to be thicker, and therefore provide increased strength, performance and load carrying capacity.

The Ranger Super Duty’s underbelly has a series of high-strength steel bash plates to protect everything from the engine, front di erential and transfer case, transmission and fuel tank.

“With enhanced capability and developed for hard work, we know Ranger Super Duty will be pushed to the limits on some of the toughest terrain on the planet,” Burn says.

“That’s why we made sure the underneath had high strength protection.”

Complete capability

Ford’s Ranger Super Duty is built for exactly what farmers need.

Its 3L, turbo diesel V6 engine is calibrated for heavy-duty emissions standards while improved cooling ensures optimum temperature management under load and during sustained o -roading in di cult terrain such as Australian farms.

Equipped with Ford’s advanced four-wheel drive system, it comes with automatic 4WD as the permanent setting.

Ford says this ensures the Ranger Super Duty always delivers the maximum amount of torque to provide enhanced traction and control on both high and low grip surfaces and under load.

Front and rear locking di erentials are standard features, which is something Burn says will help it to stack up well in

tough Australian conditions.

“We’ve tested Ranger Super Duty in extreme conditions where a vehicle with open di erentials would have become stuck and unable to proceed but thanks to a locking front and rear di erential and an enhanced low-range gearset and a host of other o -road capability improvements, Ranger Super Duty performed awlessly,” he says.

“The capability of Ranger Super Duty is unmatched in the mid-sized truck segment.

“It really is the sum of all its parts and we’re con dent that whether your job is extreme or you’re an adventurer who likes to go a long way o the beaten track, Ranger Super Duty will get you there and back again.”

Ford’s new Ranger Super Duty will be available as either a single, super or double cab chassis from its Australian launch in 2026.

It will also be available as a double cab with style-side box in mid-2026.

The Ranger Super Duty will be available in two trim levels - Ranger Super Duty and Ranger Super Duty XLT.

The latter will be arriving in mid-2026 and is designed for those who need re ned long-distance capability.

Ford says this variant will boast unique alloy wheels and touring-focussed upgrades and will be exclusively available on double cab chassis and pick-up variants only.

For more information about the Ranger Super Duty, visit www.ford.com.au

“Torture testing” has been done to equip the vehicle for extreme conditions

Built to withstand Australia’s toughest conditions, the Dieci Poultry Pro 30.7 telehandler is the ultimate solution for the poultry industry. Engineered for precision and reliability, it enhances efficiency, safety, and comfort while delivering unmatched performance in demanding environments. Durable and dependable, it leads the industry in performance. Take your poultry operations to the next level with the Dieci Poultry Pro 30.7!

Lighting up

The design team behind Wattz, which has launched with the goal of revolutionising farm machinery lighting, shares what makes its products unique

The high-powered lights offered by Wattz are designed to give farmers an edge by providing additional versatility over factory-fitted options.

Additional brightness and improved light distribution are just two of the areas where the range of products excel compared to standard options, but this only tells part of the story.

Providing model-specific lights for a wide variety of the world’s most popular tractors, while also not changing the machine’s overall look, has been a process of continual refinement and development that also involves Wattz’s European partner Crawer.

Wattz founder and Victorian farmer Andre Meyer spent a year working on a farm in Europe and had his rst touch points with the Crawer lights and brand while doing so.

It was this experience that made Meyer realise these lights would be an ideal fit for the Australian market – and so began the story of Wattz, which officially launched last month.

Tailor made

Adding Wattz lights to a tractor – or other agricultural machine such as a harvester or sprayer – provides a more powerful option than the manufacturer’s standard offering.

By extension, this enables farmers to work safely for more hours of the day, potentially getting a crucial job completed early in the morning or once the sun has already set.

The positive impact on operations can be signi cant, but with the lights being easy to install and not changing the

cosmetic look of the machine – there is no need for complicated changes or technical work to experience these bene ts.

Providing a greater light output and varying the distribution options for individual needs is the essence of Wattz’s product range, and where the research and development undertaken by Meyer and the team at Crawer allows for this to become reality.

“What we always try to do is find areas where we can make the lights better than our competition,” Meyer says.

“My heart and soul is with farming and in my opinion this also gives different insights in how you want to have the light output or light distribution.

“For instance, all headlights used by tractor manufacturers originate from trucks or cars. While driving a tractor, you

Images: Wattz

Wattz products provide significant increases in light output

are much further away from your headlights compared to a car or a truck.

“This means the width of the low beam pattern is su cient for a car but it’s o en not wide enough for driving a tractor because if you want to make a turn then you can’t see where you’re going, but this is something we can change.”

Each set of lights available through Wattz has been designed speci cally for that machine, with a 3D con gurator on the company’s website allowing users to enter their tractor brand and model to see which product is best suited.

These products have been continually developed, with each design update also increase the number of light angles available within it.

Both Meyer and the development team’s agricultural backgrounds mean they are well aware of the scope of jobs which a

farmer undertakes and that di erent light distribution is required for di erent types of farmers depending on their individual priorities.

“We o er more beam angle options so the customer can customise their own light package that best suits their needs,” Meyer says.

“If you are mowing at 20km/h then you want to see further away and if you have a smaller beam angle, it means the light can travel a greater distance and therefore you do see further away.

“If you have an articulated tractor with a really wide planter, you want to see the edges as well, and see beyond the edges.

“If you have a powerful light but with a huge beam angle like 60 or 90 degrees, it means the light will stay within a couple of metres around the tractor and therefore you have the most perfect visibility.”

Shining bright

These light angles and distribution are about giving farmers a subtle edge, but the other point of difference is the sheer power which they offer.

Meyer compares the standard options offered on a major manufacturer’s newer tractors with the lights which Wattz sells, which already provide double the light output with plans to increase this further to be triple what is available as a default.

He cites an example of the tractor manufacturer’s standard light offering, which is an LED version that does 2,300 measured lumens.

“Since 2018, Crawer has had a version that does a measured lumens of 5,200 lumens but we think that it’s outdated, so we are currently updating it and pushed it around 7,000 lumens,” Meyer says.

The lights enable additional work to be safely done in dark conditions

MACHINERY

Lights such as this are versatile and can be mounted horizontally or vertically

While the increased output of these lights does use more energy than the manufacturer’s standard offering, Meyer believes the greater visibility they provide - and the resulting increases to daily productivity on farm – are a greater priority to farmers.

“Tractor manufacturers try to save energy by lowering the power of the work light and therefore the average work light that you see on some tractors is around 30 watts,” he says.

“What we do is go around 55 watts because if you have more power, you have more light - and that’s something that people like to have.

“Our packages bring much more light than the original LED package of a tractor manufacturer and while we use more power, it’s just about where your priorities are.

“I think as a farmer, you want to have more light and that’s one of the main priorities.”

Clever design

The raw numbers and versatility show the quality of lights Wattz can o er to Australian farmers, however it is not simply a case of making the biggest and most powerful lights imaginable simply for the sake of it.

Meyer admits the lights could be manufactured to o er even more power than they currently do, however he believes they have found the ideal balance between o ering superior light output without compromising either a ordability or the factory look.

“We can easily make the lights even better if we want to - we can do another 10 or 20 per cent more light,” he says.

“We can push it further, but it pushes the price higher and then you are at a balance of what would be best because it also has to be a ordable.

“It also has to look good on the tractor as well. We put a lot of e ort into aesthet ics as well, so it looks like it could have come from the factory and that’s some thing we think is still important.”

This e ort into aesthetics is not some thing which is taken lightly.

Crawer’s European design team tests every potential new light package in real world conditions and on the exact model of tractor it is intended for, while they also work proactively to make design adjustments based on feedback from customers actively using the lights.

“In the Netherlands, the team at Crawer has a workshop and while developing the light, if we are quite certain about the design and also the size then we will make a 3D printed version of it,” Meyer says.

“We’ll get the tractor to our workshop and we mount the lights ourselves.

“Sometimes you see that you need an adapter bracket to have it t better or you need an adapter cable to t the original wiring, so then we develop that as well.”

All of this means that while Wattz may be a new player in the Australian market, it is backed by products which have been tested and re ned over many years to ensure their suitability.

This development will continue thanks to Meyer’s involvement in product development. with future products to be designed exclusively for the Australian market and tailored solutions based on the country’s unique agricultural needs.

As a result, Meyer says he founded Wattz knowing the lights he can o er will make a di erence to local farmers.

“You don’t realise all the e ort and the development and thought behind it from ease of installation to the looks and everything in between – there’s a lot that goes into each light,” he says.

“We cater for all the big brands and for the price and what you get, I think it’s tremendous value.”

Wattz o ers lights for all Australian agricultural needs

Merlo - Work Smarter

MACHINERY

Flower power

A McCormick X5M tractor from Clark Equipment has proven to meet all the criteria which Victorian business Agresta Flowers needed

Most people will be familiar with the phrase “it’s what’s inside that counts”.

For Victorian farmer Domenico Agresta, it was what is inside McCormick’s X5M tractor – speci cally a Perkins engine – that ultimately inspired his purchase.

Domenico has spent his lifetime around tractors a er his father founded the family business Agresta Flowers in 1968, and it was his long-term trust in the reliability of Perkins engines that meant purchasing a McCormick tractor from Australian

distributor Clark Equipment.

Agresta Flowers is based at Somerville in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and recently doubled in size to 40 acres a er acquiring a neighbouring property.

Something with a Perkins engine was the rst criteria, and it was the value for money o ered by McCormick’s X5M –along with several other features including operator comfort – which made that the winner.

“We’ve purchased a new nursery in

Somerville and I needed something that had good, reliable horsepower because this particular tractor is used for the cultivation of the new soil,” Domenico says.

“We don’t need super big tractors, but we just need something that’s going to be reliable.

“We went with McCormick for the simple reason I’ve always been brought up with Perkins engines and they’re reliable and they’re very fuel e cient.”

McCormick’s X5M is part of the Italian

Images: Clark Equipment

McCormick’s X5M tractor

manufacturer’s utility range and o ers a maximum of 110hp (81kW) from the four-cylinder 4.4L Perkins diesel engine.

A 4,500kg rear li capacity means it can comfortably handle demanding attachments and complete open eld tasks such as ploughing, tilling, harrowing, sowing and hay making.

It is tted with electrohydraulic fourwheel drive engagement and a 60 + 30L/ minute hydraulic ow rate to handle both the hydraulic functions and steering system.

Two transmission options are available –Power Four and XtraShi .

The Power Four transmission provides 12 speeds in both forward and reverse which can be increased to 16 in both directions with the creeper unit.

McCormick’s XtraShi transmission with three-stage HML powershi o ers 48

The tractor is versatile enough to handle multiple attachments

speeds forward and 16 in reverse.

Both options feature an electrohydraulic power shuttle with response modulation and de-clutch function for fast and smooth clutchless gear shi ing.

This shows itself in ways which Domenico says also contributed to his purchase decision.

“Another reason we went for the McCormick was driver fatigue,” he says.

“The McCormick has a button on the gear shi lever that engages the clutch so that you can change gears all in one go, and don’t get leg fatigue.

“It has also got very good visibility, being glass all the way around.

“We do a lot of cultivation from the rear of the tractor, so when you’re looking back you can see right down to the ground from there and you have got no obstructions of view at all.

“The four-wheel drive capability is great and it has performed beautifully for us.”

Value for money

No matter which sector of farming somebody is in, the need to get bang for buck with major machinery investments is regularly front of mind.

With price pressures on Domenico’s core product of owers leading to budget tightening, along with increasing costs for fuel, the goal was to get something which would be reliable without adding unnecessary expense.

“When we had been looking to purchase a new tractor at the time, we looked across all the brands,” he says.

“We based it on two things. Price is important these days because we’re not the getting the return on our product as well as we used to.

“Reliability was the other factor, and with the McCormick being Italian built, having the Perkins engine and the horsepower that we needed - that’s why we went with it.

“Some of our other tractors are very thirsty on fuel and fuel consumption is a big factor these days as well.

“We’re not looking for equipment that’s got complicated computer controls - we just need something that is reliable and just starts every time you hop into it.”

The X5M also o ers what McCormick describes as “superior automotive-style comfort”, which includes the likes of a Total Slim View cabin which has the all-round visibility which Domenico mentions, along with an air suspension seat for increased comfort and a at-deck platform.

Service matters

McCormick tractors are distributed in Australia by Clark Equipment, which o ers a strong network of branches around the country.

Domenico’s nearest branch is in Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-east, where he deals with sales representative Stephen Bryan.

While the tractor has proven reliable since its purchase, the ongoing a er-sales service which Domenico has received has led to other items being purchased from Clark Equipment.

“Stephen has been great - he rings up probably every couple of months just to follow up and see how things are going,” Domenico says.

“Since then, I’ve purchased a few other bits and pieces from their company like the attachable A-frames which we use on the back of our tractors and means we can quickly change the equipment without getting out of the tractor.

“I needed a few of them, so Stephen was able to source them quickly and purchase for me at a reasonable price.

“We’ve had no issues with Clark Equipment – they have been great.”

Long road travelled

While it was the engine inside the McCormick X5M which contributed strongly towards Domenico’s purchase, this trust in Perkins has been built over a long time.

Agresta Flowers remains a family busi-

ness, coming up to nearly 60 years of operation since Domenico’s father founded it.

Even at the age of 84, his mother remains a director and still owns the company.

Domenico initially went into building, but the company he was an apprentice at went broke in the 1980s and he moved back to the nursery – somewhere he has remained since.

He has taken the reins of the business and racks up plenty of miles on the road between the nursery in Somerville and the markets at Epping in Melbourne’s north.

“We mainly supply wholesale orists because we don’t sell by a bunch, we sell by the buckets,” Domenico says.

“We’ve got customers that buy 200, 300 or 400 bunches at a time so that’s our main core business.

“We grow particular lines like alstroemeria, which is a special type of ower that comes from the Netherlands and is under plant variety rights, so you can’t propagate it which guarantees us good sales.

“We grow a few other crops outside as well such as gypsophila.”

Domenico’s McCormick X5M tractor

Domenico also faces challenges such as long hours and variable pricing which will be familiar to farmers nationwide.

Joking that the nursery is called as such because it needs to be looked a er like a baby, Domenico is working hard to ensure Agresta Flowers has a long and prosperous future.

“We’re expanding in Somerville at the moment to continue on building what we are,” he says.

“Having bought the property next door we’ve now got 40 acres, which is all going to be put under greenhouses and sprinklers.”

The McCormick X5M is cultivating the soil which will create that long-term prosperity and with plans to purchase another tractor along with upgrading some older ones, the McCormick brand – and the Perkins engines which power them – is going to be a major part of that story.

Tailor made

Dieci’s Poultry Pro 30.7 is already an industry go-to thanks to its array of unique features, with a cashback promotion making the telehandler even more desirable

Dieci Australia knows the poultry industry has speci c requirements which other agricultural sectors do not.

This is why its Poultry Pro 30.7 telehandler is designed around these unique conditions and challenges, rather than expecting the industry to adapt to the machine.

The rst challenge which poultry farmers face is nding a machine which is low enough to t inside sheds and under gantries, where feeding takes place.

It must also be compact and manoeuvrable enough to operate in these tight spaces, without going away from the core purpose of a telehandler which is to reach both high and outwards.

For the Poultry Pro 30.7, having smaller wheels than a standard telehandler and a lower cabin height takes care of one part of the equation.

A 98hp (73.4kW) engine, 3 tonne li capacity and 6.35m li height further ensure it is equipped with the strength needed to handle the tough conditions and hard work required by this industry.

“The Poultry Pro 30.7 is industry leading,” Dieci Australia national sales

manager Bob Mules says.

“With all the local upgrades that we’ve done, it’s certainly the number one unit for that environment.

“It’s quite a harsh environment and what we’ve done is to improve the overall performance and comfort for the operators.

“Repeat customers are coming back to us when they start to replace these units, and I think that’s proof in the pudding there.”

Local upgrades

Specialised telehandlers are an area where Dieci Australia has worked to excel, with the Poultry Pro 30.7 sitting alongside other industry-speci c con gurations such as the Cotton Pro and Piggery Pro. Dieci telehandlers are built in the same region of Italy as the likes of Ferrari and Maserati but are then further engineered in Australia to create a telehandler suited to local conditions.

In the Poultry Pro 30.7’s case, Mules says the lighting, air conditioning, and radiator are three areas which have received further re nement for what Australian operators need.

“We’ve upgraded the LED light system,

which involves adding seven additional LED lights because obviously it can be quite dark in the chicken sheds,” he says.

“We’ve upgraded the air conditioning to an Australian-made air conditioning system. This is equipped with a sealed lter inside the cabin, so it recirculates the cabin air, instead of pulling in the fowl air from outside the ergonomic enclosure.

“The sheds can be a very acidic environment so it’s important that the cab is sealed for operator comfort.

“Furthermore, we’ve got a custom-built radiator on the unit which is also Australian made.

“This is equipped with an automatic reversing fan, so it increases the cooling capacity of the radiator and also helps with engine management.”

Another area which shows the attention to detail applied by Dieci Australia relates to the electrical system.

While this upgrade may not be as obvious to users during their daily work as the lighting or air conditioning, it is something which has been added to ensure the telehandler’s longevity.

“These machines are washed and san-

itised daily because of the environment inside the sheds, so we’ve upgraded the electrical system as well to include marine-grade solenoids and circuit breakers, and they’re encased in what we call an IP64 rated box,” Mules says.

“The key reason for this is to eliminate any corrosion around the fuse box and the relay and by doing this, we’ve eliminated that corrosion around the electrical areas.”

Strong base

While these upgrades exist to make the Poultry Pro 30.7 even more desirable for Australian conditions, the telehandler is packed with plenty of standard features which make it well equipped for the job.

Powered by a 98hp (73.4kW) Kubota diesel engine, the Poultry Pro 30.7 can reach impressive speeds of 30km/h.

Alternatively, low pro le tyres can be added to bring the machine’s overall height below 2m, while its standard height of just 2.04m makes it ideal for use inside sheds.

Capable of reaching 6.35m in li height and handling loads up to 3 tonnes, the telehandler’s advanced telescopic boom is also made of tensile steel.

It includes load sensing and ow sharing distributors which Dieci says allows for more simultaneous movements during operation.

Boom control is available through the four-in-one joystick, while Dieci has worked to ensure precision is maximised inside the tight and delicate environ-

ments which poultry producers work in.

A load limiter device analyses the telehandler’s stability in real time, while an inching pedal allows the operator to momentarily either slow down or stop the unit completely while still maintaining maximum power to boom functions.

Another feature which operators will immediately notice, and which has been implemented with their daily comfort in mind, relates to the presence of an air suspension adjustable seat.

“For drivers in the cabin for six or eight hours a day, this seat, along with air conditioning and the ltration, is about ensuring operator comfort in those harsh environments.”

Cherry on top

Dieci’s Poultry Pro 30.7 is a unit engineered for e ciency, durability, and ease of use.

Compact, versatile, and delivering high performance, it is also backed up by Dieci Australia’s agship branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

“AWD Australia is our long serving

national authorised parts and service agent (APSA), and along with an ever-increasing network of regional APSAs, our a er sales support is a critical part of our strategy for continual improvement of the customer experience,” Mules says.

Dieci is also aware that operators cannot a ord down time, which is why the manufacturer’s wider range has been designed to have commonality across its parts.

“Overall, 85 per cent of our parts are common across our range, and with approximately $3 million worth of parts held across our national branch network, parts availability is high,” Mules says.

The Poultry Pro 30.7 also stands out right now because of an additional manufacturer promotion.

For orders placed before June 30, 2025, Dieci Australia is o ering a $5,000* cashback on all new Poultry Pro 30.7 units purchased (*terms and conditions apply).

For more details about the promotion, contact Dieci Australia or visit www.dieciaustralia.com.au

The Poultry Pro is designed to excel inside chicken sheds

Dieci’s Poultry Pro 30.7 telehandler

Dieci Australia national sales manager Bob Mules

New name, same quality

Exciting times are on the horizon for Hercules Machinery Group, formerly known as Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales, with a business rebrand re ecting a growing range of agricultural equipment

Family owned and operated, Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales (BMES) is renowned for being Australia’s exclusive distributor of Hercules machinery, including its agricultural wheel loaders, telehandlers and motor graders.

Based in Queensland’s Yatala, BMES’ name once spoke for itself, but now it doesn’t truly describe all that the business has to o er a er 36 years in the industry.

BMES o ers so much more than mini excavators, and to better re ect this, the business has now re-branded to Hercules Machinery Group (HMG).

O ering everything from wheel loaders, skid steers and compact track loaders, to excavators, graders and telehandlers, sales executive Steven Ragenovich says the business is always looking to grow.

“Hercules Machinery Group is evolving constantly and it’s through accountability, integrity and follow up that we continue to get bigger,” he says.

“We o er a much wider scope of machinery now than what we once did, and we are continuing to expand.”

Farming versatility

With a wide range of agricultural machines suited for farmers, HMG o ers cost-e ective options without compromising on quality.

HMG started o the new year with new models of its eight tonne T-3 telehandler, which is powered by a 100hp (73.5kW) Cummins engine.

Able to reach di cult heights of up to 7.5m and li up to three tonnes, HMG introduced this product around 18 months ago to satisfy the heavy interest from customers.

“The introduction of the telehandlers has been well received by our customers,” Ragenovich says.

“We’ve found that a lot of Hercules

The Hercules T-3 telehandler was introduced to satisfy heavy interest from customers

loader owners are also buying the telehandler, because they’ve been very happy with our a ersales service, follow up and spare parts supply.

“It’s a never-ending story – they keep buying – which tells us we’re doing our job right in terms of a ersales support.”

For farmers looking at working on fence lines and roads around their property, HMG’s SEM-branded graders are an ideal option.

Ragenovich says the graders have been accepted with open arms by HMG customers.

At 18-tonnes, the SEM 919 models o er 180hp (132.4kW) of power, and 5 tyne heavy duty hydraulic rear rippers.

To make the experience as comfortable as possible for the operator, 360-degree cabin guards are included, as well as an air-conditioned cabin.

When it comes to wheel loaders, HMG has just about everything a farmer can ask for.

Its series two (H-2) models – the H550-2, H700-2, H850-2, H1050-2, and the H12502 – are an upgrade of HMG’s previous H series machines, which Ragenovich says have been very popular in the agricultural sector.

HMG customers are spoilt for choice,

with the models starting at a 5.5-tonne operating weight with a 100hp (75kW) engine and going up to a 12.5-tonne operating weight with a 180hp (132.4kW) engine.

“As the third generation of Hercules loader, the H-2 series has been a decade and a half in the making,” Ragenovich says.

“I recently sold a H1250-2 to a guy who told me that his uncle had also bought one o me many years ago. He told me he decided to purchase o us because we’ve been re ning the loaders over many years.”

In addition to the H-2 models, HMG has another range of wheel loaders for farmers wanting a quality cost-e ective option, in which they know will only be using the machine for marginal hours.

Known as the Hercules Loadmaster range, the models range from 7.3-tonne up to 12-tonne.

In comparison to the Hercules H-2 models, Ragenovich says the Loadmaster range is virtually the same build, although with a di erent gearbox and a Deutz Weichai engine, rather than a Cummins.

“We haven’t held back on the quality and the build of the Loadmaster models,

Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales has re-branded to Hercules Machinery Group to better reflect its product o ering

360-degree cabin guards are included on the SEM 919 grader models

MACHINERY

The Loadmaster wheel loader range is a cost-e ective option to the H-2 models, featuring a di erent gearbox and engine

Ragenovich says the H-2 wheel loader models have been very popular in the agricultural sector

it still comes from the same factory as the series two models,” Ragenovich says.

“Some farmers might only use their loader for 150 to 200 hours a year and this range is particularly suited for those types of customers.”

Now with its new business name, HMG is looking forward to a busy year ahead with new machines being introduced.

“The H-2 models have been around for a couple years now, so you never know with the H-3 models,” Ragenovich says.

“There’s a lot of businesses without dedicated departments such as spare parts, workshop, technical advice and a ersales support – at HMG, we provide all of that.”

For more information on HMG’s agricultural machinery, visit www.brisbaneminiexcavators.com.au or call (07) 3807 4333.

Backup support

As the national distributor for Volvo Construction Equipment, CJD Equipment is committed to providing the very best a ersales support, ensuring smooth operations for farming businesses

When purchasing machinery, a ersales support is integral to ensuring maximum customer satisfaction and operational e ciency.

For farmers choosing to invest in a piece of Volvo Construction Equipment, they not only acquire premium machinery, but also gain access to a robust a ersales service network meticulously designed to keep their operations running seamlessly.

As the authorised dealer for Volvo CE in Australia, CJD Equipment sets the gold standard for a ersales excellence, delivering exceptional support for Volvo CE’s products.

The collaboration between CJD Equipment and Volvo CE extends well beyond the initial purchase, encompassing a nationwide a ersales support network that provides access to genuine parts, expert maintenance, and prompt warranty repairs.

Whether you need accessories to customise your equipment or ongoing service and support, CJD Equipment’s e cient distribution system and dedica-

tion to customer satisfaction make the business your ideal partner for all Volvo CE needs.

Ongoing partnership

Collaboration between CJD and Volvo CE has helped in uence the Australian agricultural and construction equipment industry, setting new standards for quality, innovation, and customer support.

The roots of this partnership trace back to 1992 when the OEM appointed CJD as its Western Australian dealer – marking the beginning of a long and mutually rewarding relationship that has now achieved a remarkable 30 year longevity.

Following the success of the Western Australian Volvo dealership, CJD’s role expanded rapidly.

In 1999, the company was appointed as the Volvo CE dealer for Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania, with new branches opening in Melbourne, Brisbane, Launceston, Bunbury, and Mackay.

The partnership continued to grow, and

by 2000, CJD became the Volvo CE dealer for New South Wales.

A crowning achievement came in 2001 when CJD Equipment was appointed the national distributor for Volvo Construction Equipment in Australia.

Since then, the partnership has continually evolved, demonstrating a shared commitment to excellence and sustainability in the heavy machinery sector.

Shared commitment to quality

CJD and Volvo CE share a vision for a sustainable and economically prosperous agricultural and construction industry.

This commitment extends beyond the sale of machinery, encompassing comprehensive a ersales support to ensure optimal performance and minimal customer downtime.

With CJD providing expert advice and support throughout the life cycle of Volvo machines, the partnership in uences the industry standard for customer satisfaction.

Both companies’ approach to environmental, social, and governance factors

Images:

CJD

re ects a commitment to quality.

CJD recognises the importance of these aspects in shaping its long-term success and impact, which aligns perfectly with Volvo CE’s dedication to leading the industry in sustainable practices – as evidenced by its recent introduction of electric machines to the Australian market.

Product portfolio

This partnership enables farmers to access Volvo CE’s extensive range of equipment suited for agricultural work.

The portfolio includes electric machines, excavators, wheel loaders, articulated and rigid haulers, demolition equipment, and used equipment. Each machine is designed and manufactured with the quality, performance, and safety that is expected from the Volvo name.

CJD’s role as Volvo’s sole distributor in Australia means farmers can obtain this wide range of equipment anywhere in the country due to CJD’s extensive branch locations. Whether you’re in the market for a compact electric machine or a heavy-duty excavator, CJD has the expertise to help its customers choose the right Volvo machine.

As the heavy machinery industry moves towards a more sustainable future, CJD and Volvo CE are at the forefront of this transition.

in sustainable practices.

CJD o ers zero-emission machines and charging solutions, including both on board and fast-charge options capable of charging equipment in very short timelines – generally less than one hour.

Aftersales support network

Thanks to a robust a ersales support network, investing in Volvo CE equipment through CJD instils con dence in customers that their machinery operates at peak performance.

This comprehensive support system optimises productivity and minimises downtime, o ering customers peace of mind and a reliable partner throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

CJD has established an extensive network of branches and service centres across Australia, demonstrating its commitment to providing accessible support wherever you operate.

Having this nationwide coverage means customers are always close to expert assistance, whether they need routine maintenance or emergency repairs.

The company has invested heavily in expanding its network, ensuring that its customers have access to industry

leading service facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and sta ed by knowledgeable professionals.

At the heart of CJD’s a ersales excellence are strategically placed eld service technicians in regional centres to enhance the business’ reach further.

This approach allows the technicians to o er prompt and e cient service to customers in even the most remote locations, ensuring their Volvo equipment receives the care it needs, regardless of the project’s location.

Technicians undergo continuous training to stay abreast of the latest advancements in Volvo CE technology and service techniques – ensuring customers receive the most up-to-date and reliable product information and service.

Because of this, CJD’s eld service mechanics bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every job, equipped with the expertise to diagnose and resolve issues e ciently.

Their eet of specialist eld service vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, maintenance parts, and lubricants, enabling them to perform a wide range of services on-site.

CJD’s technicians are not only skilled in repairs, they’re also adept at preventive maintenance. They understand the importance of maintaining servicing costs while optimising machinery lifespan and performance. By providing customised repair and maintenance solutions, they can help control costs and avoid unforeseen issues that could impact customer operations.

Moreover, CJD’s support extends beyond technical expertise. Its sales division is sta ed by knowledgeable professionals who can guide customers through selecting the right piece of Volvo equipment for their needs.

Understanding its customers’ operations o en extend beyond regular business hours, CJD also o ers round-theclock support to keep operations running smoothly. A commitment to 24/7 service availability means farmers can count on assistance whenever needed, minimising costly downtime and ensuring projects stay on schedule.

Each branch provides dedicated a er-hours service and parts contact numbers, allowing customers to reach out for support anytime. This level of accessibility demonstrates CJD’s dedication to customer satisfaction and its understanding of the critical nature of its customers’ work.

The recent introduction of Volvo’s electric machines to the Australian market marks a signi cant step forward

CJD is the national distributor for Volvo CE

Genuine parts and accessories

Using genuine parts and accessories ensures optimal performance, reliability, and longevity when maintaining equipment. As the Volvo CE national authorised dealer, CJD o ers an extensive range of genuine parts and accessories to keep its customers’ machinery running at its best.

Customers will nd that genuine Volvo parts are speci cally developed, tested, and approved to deliver the best results for Volvo machines. These parts are engineered to maintain the reliability and e ciency expected from a Volvo excavator or wheel loader, for example.

By choosing OEM parts, customers are investing in uninterrupted operations and optimising their return on investment.

Using genuine parts also in uences the safety of your operations. Counterfeit parts, which have yet to undergo the same rigorous testing as genuine Volvo components, are more likely to fail unexpectedly.

This puts operators, bystanders, the machine, and the overall job site at risk, so having the peace of mind of knowing genuine Volvo parts are tted to your machine is invaluable.

While non-genuine parts might seem cheaper initially, they o en lead to more frequent replacements and potentially more expensive repairs.

Volvo Construction Equipment is well-suited to farmers and agricultural businesses

Strategically placed CJD field service technicians in regional centres can help customers in even the most remote locations

For instance, repairs resulting from counterfeit parts could be exponentially more expensive. Over time, the hidden costs of non-genuine parts can far outweigh any initial savings. Moreover, using genuine parts helps preserve the value of your Volvo machine, which is a signi cant asset.

CJD carries an extensive range of genuine parts and accessories for various machines and models, including current and past models. Its comprehensive inventory includes everything from everyday oils

and lters to major components. This extensive stock ensures customers can nd the right part for their speci c Volvo machine.

With a robust national supply network and a 24/7 parts and service support system, CJD understands the importance of minimising downtime in your operations. Customers can access the parts they need anytime, ensuring their Volvo equipment remains operational around the clock.

CJD’s e cient distribution system

allows for quick location and dispatch of parts directly to your site.

This rapid response is crucial in today’s competitive market, where every hour of downtime is costly. By providing fast and e ective solutions, CJD demonstrates its commitment to optimising uptime for your business.

To learn more about how CJD Equipment can support your Volvo CE needs, contact your local CJD branch or head to www.cjd.com.au

Moving machinery

Viva Energy Australia supplies Shell Lubricants which can help to meet the demanding requirements of farm machinery

In agriculture, time is a farmer’s most valuable resource, and the machinery that keeps operations running is just as critical.

From tractors to seeders and harvesters, keeping equipment in peak condition ensures seamless productivity, minimising costly downtime and disruptions.

For farmers, maintaining their machinery isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.

Viva Energy Australia, the authorised Shell Lubricants Macro Distributor, is committed to supporting the agricultural sector with high-quality lubricants that keep machinery running at peak performance.

Shell Lubricants has a range of products that is compatible to meet the demands of the entire machine, with trusted products such as Shell Rimula engine oils, Shell Gadus grease, Shell Spirax transmission oil, and Shell Tellus hydraulic oils, each of which o er farmers con dence in their equipment’s longevity and e ciency.

“Shell’s range of products meet the appropriate speci cations, approvals,

and recommendations from many industry-leading OEMs, including John Deere, Caterpillar, Deutz Fahr, Komatsu, Volvo, and ZF,” Viva Energy’s product support engineer Silvana Farrugia says.

“These partnerships play a crucial role in advancing innovative product development and speci cations that support e cient machinery operation, ensuring farmers have the most reliable agricultural eet possible.”

“Our local technical helpdesk is available to answer your questions and provide expert equipment lubricant recommendations, as well as advice on rationalisation and lubricant storage.

“We make sure we recommend products with approved speci cations that are the best t for your agricultural equipment.”

Every part

Each element of the machinery is catered for by a particular Shell Lubricants product.

Firstly, Shell Rimula engine oils feature

latest generation technology to deliver signi cantly improved resistance to wear, deposits and oxidation.

These are versatile enough to bring the convenience of a single oil and are suitable for most engine ages and vehicle types.

Next is Shell Spirax transmission and axle uids, which provide greater reliability for less downtime and enhanced wear protection.

O ering smooth and noise-free operation, these are recognised by leading equipment manufacturers.

Shell Tellus hydraulic uids give increased productivity, with extended oil life and outstanding system e ciency, while Shell Gadus grease provides consistent performance over longer periods and excellent lasting protection.

Smooth operation

While maintaining the engine of farming equipment is crucial, keeping gears and transmissions running smoothly is just as important.

Shell Lubricants meet the demands of the entire machine

“Shell Spirax has been designed to protect against wear and corrosion, while also extending the lifespan of equipment components,” Farrugia says.

This results in overall performance improvements, as engine power e ciently transfers to mechanical components, ultimately reducing their downtime and costs.

A widely used lubricant in the agricultural industry is Shell Spirax S4 TXM with API GL-4, a premium Universal Tractor Transmission Oil (UTTO) speci cally designed for agricultural tractors and o -road equipment.

Covering transmissions, hydraulic

systems, oil-immersed brakes, and other systems, this product ensures that key components continue to operate e ciently.

“Shell Spirax S4 TXM employs the latest additive technology to promote antioxidation, anti-wear, and anti-corrosion, ensuring smooth system operation and minimising brake noise,” Farrugia says.

“It is recommended for most wet-brake systems tted to agricultural equipment and machinery, and it has been tested and approved by a wide range of equipment manufacturers.”

Developed closely with customers and equipment manufacturers, these

lubricants are designed to provide optimal performance and reliability, ensuring machinery remains in peak condition through every season.

Expert support

Businesses seeking real-time support can receive a free consultation on the most suitable Shell lubricant for their machinery through the Viva Energy Technical Help Desk.

For the digitally savvy, Shell LubeMatch and Shell LubeAnalyst o er innovative solutions for farmers looking to optimise lubricant selection.

These digital tools enable customers to input their equipment details and access tailored lube matching recommendations, as well as survey and monitor engine health for long-term reliability. By prioritising quality lubrication and expert advice, farmers can maintain their equipment’s e ciency, reduce costly breakdowns, and ultimately drive greater success in their agricultural operations.

The Viva Energy Technical Help Desk can be contacted on 1300 134 205 or technicalhelpdesk@vivaenergy.com.au

Images: Viva Energy Australia

Keeping the entire fleet of farm machinery running is crucial

Positive patches

National tractor sales remained steady in the month of March, the Tractor and Machinery Association says, with two states and one size category experiencing increases

Activity in the tractor sales market was reasonably steady during March, with around 1,000 tractors sold across the nation.

This was 3 per cent down on the March 2024 sales number and puts the year-todate gure at around 7 per cent behind the same time last year.

It comes in the face of some challenging conditions in the market with some parts of the nation in drought and other parts experiencing heavy rain.

Underlying order inquiry rates remain solid which gives rise to a level of optimism that the market will continue to improve, however with the general uncertainty surrounding the federal election cycle combined with the impact of tari s being imposed in the United States means one cannot be certain that activity will not slip back here in Australia.

The industry has yet to fully digest the likely impact the tari s will have on tractor sales given that Australian government has decided not to impose reciprocal tari s on the US, however the underlying cost of product due to tari s being imposed on goods being imported to America will likely have an impact on the sale price of machines being sent here.

The industry cannot be overly optimis-

tic for the future and remains in a state of “wait and see”.

Looking around the nation, Queensland experienced a drop of 4.2 per cent in the month to be 3.4 per cent behind for the year to date.

New South Wales enjoyed its rst rise in some time – up by 5 per cent for the month – but remains 6 per cent behind on a year-to-date basis.

Victorian sales struggled due to dry conditions in parts of the state, and its March gures were down 9 per cent which meant the state remains at 12 per cent below the same time last year.

Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory are all doing it tough however Western Australia enjoyed a solid nation-leading boost, up by 14 per cent for the month to remain only 3 per cent behind on the year to date.

Sales of all machinery categories were down for the month, except for the 100hp to 200hp (75-150 kw) range.

This was up 3.6 per cent compared to March 2024, but remains 6 per cent behind for the year to date.

The under 40hp (under 30kw) range took a hit, being down 8 per cent, however it has been in solid territory for the rst few months of this year and remains 9 per cent ahead overall.

The 40hp to 100 hp (30-75kw) range was down 1 per cent and remains 5 per cent down for the year to date, while the large 200hp plus (150kw plus) range continues to struggle.

That category was down another 8 per cent this month to be 28 per cent behind for the year so far.

Combine harvester sales enjoyed a small bounce in March o the back of some sharp incentives from manufacturers, however the outlook for the full year remains one of somewhat dampened expectations given the very strong past couple of years experienced in this market segment.

Baler sales continue to struggle, down another 14 per cent for the month to be 32 per cent behind year-to-date, while the sale of out-front mowers has dried up considerably.

These are down 40 per cent on the same time last year in what is proving to be a very tough market.

As has been previously mentioned, the TMA annual conference is scheduled to be held in Melbourne this year on July 24.

The full lineup of speakers will be released shortly.

This promises to be another great event, and the association looks forward to welcoming another strong crowd.

Tractors in the 100hp to 200hp range experienced a sales uplift during March.

Whittington believes American farmers will be hit hard by president Donald Trump’s latest tari s. Image: Jon / stock.adobe.com

Tari impact

As Australia and the world deal with fallout from the United States imposing tari s, WAFarmers CEO Trevor Whittington argues the impact will also be strongly felt in America

Donald Trump’s return to trade protectionism isn’t just a blow to foreign farmers in countries facing United States tari s - it’s a direct hit to American agriculture itself, a reality the president seems willing to overlook.

As the USA escalates tari s on key trading partners like China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union - along with Australia - these nations are retaliating strategically by targeting Trump’s biggest supporters and one of the most powerful lobbying forces in America: its farmers.

This isn’t new. The last time Trump played hardball on trade, American farmers paid the price by losing export markets, seeing commodity prices crash, and ultimately forcing the government to step in with massive bailouts just to keep them a oat.

Now, with Trump reviving these same policies, farmers are staring down a familiar road - one that leads not to prosperity, but to another painful cycle of losses, government handouts, and shattered global trade relationships.

Perhaps the most striking example of the damage caused by Trump’s last trade war is what happened to the American soybean industry.

In 2018, China retaliated against United States’ tari s by slapping a 25 per cent duty on American soybeans, causing exports to

China to plummet from $14 billion in 2017 to just $3.1 billion in 2019.

In response, China turned to Brazil, which quickly ramped up soybean production and infrastructure to meet the soaring demand.

Even a er the Phase One Trade Deal between the USA and China led to tari reductions, the damage had been done.

By the end of Trump’s rst term in 2020, Brazil was producing 126 million metric tonnes of soybeans and by 2024, that had surged to 160 million metric tonnes.

Today, Brazil dominates global soybean exports, with China purchasing over 70 per cent of its output - a direct result of trade disruptions initiated under Trump.

The American pork industry su ered a similar fate.

When China and Mexico - two of the largest buyers of American pork - retaliated with tari s, US exports collapsed.

Farmers were le with a glut of supply and falling prices, while European and Brazilian pork producers stepped in to ll the gap, securing long-term contracts and permanently expanding their foothold in these key markets.

Even when China later increased US pork imports due to an African swine fever outbreak, American producers had already lost ground.

Dairy farmers were not spared either.

Mexico - the largest importer of US cheese - responded to Trump’s trade war with 25 per cent tari s, leading to a 30 per cent drop in exports in just one year.

Canada followed suit with its own countermeasures, sending shockwaves through the American dairy sector.

Milk prices plunged, family farms shuttered, and struggling producers were le with no choice but to depend on government bailouts.

The lasting e ects of these trade policies are still being felt. While other agricultural powerhouses seized new opportunities, American farmers were le playing catchup in markets they once dominated.

Meanwhile, retaliatory tari s on American beef forced China to look elsewhere, dramatically increasing imports from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Australian beef exports to China surged, not because of market forces, but due to a trade war that reshaped global supply chains.

If there’s one undeniable truth in agriculture, it’s that lost markets are di cult and slow to reclaim.

Trade wars don’t happen in isolationcompetitors are always ready to step in and ll the gaps le by disrupted supply.

Trevor Whittington is CEO of WAFarmers

Brazil’s soybean farmers capitalised on the USA-China dispute, expanding production and infrastructure to cement their position as the world’s top supplier.

European and Brazilian pork producers seized the opportunity to secure long-term contracts with major buyers like China and Mexico.

Australian and Canadian beef exporters expanded their market share while American producers found themselves locked out.

Even Argentina’s corn growers bene ted from China’s shi in suppliers, securing deals that might have once belonged to American farmers.

For these countries, Trump’s trade war wasn’t a setback - it was an economic windfall.

While American farmers struggled with lost sales, government bailouts, and falling prices, their foreign competitors stepped in, secured new markets, and never looked back.

When American farmers su ered under Trump’s trade war, the country’s federal government stepped in with $28

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billion in bailout payments between 2018 and 2020 - a gure equivalent to an entire year’s worth of Australia’s total agricultural exports.

Yet, despite these massive subsidies, many farmers never fully recovered their lost income or market access.

Ironically, around 80 per cent of the revenue from tari s on Chinese imports was funnelled back to farmers - essentially making Trump’s trade war a self-in icted wound, where farmers paid the price and taxpayers footed the bill.

The fundamental aw in Trump’s tari strategy is that while it aims to protect industries like steel and automobiles, it inevitably back res.

The countries hit with American tari s retaliate strategically, targeting Trump’s own supporter base of Midwestern farmers.

The result? Trump scrambles to compensate those a ected, but no bailout can force China to abandon Brazil’s soybeans or persuade Mexico to favour American pork over European alternatives. Once trade relationships shi , they rarely return.

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Even American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall has sounded the alarm, recently stating that United States farmers have lost money on “almost every major crop planted” over the last three years.

He warned that “adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear”.

A er years of rebuilding trade relationships, another round of tari s risks undoing that progress, leaving American agriculture in an even weaker position.

With 3.4 million farmers nationwide, American agriculture is not just an industry - it’s a political powerhouse.

In the lead-up to the 2023 Farm Bill, agricultural lobbying groups spent over $150 million to secure more than $428 billion in subsidies, crop insurance, and biofuels, reinforcing their place as one of Washington’s most formidable forces.

If you want to know where Trump’s next tari war will lead, just watch how American farmers react when the retaliatory tari s start to bite.

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Events Calendar

Here are upcoming eld day and agricultural events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press.

Bellingen ShowBellingen, NSW

Begun in 1881, the Bellingen Show is a yearly event that brings together members from throughout the community providing a venue for both young and old to showcase their unique skills and talents through traditional agricultural events, the exhibition of agricultural produce, arts and crafts, and top class local entertainment.

When: May 24-25, 2025

More info: bellingenshow.com.au

Casino Beef WeekCasino, NSW

Casino Beef Week is an annual celebration of this iconic Australian industry and the rural way of life. Taking place over 12 days, the festival provides entertainment, education and an authentic country experience for the whole family. With over 100 vibrant events to enjoy, there is no shortage of fun things to see and do.

When: May 24-June 1, 2025

More info: www.casinobeefweek.com.au

Gidgegannup Small Farm Field

Day - Gidgegannup, WA

Countryman Gidgegannup Small Farm

Field Day is the place where those living and working on small farms in the agricultural sector can come together at the one time to view and compare from a selection of products and services designed for e cient farming and rural practices.

When: May 25, 2025

More info: www.gidgegannup.info/ small-farm- eld-day/

Rotary FNQ Field DaysMareeba, Qld

The Rotary FNQ Field Days has grown exponentially since its conception in the mid-1980s. Held over three days on a biennial basis, the award-winning field days is the largest community event on the Tablelands and all monies raised are donated to charities and community organisations in the Atherton Tablelands area.

When: May 28–30, 2025

More info: www.fnq elddays.com.au

FarmFest - Toowoomba, Qld

Elders FarmFest is Queensland’s largest premier primary eld day. More than 2,500 individual companies and organisations will come to together to exhibit everything from ATVs and boom sprayers to grain driers, harvesters and rock pickers.

When: June 3-5, 2025

More info: www.acmruralevents.com. au/farmfest/home

Hort ConnectionsBrisbane, Qld

Hort Connections is an opportunity for networking, education and business for the entire fresh produce industry. Speakers and exhibitors will showcase the latest research, technologies, and innovations to o er new perspectives on the future of Australasia’s horticulture industry. The 2025 edition will be held in Brisbane.

When: June 4-6, 2025

More info: www.hortconnections.com.au

Fieldays - Mystery Creek, New Zealand

Whether you are from in town or out in the country, a Fieldays veteran or visiting for the rst time, Fieldays has something for everyone. From the latest agricultural technology and ground breaking innovations, to shopping, competitions and demonstrations, live shows and tasty food prepared by some of New Zealand’s top chefs, Fieldays showcases the best of New Zealand’s primary industries.

When: June 11-14, 2025

More info: www. eldays.co.nz

Ag-Grow Field DaysEmerald, Qld

Ag-Grow dates back to 1989, servicing central Queensland with some of the best the agriculture and mining sectors. Attracting over 1,500 companies and crowds in excess of 28,000 visitors, AgGrow is one of Australia’s largest field days.

When: June 25-27, 2025

More info: www.aggrow.com.au

Alice Springs Show - Alice Springs, NT

Started in 1960, the Alice Springs Show aims to promote, encourage and advocate for the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, viticultural, commercial, industrial, cultural, handicra , artistic and tourism pursuits in Central Australia.

When: July 4-5, 2025

More info: www.alicespringsshow.com.au

Mudgee Small Farm Field Days - Mudgee, NSW

The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days has been running for over 40 years and attracts approximately 20,000 people per year. With the mission to inform, educate and connect rural people with information and solution providers there are free demonstrations and talks along with commercial stalls, live music and activities to suit the whole family.

When: July 11-12, 2025

More info: www.mudgee elddays.com.au

Australian Sheep and Wool Show - Bendigo, Vic

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is your one stop shop for all things sheep. More than 2,700 sheep and 30,000 people assemble in Bendigo for three days in July for largest show of its type in the world.

When: July 18-20, 2025

More info: www.sheepshow.com

FutureAg ExpoMelbourne, Vic

In its second year, the FutureAg Expo will bring together exhibitors with cuttingedge agritech solutions – from precision farming to AI-powered analytics and robotic automation. With interactive demonstrations, expert-led panels and

presentations and many networking opportunities, FutureAg 2025 will be a ground-breaking event.

When: August 6-8, 2025

More info: www.futureagexpo.com.au

Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) – Brisbane, Qld

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is Queensland’s largest annual event, attracting on average 400,000 people. The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, attracting more than 21,000 competition entries from woodchop to giant vegetables, 10,000 animals from beef cattle to cats and dogs, world-class live entertainment, award-winning food and wine, carnival rides and showbags, family shopping, educational activities and much more.

When: August 9-17, 2025

More info: www.ekka.com.au

AgQuip Field DaysGunnedah, NSW

Arguably one of the biggest eld days on the Australian calendar, AgQuip has been supporting the agriculture world from its permanent, purpose-built site just outside of Gunnedah, NSW since 1973. Attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year and showcasing over 3,000 products, AgQuip has proven to be a much-anticipated event for both exhibitors and attendees alike.

When: August 19-21, 2025

More info: www.acmruralevents.com. au/agquip

Dowerin Field DaysDowerin, WA

Dowerin Field Day is the largest eld day in Western Australia, attracting more than 25,000 visitors each year. Around 7,000 broad acre farmers attend the event each year and over half of all visitors stated their reason for attending was a strong interest in agricultural products and services. The Field Days has also won several tourism awards at a state and national level.

When: August 27-28, 2025

More info: www.dowerin elddays.com.au

Agrishow Small Farms & Field Day Expo - Moss Vale, NSW

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, equipment and supplies from tractors and other vehicles, to equipment and technology, so that visitors can get more from the event.

When: August 29-30, 2025

More info: www.agrishow.com.au

Crowds will again flock to Toowoomba for next month’s FarmFest

EVENT

Double decade

Merlo marked two decades in the local market with a celebratory event that included guests from across Australia and overseas

Merlo Group Australia proudly marked its 20th anniversary of operations in Australia with a spectacular celebration in Sydney.

Held in early March, the milestone event brought together Merlo’s valued partners, dealers, and guests from across the country.

Two key representatives from Merlo S.p.A also travelled from the brand’s homeland of Italy to commemorate two decades of innovation and excellence across a number of industries including agriculture.

Held at the prestigious Doltone House Darling Island, the evening was lled with memorable moments and began with a warm welcome from Merlo Group Australia general manager Michael Lombardo.

He expressed his gratitude to Merlo’s dedicated team, loyal customers, and industry partners who he says have played a vital role in the company’s success.

“This celebration not only marks 20 years of successful operations in Australia but also re ects the strength of our partnerships and the incredible morale within our team,” he says.

“We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continued innovation and growth in the years ahead.”

Lombardo also made special acknowledgement of the guests who travelled

from Italy to join the celebration - Merlo S.p.A CEO Paolo Merlo, export business manager Francesco Brondino, and area service manager Stefano Levratto.

Guests were treated to an exquisite dining experience and live entertainment,

including a stunning performance by renowned electric violinist Cardinia and live music by Jellybean Jam.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of four awards to top-performing Merlo dealers, recognis -

Images: Merlo

Merlo S.p.A CEO Paolo Merlo attended the event

Merlo Group Australia celebrated 20 years of operation

ing their dedication and contribution to the brand’s growth and success in Australia.

The celebration also comes one year a er Merlo marked 60 years as a company, having been o cially founded in 1964 a er Giuseppe Merlo opened a 250sqm workshop for iron processing more than half a century prior.

As Merlo Group Australia looks forward to future milestones, the company says it remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge telehandler solutions and strengthening partnerships across the agricultural, construction, and industrial sectors.

Merlo’s product range for the agricultural sector includes the Turbofarmer telehandler, along with the Multifarmer – a unique product which combines the bene ts of both telehandlers and tractors.

Guests travelled from across Australia and overseas to attend

Ollie Fingleton, Paolo Merlo, Joe Cox, Mick Fingleton and Francesco Brondino

Source Machinery received the Frank Trefilo Memorial Award

World class

Crowds descended on Lardner Park in Victoria’s Gippsland region for this year’s Farm World

Sunshine greeted visitors at this year’s staging of Farm World, held at Lardner Park near Warragul in Victoria.

This year’s event was held between Thursday March 27 and Saturday March 29, a change to last year’s schedule which saw the event run between Friday and Sunday.

Visitors could browse through rows of farm machinery from Australian and overseas dealers and manufacturers, while enjoying the likes of camel rides, motocross demonstrations and a special rodeo.

Farm World has nearly 60 years of history and is an important part of Victoria’s autumn eld day calendar, alongside the likes of Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Seymour Alternative Farming Expo and East Gippsland Field Days.

Organisers have already con rmed next year’s Farm World dates, with the 2026 edition to run from Thursday March 26 to Saturday March 28.

Here is a selection of the machinery on display during this year’s event:

Claas baler

Claas Harvest Centre and Landpower displayed the Variant 565 RC baler among its selection of machinery.

Innovative technology provides for extremely fast wrapping with high bale density, while a new chain lubrication system gives a longer drive chain service life.

The smart control terminal allows hay, straw or silage to be baled in just a few clicks and all crops have excellent cutting quality thanks to the 360-degree active rotor.

This round baler is capable of producing bales between 90cm and 1.6m diameter and is also ISOBUS compatible.

Images: Prime Creative Media

Crowds browsed rows of machinery across the three days of Farm World

The Claas Variant 565 RC baler

JCB Fastrac tractor

Showcased by dealer Michaels Group, JCB’s agship Fastrac 8330 iCON caught the eye.

A 348hp (260kW) engine means big jobs can be handled with ease, while operators have experienced huge bene ts from its maximum speed of 70km/h.

It has been upgraded with the iCON con-

cept, which features a 30cm touchscreen, recon gured joystick, implement control applications and fully integrated ISOBUS connectivity.

Backed up by 1,500Nm of torque and a 10,000kg rear li capacity, this is a tractor designed for big jobs while adding both impressive speed and technology.

Bobcat mower

Bobcat Australia, which is a division of Clark Equipment, had its range of zeroturn mowers at Farm World.

Among the seven models available is the ZT3500, which is described as an entry-level commercial size.

It is available in multiple con gurations with deck widths between 1.22m and 1.55m and engines between 20.5hp (15.2kW) and 23.5hp (17.5kW).

The mower features professional-grade steel-fabricated spindle assemblies, durable hydrostatic transaxles and a highbacked mechanical suspension seat plus ergonomic user controls.

Vin

Rowe range

Multi-brand dealer Vin Rowe Farm Machinery, which is based in Warragul and has over 60 years of history, displayed a wide selection of its products.

Products including Valentini rotary hoes, Einbock pasture management and Tierre chopping and mulching machines highlighted an extensive display.

One Tierre product was the TRL stalk shredder, which is designed for large

JCB’s Fastrac 8330 iCON tractor

farms and contractors.

This Italian made shredder can handle everything from corn and cotton through to sugar cane and is also ideal for the maintenance of uncultivated land.

John Berends Implements rake

One of the Australian-made products on display from John Berends Implements was the arena rake.

Able to be used for cultivation and grooming, it is a strong and versatile rake which can aerate and level arenas.

It is tted with an adjustable and removable tow hitch and three-point linkage, while its front row has adjustable 32 x 10mm ‘S’ tines and the second row has 32 x 10mm rake tines.

Easy to adjust wheel combined with an adjustable top link allows for a variety of di erent working depths, plus an optional adjustable side grader will remove built up material along the arena perimeter.

New Holland tractor

One of New Holland’s high-end tractors – the T9.700 – was showcased by dealer Gendore Farm Machinery.

This tractor has a rated power of 620hp (462kW) and is tted with the manufacturer’s PLM Intelligence.

This Precision Land Management so ware gives excellent connectivity and remote viewing, allowing for a superior level of eet management and control.

A wheeled version was shown at Farm World, however the T9.700 is also available with SmartTrax.

Gendore Farm Machinery also won the show’s best agribusiness exhibit award.

Vin Rowe o ers the Tierre TRL stalk shredder

John Berends Implements’ arena rake

New Holland’s T9.700 tractor

In addition to its Case IH machinery, dealer group TTMI also showcased the Bednar range of seeding equipment.

One machine was the 6,000L Omega OO_FL seed drill, which is a powered unit with a double-chamber hopper design.

TTMI says its versatility is highlighted by the fact it can be used for cultivation with speed discs, or as a direct drill with turbo coulters and double disc openers behind it.

It was paired at Farm World with the Alfa Drill seeding unit, with this particular model o ering a 400L capacity.

One product which Kuhn displayed was the Primor 2060M straw blower and feeder.

This mounted unit is a multi-functional machine which can handle long bres thanks to its patented Polydrive system which drives the separator.

It has fully autonomous loading and requires no external tools, helping to spread straw evenly over the full depth of the bedding area at up to 18m away.

Its capacity of 2 cubic metres means the tub can handle either a round bale up to 1.8m in diameter or a cubic bale up to 2.7m in length.

IN STOCK NOW

JCMA 925LC

25 tonne with Cummins engine (rebuild by Cummins 200 hours ago), Kawasaki hydraulics, bi-directional piping, hydraulic quick-hitch, general purpose bucket, batter bucket, ripper.

$48,500 plus GST = $59,950 Also available tilting batter bucket, compaction wheel, auger drive unit, and grab at additional cost.

Shantui SD22F 26 tonne (approx. with forestry) bulldozer with Cummins (235hp) engine, powershift transmission, straight tilt blade, rear rippers, engine side guards, ROPS air-conditioned cabin with forestry protection, radio, UHF radio, and suspension seat. Fully serviced and with new chains, sprockets, and rollers.

$160,000 plus GST = $176,000

Shantui SD16F - 18.63 tonne (approx. with forestry) bulldozer with Shangchai (cat) 131kW (175hp) engine, powershift transmission - 3 forward 3 reverse, straight tilt blade with heavy duty rake, three shank rippers, engine side guards, ROPS air-conditioned cabin with forestry protection, radio, and suspension seat. New chains and sprockets, just traded on new SD16F.

$125,000 plus GST = $137,500

Kuhn feeder

Kuhn’s Primor 2060M straw blower and feeder

TTMI’s Brent Barker and Kyle Campbell with the Bednar Omega OO_FL seed drill, and Alfa Drill seeding unit

Rata Equipment’s 304 Panerazer aerator

Rata aerator

Rata Equipment had a 304 Panerazer on show at Farm World, which will be one of the last times this product is seen at a eld day.

This is a durable subsoil aerator which can work to a maximum depth of 450mm and has the choice of ve, seven or nine legs.

It is being replaced in Rata’s range by the Fieldwave subsoil aerator, which can aerate almost any type of soil and has a V-frame design for easier pulling and a better result.

Auto reset springs can also be retrotted to this product, which continues the strength and reliability which Rata products have become known for.

John Deere tractor

Deere dealer Brandt had the 6100M utility tractor as part of its Farm World display.

Ideal for livestock operations, this tractor has 100hp (72kW) rated power and a 4.5L, four-cylinder engine.

Its three-point linkage can handle heavy implements, with its short frame also enabling versatility through a small turning radius.

Increased visibility inside the cabin helps with safety and precision while working in tight spaces.

John Deere’s 6100M utility tractor

Kubota tractor

Gippsland dealer Massaro Motors had the MX5200 on show, among many other Kubota tractors.

Powered by a 50hp (37kW) engine, this utility tractor features hydraulic servo systems which increase pedal responsiveness and allow smoother performance and improved control.

It features a 1,300kg rear linkage li capacity and provides a 35.8L/min hydraulic pump output.

This tractor is designed to be a “responsive workhorse”, the manufacturer says, and is ready for a variety of tough jobs.

Muck Runner displayed the Pichon MK10 precision manure spreader

Pichon spreader

Available through South Australian-based company Muck Runner was the Pichon MK10 precision manure spreader.

This unit has a 10 cubic metre capacity and is fully galvanised with a 6mm thick chassis and 3mm thick sides, while also o ering a one-piece gearbox and sprung drawbar.

Particularly designed for intensive use, this spreader provides robustness and versatility, and also features 150mm side extensions for extra capacity.

The Hardox blades are removable and reversible, making this an ideal unit for spreading in all types of conditions.

Rocky River Ag Services

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boots/points,KnuckeyP/wheelsystem.51182. TA1259841. $143,000 JOHNDEERE1870CONSERVAPAK 56ft,12"spacing,doubleshoot,c/whydtynes, presswheels..51289. TA1270302. $110,000

CASEIHADX2180

TBH,2bin,5tonn,goodcondition.51287. TA1259844. $38,500

SIMPLICITYTT2-6000

TBHTrike,2bin,6000Lt,c/wlinearactuator tubulator..51284. TA1270301. $27,500 FLEXICOIL5500&5560

5500AirDrill70ft,10"spacing,coupledto5560TBT AirCart,3bin.51270/51271. TA1248880. $407,000

HARDIALPHA4100

4000L,36mboom,hyddrivepump,c/wGranniPot, boomwheels,Triplets.51285. TA1253554. $104,500

The Kubota MX5200 utility tractor

STONE BURIERS

FIXED AND FOLDING MACHINES

1.3 TO 7.7 METRE WORKING WIDTH

GEARBOXES TO 400HP

POWER

HARROWS

FIXED AND FOLDING MACHINES

1.4 TO 9 METRE WORKING WIDTH GEARBOXES TO 400HP

STONE CRUSHERS

1 METRE TO 3.7 METRE WORKING WIDTH WORKING DEPTH TO 70CM

TOSCANOMULCHERH/D 2023,H/Dconstruction,doubleorsinglesidelinkage, optionalhydraulicsideshift,sizesfrom1.5to4mtr

SAMMUTTRUCKTRAYS

H/DAustralianmade.3mmor5mmfloor.Custombuild. Chassismodifications.Newandusedtrucksavailable. S360. TA1025472.

UNITEDIMPLEMENTS(USA)NEWTRAILINGBOX GRADERMADEINUSA 2022,MadeinUSA,heavydutybuild Hydraulicliftwheels,hydraulicangleadjustment 1800mmto3600mm.S363. TA1025493.

Pricefrom$6,900+GST

GEARMASTERTRAILINGTURFMOWER 2020,Buydirectfromthemanufacturerandsave.We havebeenmanufacturingmowersinAustralia for over 25years!Australianmade,onepiecestainlessdeck, fullgeardrive,stainlessdeck,75HPgearboxes,3plor trailing,sizesfrom1.5mtrto12mtr,suitable for Turf farms,golfcourses,councils,contractorsandmore. S364. TA1025498.

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SAMMUTSPREADKING5000ORCHARD/VINEYARD SPREADER 2020,H/DAustralianbuild,frontorreardelivery.Sizes from2m3to18m3,optionaltelescopicconveyor, optionalendrotororendspinner,custombuilttosuit

SAMMUTSPREADERS

TOSCANOSTONEBURIEREXTRAHEAVYDUTY 2020,Extraheavyduty Hydraulicliftroller,geardrive Anti-panblades 2200mmto3200mm.S369. TA1025532. Pricefrom$17,900+GST

SAMMUTHARDOXTIPPERBODIES H/Dbuild. Onepiecesides,2waygate.Optionalwell hoistortwinunderbody.Optionaldropsides.Custom build.Colourofchoice.Sandblastedandfinishedin

SAMMUTMILLMUDSPREADERS,AUSTRALIAN MADE

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2020,H/DAustralianmade,fullhydraulicdrive Wecancustombuild.Optionalfrontfeed Optionalsidedelivery.Chainorbeltfloor Sizesfrom2m3to30m3.S367. TA1025524.

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TOSCANOSPEEDDISC 2022,Buydirectfromtheimporterandsave! Heavyduty,Hydraulicliftcrumbleroller,560mmdiscs ,3plandtrailing,2.5mtrto6mtr(trailing).S368. TA1025525.

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FIMAKSVERTICALFEEDMIXERS

2020,Hardenedbinandfloor,H/DComerItalian gearboxes,sizesfrom3m3to30m3,scales,incab controls,ptionalfoldingconveyorwithoptionallength, reductionbox.S371. TA1025537. From$25,000+GST

FIMAKS18TONE,TWINVERTICLEBEATER,MULCH /MUCKSPREADERS

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CASEIHJXM75 #2012111500hrs,FELWITHNEW FORKSAND4in1BUCKET

CASEIHFARMALL105C #200983104HP,FELwithSTD BUCKET3RDFUNCANDSOFTRIDE

NEWHOLLANDT4.95 #2011862,111hrsFELMXT406Bucket&Forks

VADERSTADRAPID300C #2010635inseedspacings,10in fertspacings,Only350hectares $112,000

ELHOPROLINER1500 #404518BrandNexExDemo28 bales,fullwarranty. $44,000

FENDT309 #200883113Hp,7122hrs,Burder 2stageforklift.Readyforwork

2019BALDANCRIA #2010675.8workwidth,2.5m t/portwidth,28x7.5mmdiscs

JOHNDEERE468 #2011304900Bales,beenthrough workshopandreadyforwork. $27,500

CASEIHFARMALL110M #201191902hrs,40Ktrans, FEL3rdfunc&Softride. $94,000

KUBOTAM7131 #2008842290hrs,130Hp,Kubota LM2605FrontEndLoader. $95,000

CASEIHMAXXUM125 #201139UltimateSpec,3650hrs. 50kmtrans,QuickeEurohitchFEL $89,500

JOHNDEERE7730 #20121219,660hrsGoodTyres aroundallround

SILVAN2500 #200942Silvan18Meterboom: 2500Ltank,"ASNEW"only100hrs $49,500

KUHNVB3165OF #20087314,300bales,balesize 800-1600mm,Autochainlube $60,500

KRONECOMPRIMACV150XC #20109330,000BALES,Newbelts &Slats.HeavyDutyBaler

KUHNHR3030 #201102EXDEMO3mwide, packerroller,mudscrapers $40,150

UPTO36"MININGPUMPS PUMP VXTE48791. TA206423. $14,510

SOUTHERNCROSS100X65-315PUMPSET withNissanQD32(65hp),skidfueltank,oil-temp,hi/lo timerwatchdogandforkliftroof.Vel67912. TA11060. $13,750

PERKINSISOSILENCED PUMP NewPerkinsDieselIso Silencedpumpsetwithfuel tankbase..Perkisosilent1. TA223696. $26,000

PONTOONPUMP ELECTRIC Pontoonwithelectricpump. xzdef19652. TA206427. $14,910

PERKINSGENERATORS 6,8,10,13,15,20and30KVA generators,singleand 3-phase,poweredby water-cooledPerkinsheavy dutydieselengines,keyor remotestart,fueltankbase, fullengineprotection,500 hoursserviceintervalsIdeal backuporprimepowerCall foryourspecialprice!. AW54939-ST190912. DPLIn27583. POA

GRUNDFOSVARIUOS PUMPS VariedModels.S1. TA250286. $4,500

UNKNOWNPTO GENERATOR 50KVA-ThreePhase-3 pointlinkagewithheavy dutyjackstands.VEL4156. TA10931. $8,710

$3,250INCLGST

NEWHOLLAND317HAYLINERSMALLSQUAREBALER New HollandHayliner317SmallSquareBaler,hasbeenshedded, serialno:4501,verygoodcondition.7407. TA1251513.

JOHNDEEREZ997RZTRAKRIDEONMOWER diesel, approximately6'decksidedelivery,withcopyofmanual, 1,671hoursasindicated,year2021approximately,likenew. 7353. TA1227757. $19,950INCLGST

HUGERANGEOFNEWTYRES&TUBESVARIOUSSIZESIN STOCK NEWTYRES&TUBESINSTOCK.7441. TA1264634. POA

$78,000INCLGST

50FrontEndLoader,3pointlinkage,with4pronghayfork&bucket, approximately115horsepower,2,900hoursapproximately.7355. TA1227784.

$26,450INCLGST

TA1227753.

CaseInternational3230TractorwithBenWyeKBF3000FrontFork AttachmentwithForks,4wheeldrive,60horsepowerapproximately,3 pointlinkage,rollframe&roof,2,300hoursasindicated.7351.

CASEIH3230TRACTORWITHFRONTFORKATTACHMENT

$56,000INCLGST

TA1125206.

JOHNDEERE5525FWATRACTOR withselflevellingfrontend loader,4.1bucket,yearapproximately2005-2008,4wheeldrive, ROPS&Roof,91horsepowerapprox,PTO,withfrontweightframe(no weights),approx1,968hoursindicated,2newfronttyres.7073.

$12,500INCLGST

BONNEBYSCHWARZESE6TROADBROOM/SWEEPER diesel,yearapprox2013,vinno:6T9T26ABLD09P9005,with books,servicehistory&controller,lowhours.7316. TA1219701.

$11,950INCLGST

MASSEYFERGUSON35TRACTOR 2wheeldrive,3cylinder diesel,PTO,rollframe,newtyres,42horsepower approximately.7440. TA1264628. $9,850INCLGST

HOWARDROTARYHOES LARGERANGEOFHOWARDROTARY HOESPLUSASELECTIONOFOTHERROTARYHOESINSTOCK. 7379. TA1238951. POA

JCB3CXBACKHOELOADER,4CYLINDERDIESEL approx. 2,589genuinehoursindicated,rearextenderboom,3x buckets,nooilleaks.7135. TA1159450. $79,000INCLGST

DIESEL 2wheeldrive,3cylinderPerkinsdiesel,rollframe,rear wheelweights(optional),approximately42horsepower,tyres80%no cracks.7422. TA1254042.

CASEIHMAXXUM115TRACTOR 4wheeldrive,withVision-Lift

$35,000

FORD5610TRACTOR

4x4,FrontEndLoaderwithForks, Rops,Roof,Windscreen,72horsepowerapproximately, immaculate,approximately5,280hours.7122. TA1155052.

MASSEYFERGUSON135TRACTOR3CYLINDERPERKINS

$58,450INC 2OF

4wheeldrive,withFrontForkAttachment&FrontTynes,4cylinder dieselturbo,extra4bankelectrichydraulics,85horsepowerapproximately,air conditioning(working),approximately5,700hoursindicated,engineno: 2DQ1454,serialno:87908,ROPS.7144.

KUBOTAM8540TRACTORWITHFRONTMOUNTEDFORK&FRONT TYNES

horsepowerapproximately,PTO,withfrontweightframe(noweights), approx.1,900hoursindicated,3pointlinkage.7089. TA1133372. PRPOWER10KVAGENSET PRPowerGenset,model GMS10KS-AU,415/240volt,3phase,self-excitedwhichallowsfor automaticswitchingfromyourmainspowersupplytobackupdiesel generator,21,421hours,Kubota10KVA,fullyserviced.7367. TA1231786.

7' to 28'. PTO hammermills, roller mills, grain gristers. From $595

3PL, 5-9 tine trail, 8-14 tine chisel ploughs From $795

Irrigation pipes, pumps & motors, travelling irrigators. Scoops, 3PL, silt blades, carryalls and rippers.

2nd hand tractor tyres, belt pulleys, PTO From $195

2nd hand new tines Augers, 50' x 6" & 8", pencil 14' x 4" new and 2nd hand.

Harrows all types From $45

Boom sprays, 3PL, Hardi and Silvan, 400 & 600ltr.

Power Harrows 3PL Lely 15' Crump (Kurrajong 1000) 1 tonne trailing

Manure-lime & super spreaders Super spreaders ground drive, ½ - 4.5 tonne. 9' Roto wiper, new & secondhand Vicon spreaders 10 to 30 bag, Hardi 1200 ltr boomspray trail, foam & PTO.

OFFSET/DISC PLOUGHS

Grizzly 20 424 disc

Gibbons Rawlings 28 plate

SCARIFIERS & TILLERS

Ferguson scarifiers 3PL 19 tyne Bagshaw scarifier towable

SHEEP AND CATTLE

Feeders (hay & grain) Cattle Scales

Feedout bins and trailers. Shearing plants, grinders, lamb cradles, handlers, wool pressers, bail heads, crushes, wool tables, hyd  woolpress.

SLASHERS

8’ slasher 3PL (superior)

2.3 high body Nobili mulcher

TRAILERS

HYD Tipping 10' x 6'

Freighter 4 wheel trailer

Tipping trailer 8' x 6' From $975

TRACTORS Ford 3000, 45hp, 3PL, P-Steer. FE Loader. Fergie TEA20 petrol

MOBILCO

13FT NOBILI NK 3PL MULCHER

PARKESINDUSTRIES1 2006, 22Tchaserbin,135. NSW. DIY1264814. 0408 839 164. $77,000

VREDODZ344.07.5 2021,MaximumGerminationwith Vredos Double-DiscSystem.Directseedplacementfor rapidgermination&deeprooting.7.5cm row spacingforfull,evenpasturecoverage, 3037.037.NSW. DIY1260724. 0448 475 196. $92,752

UNKNOWNPRPOWER23 KVA 2024,6mtholdnearnew generator.Presentslikenew. Heavydutyskidbase.662hrs Suitnewbuyer$4000below replacement,n/a. WA. DIY1264644. 0428 523 523. $18,000

2019,CheckoutthisusedVersatile620DT!ImmaculateCondition!

575Hp(620Hpmax) -CumminsQSX15LTier3engine -3,446Nmpeaktorque - CAT TA2216x4Powershifttransmission -416L/minhydraulicpumpwith6electrohydraulicremotes -18,800Ldieseltank -Front&Reardifferentiallock -DeluxcabwithAgCabsuspension, -Trimblesetup -30"tracks

Hours:3973

Contact0431075312-UnitbeingheldinYatala,QLD.,BVA1821017.QLD. DIY1254382. 0431 075 312. $499,950

WANTED TO BUY TRACTORS FOR WRECKING

CASE

585, 595, 685, 695, 800, 830, 832, 870 2WD, 885, 895, 900, 930, 932, 956, 970, 1030, 1032, 1070, 1194, 1270, 1370, 1390, 1394, 1594, 1690, 2090, 2094, 2096, 2290, 2290, 2294, 2390, 2394, 2470, 2590, 2594, 2670, 2870, 3394, 3594, 4230, 4496, 4694, 4994, 7110, 7210, CVX 170, CX60, MAGNUM 275, MAGNUM 290, MAGNUM 305, MX80C, MX255, MX285, PUMA, STX 375 QUADTRACK, STX425, STX440 QUADTRACK, STX450, STX485, STX500

CASE IH

1896, 4690, 4890, 4894, 5120, 5130, 5140, 5150, 7120, 7130, 7140, 7150, 7220, 7230, 7240, 7250, 8910, 8920, 8930, 8940, 8950, 9130, 9150, 9170, 9180, 9250, 9260, 9280, 9350, 9370 QUADTRACK, 9380 QUADTRACK, 9390, MX90, MX130, MX135, MX150, MX230, MX240, MX200, MX220, MXM175, MX270, MXM190, STX375, STX440, STX480

CATERPILLAR

CHALLENGER SERIES – 35, 45, 55, 65, 65C, 75, 75C, 75E, 85C, 85D, 95E, 65E TRACK MACHINE, MT765D, MT765C, MT865C

FORD

3000, 3610, 4000, 4600, 4610, 5000, 5610, 5640, 6000, 6600, 6610, 6700, 6810, 7000, 7600, 7700, 7710, 7840, 8000, 8210, 8230, 8340, 8401, 8600, 8700, 9000, 9600, 9700,, TW5, TW10, TW15, TW20, TW25, TW30

INTERNATIONAL

385, 414, 434, 444, 484, 514, 554, 564, 574, 585, 624, 660, 674, 686, 696, 706, 756,766, 786, 856, 866, 885, 886, 956, 976, 986, 1056, 1066, 1086, 1256, 1466, 1468, 1486, 1566, 1568, 1586, 3288, 3388, 3588, 3688, 3788, 4166, 4186, 4366, 4386, 4568, 4586, 4786, 5088, 5288, 5488, 6388, 6588, 6788, 844S, AW6, AW7, AWD6, AWD7, B250, B275, W6, W7,

JOHN DEERE

950, 1050, 1130, 1140, 1640, 1750, 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, 2120, 2130, 2140, 2250, 2450, 2650, 2850, 3010, 3020, 3120, 3130, 3140, 3350, 3640, 3650, 4010, 4020, 4030, 4040, 4050, 4055, 4230, 4240, 4250, 4255, 4430, 4440, 4450, 4455, 4555, 4560, 4620, 4630, 4640, 4650, 4755, 4760, 4840, 4850, 4955, 4960, 5010, 5020, 5310, 5515, 5300, 6030, 6110, 6170R, 6200, 6220, 6300, 6310, 6320, 6330, 6400, 6410, 6620, 6630 Premium, 6810, 6820, 7210, 7330, 7510, 7520, 7600, 7610, 7700, 7800, 7810, 7920, 7930, 8100, 8200, 8230, 8285R, 8300, 8310, 8320R, 8330, 8345RT, 8360RT, 8370RT, 8400, 8400 TRACK, 8410, 8430, 8440, 8450, 8520, 8520T, 8530, 8630, 8640, 8650, 8760, 8770, 8850, 8960, 8970, 9400, 9410R, 9420T, 9430T

NEW HOLLAND

7840, 8430, 8560, 8870, 8970, 9482, 9682, 9860, 9880, 9882, 9482, 9484, G210, G240, L85, L95, T6020, T7030, TG230, TG235, TG255, TG285, TJ375, TJ425, TJ450, TL70, TL90, TM125, TM135, TM195, TN55D, TN95F, TS100, TS100A, TS110A, TS125A, T9060

STEIGER

KP525, KP 1350, KP1325, KP1400, BEARCAT 3 & 4, COUGAR 2 & 4 CM250, PANTHER 2, PANTHER 3 ST310 & ST325, PANTHER 4 CM325, TIGER ST470,

VERSATILE

500, 700, 800, 835, 836, 855, 875, 895, 900, 935, 945, 946, 950, 956, 975, 976, 1150, 1156

HYSTERH16.00XM-6 2010,lowhoursandin greatconditionwithMichelinXZMradialtyres, forkpositioningsideshiftand2,440mmForks. R3525. TA730601.

ForSaleorHirePOAPh:1800688788to Inspect

HYSTERH12.00XM 200811,740kg4500mm lift,sideshiftcarriageand2440mmforks.Hire orBuyFreeCall1800688788.R3405. TA369982. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 withforkpositioning sideshiftcarriage,2440mmforks,Cummins engine,fullyenclosedairconditionedcabOption20x40sideliftcont.frame.R3632. TA1124211. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450-65S 2013,Stacksladen 20x40containers5high.CumminsQSM11 dieselengine.Dana15.5HR36000XMSN. H10300280. TA1153805.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

OMEGA16-12W Idealfurnitureremovalist solutionRated12,000kgwithELME558 sidesliftabletostackuptofourhigh20and40 footcontainers..353AUFL443. TA1154000. ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADER21RubberTyreStraddleCarrier LoadUnloadandTravelwith32t20'andor27t 40'containers.Lowcostlightweight containerhandlerideal for lessrobust pavementorgoodhardstand.S113. TA1222701. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 2008,stacks12,000kg highcube20'&40'3high.ELME55820x40 spreaderwithtopentrytwistlocks.Frontline unitreadynow.R3547. TA829125.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADERHL-PC-35 2006,Two(2) ISOLOADERPrecastConcreteHandling RubberTyreGantriesbuyoneorboth for tandemliftandtraveleachwithSWL 35,000kg.R3696R3697. TA1222670. POA

HYSTERH650C 6newContinentaltyres, Cummins6CTenginethisbudgetpriced forkliftisready for work.Option20'or20x40 toppickcontainerspreaders..R3712. TA1216675. ForSaleorHirePh1800688788POA

HYSTERH10.00XM 2006,Cumminsengine. WideForkPositioningSideshiftCarriage wouldsuitlongloadse.g.pipe.R3689. TA1216676. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450 2014,SOLD-Another Available.Only11081hourswithoriginal Cumminsengine.Stack45,000kg1strow 31,000kg2ndrow.ReadyNow.R3603. TA998021. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

PRENTICE7,000KGSWL forklifttruckramps (8)topickfrom.Ideal for shippingcontainers. Forsaleorhire.R3274. TA96974. $12,000+GST=$13,200ForSaleorHire

GENIEGS3268RT

4WDdiesel.Recently 10yearinspected,new paint,goodreliable machine.S35.

$25,000+GST

SNORKELTB42JDZ 42fttelescopicboom lift.4WDDiesel.S30. $15,000+GST

SNORKELPRO126 126ftstraightstick boom,diesel,4WD, workingheight40.2m, goodworking condition.S36. $30,000+GST

SNAPPYHEAVY

DUTY

Scaffold.S2. $550+GST

JLG43FTRTSELF LEVELLINGDIESEL SCISSORLIFT VeryGoodValuefor money,tidymachine, stillworkinginour rentalfleet.S27.

$30,000+GST

SNORKELTB47J

4WDTB47JDZ TelescopicBoomLift, 10YearInspected, HydraulicGenerator, Diesel,Veryreliable machine..S39. $35,000+GST

HAULOTTE COMPACT14

2014,12melectric scissorliftverypopular unit.14mworking height.1unitavailable. S21. $6,000+GST

SNORKEL MHP13/35

2012,TrailerMounted articulatedboomlift featuresasafeandstable workingheightofupto 12.6m.Stillinhirefleet, verygoodcondition.S38.

$20,000+GST

GENIEGS1932 GenieGS1932Electric Scissorlift.S29. $4,000+GST

SKYJACK3219 2015,SkyJack3219 scissorlift,10year inspected,electric, 5.8mplatformheight. S40. $7,500+GST

Leading the future

Australian manufacturers will soon have access to the world’s latest automation solutions, R&D and advanced training, as part of a new international partnership

Weld Australia has announced a strategic partnership with two technology organisations – EWI (formerly the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group.

The nation’s peak representing body for the welding industry says this collaboration will provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to the latest automation solutions, worldclass research and development, and advanced training programs.

Local businesses are set to bene t, with the partnership aiming to boost productivity, enhance safety, address labour shortages and reduce costs.

Weld Australia CEO Geo Crittenden says this initiative is critical to ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s manufacturing sector.

“Australian manufacturing is at a pivotal moment. We need to embrace advanced technologies to stay competitive,” he says.

“This isn’t just about keeping pace with the rest of the world, it’s about leading it.”

Weld Australia says EWI’s technologies have already proven successful in improving e ciency, precision and cost-e ectiveness in renewables.

One of which is EWI’s tele-welding technology, which allows remote operation of welding systems, enabling real-time oversight and adjustments from anywhere in the world.

This innovation could be critical for addressing labour shortages and supporting large-scale projects in remote or hazardous environments.

While automation is a signi cant factor to increase e ciency and global

competitiveness, Crittenden says it must be matched with a skilled workforce.

“Beyond technology, this partnership is also focused on upskilling the workforce,” he says.

“CWB and EWI will deliver training programs to help businesses integrate automation successfully, addressing labour shortages while future-proo ng the industry.

“The training will cover essential areas such as cobot programming, welding system integration, and automation safety protocols, equipping workers with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies.

“Through this partnership, we’re ensuring that Australian welders and manufacturers have access to worldclass training that will prepare them for the future.”

EWI’s tele-welding technology allows remote operation of welding systems. Image: sittinan/stock.adobe.com

19-29 Curlew Cresc

Tamworth NSW 2340

www.philhuntparts.com.au brendan@philhuntparts.com.au

JOHNDEERE770GP JustinforDismantling,17.5x25 RimsandTyres,New14FootMoldboard,RearRipper Assy,6090Engine,CircleandDraftinVGC,Front SpindlesinVGC,AllPartsAvailable,PhoneBrendan02 67624466.S187. TA1234373. POA

JOHNDEERE670DGRADER JustinforDismantling,12 FootMoldboard,RearRippers,6068HEngine,DF180 Transmsission,14:00x24Rims&Tyres,LowHour Machine,AllPartsAvailable.PhonePeter0267624466. S125. TA974288. POA

PHIL HUNT PARTS PHIL HUNT PARTS

The HUNT stops here

NEW AND S/H PARTS

ALLIS-CHALMERS/HANOMAG/MASSEY

JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL

PARTS FOR Dozers, Loaders, Drotts, Graders, Scrapers

WRECKING DOZERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: “M”, HD5B, HD6B, HD6E, HD6G, HD7W, HD7G, HD9B, HD10W, HD11B, HD11E, HD11EC, HD11EP, HD11 Ser B, HD15,C, HD16A, HD16AC, HD16D, DC, HD16DP, HD19,20,21A, HD21B,C, HD31, HD41B

FIAT: 451C, 555, 605C, 50CI, 70CI, 8, 8B, AD10, BD10B, FD10E, AD12, 14B, 14C, BD20, DX175

HANOMAG/MASSEY: 2244, 200, 300, 3366, 400, 500, L400C, L600C, D600D Super, D700C

JOHN DEERE : 1010C, 850 LOADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: TL12D, TL14, TL20, 545, 605B, 645, 745B,C FIAT: FR20B

LD3, LD5, LD6, LD7 and LD9 Scoopmobile

HANOMAG/MASSEY 22,33C,44, 55, CL55C,66C-D, 77 GRADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: D, DD, M65, 65B, AD30-40, 45, 145, M100A, B, FG95

DRMCO/CHAMPION 562, 600, 720, 740

JOHN DEERE 570, 570A, 670, 670A, 670B, 770, 770A, 772A, 770BH, 670CH, 670D, 672GP, 770GP, 772GP

ALLIS WHEEL TRACTORS

AC D17, D19, D21, XT190, 7000, 7010, 7020, 7040, 7060, 7080, 8010, 8050, 8070, 7580, 8550, 440 ALSO AVAILABLE

Track Chains, Rollers, Idlers, Sprockets

Various 4-1 Buckets, POA

JOHNDEERE772GP Justinfordismantling,6Wheel Drive,14FootMoldboard,SweetRunning6090 Engine, 17.5x25TyresandRimsAllRound,RearRipperAssy,All PartsAvailable,PhoneBrendanon0267624466.S191. TA1239667. POA

JOHNDEERE670CH Justinfordismantling,12foot moldboard,frontcounterweight,DF180transmission, 6068Tengine,allpartsavailable.S161. TA1116745. POA

Allis Chalmers • Fiat Allis • Hanomag • Massey • JD Industrial

SKYJACKSJ3219 2014, 19'ElectricScissorlifts,severalmachinesoffered. 227kgliftcapacityallingoodcondition.Locatedin Brisbane,Melbourne&Sydneyandthesemachines are nowoutoftest.Various. TA1019568

$4750+GST=$5,225

SKYJACKSJ4632E'S 2014, 32'ElectricScissorlifts,2014models,severalmachines offered. allwitha317kgliftcapacity,allingoodcondition. LocatedinBrisbaneandMelbourne.Allmachinesnowout oftest.VariousfromS32104E-S3210E8. S32113E-S32119E. TA1160080

GENIEGS2669BE GenieHybridDiesel/ElectricScissorlifts, 10machinesavailable,intestuntil2027.These are Rough Terrainelectricmachineswithadieselgeneratorto providepowerwhenrequired.Witha680kgSWLanda1.5 metreextensiondeck,locatedinBrisbaneandSydney. S26357BEN-S26366BEN. TA1204796

$12,000+GST=$12,000

GENIEGS4390RT Genie43'GS43904WDRoughTerrain Scissorlifts.Severalmachinesavailableallwith680Kg liftcapacityanddoublepushoutextensiondecksgiving youatotaldecklengthof6.7metres.They are also equippedwithon-boardgenerators.Machinesin Melbourne<SydneyandBrisbane.S4347G7. TA1269045

$25,000+GST=$27,500

SKYJACKSJ6832RT4X4 Skyjack32'Diesel4x4 Scissorlifts,8machinesavailable,intestuntil2025. These are trueRoughTerrainmachineswitha454kg SWLanda1.5metreextensiondeck,locatedin BrisbaneandSydney..S32131-S32139. TA1258495

$19,000+GST=$20,900

GENIEGS5390RT Genie53'GS43904WDRoughTerrain Scissorlifts.Severalmachinesavailableallwith680Kglift capacityanddoublepushoutextensiondecksgivingyoua totaldecklengthof6.7metres.They are alsoequipped withon-boardgenerators.MachinesinMelbourne< SydneyandBrisbane.S5314. TA1269050

$30,000+GST=$33,000

GENIEGS4047 2014-40'ElectricScissorlifts.several machinesoffered.Thesemachineswilldriveatfull heightwitha350kgSWLanda910mmextensiondeck. All machinesoutoftest.MachinesinSydney,Melbourne &Brisbane..S4022E-S4026E. TA1258498

SKYJACKSJ46AJ 46'4WDDieselKnuckleBooms.4 unitsavailable,allwitha227kgliftcapacityandin goodcondition.MachineslocatedinMelbourne, NewcastleandBrisbane.Allmachines are nowoutof test.KB4639-KB4647. TA1160082

$23,000+GST=$25,300

CTETRACCESS230E 2017, TRACCESS230E-23mElectricSpiderLift.Equippedwith non-markingtracks,outriggersandanextremelylowground bearing pressure,greatforhardtogettoareas.Ithasitsown batterypowerorcanbepluggedin.3machinesavailable(1 withaLithiumBattery).SP6901P-SP6903PL. TA1228156

$70,000+GST=$77,000

2.5TonneLPGForkliftwith4.3MetreLift ContainerMast.P003. TA1206087. $13,200

1.2tonneelectricwalkiereachtruckwith4.27 metrelift.N054. TA1178245. $13,200

2003,GMJT24.250EWP,major5yr rebuilddoneJune2023($41KSpent),24mworking

BAUERMEISTERUT42/USCH 1978,BauermeisterGrinders are idealforfinegrindingofsugar,spices,grains(in pieces),gypsum,limestone.Thismachineis reconditionedandfittedwitha0.8mmscreenforultra fineproducts,comeswitha75kwmotor,103083.QLD.

$29,500

ExRestauranttable,perfectWorkshopBenchc/whighandlow sections.Solidsteel.Overlaywithasheetofplyfortheperfect workbench.850(W)x2700(TotalL),750(H-lowside),1100(HHighside),1250(L-Lowside),1450(L-Highside),HD Steel Bch. $350

ROUNDO3PS/RCNC

HYSTERLIFTSMARTWRT15-4500 2022,TheLiftsmart WRT15isanergonomicallydesigned,highlysecure electricwalkie reach stacker,24414-6. WA. DIY1251904. 0417 955 658. $25,300

1994,RoundoR3PS/RCNCMachinewithinterpolationinGood workingorderwithStandardrollsandspecialrollsforpipeand tuberollingandbendingx12setsfrom19mmto76mmOA.Also included are 2operatorsmanualswhichincludesystemdiagrams andsparepartslist.,945636.SA. DIY1264217. 0418 838 104. $45,000

WASTEQUIPGL32120 2024,Underwarranty.neverused&inbrandnew condition.Unfortunatelynolongerrequired.Setup forproductdestructionthismachinecanhandle tyres,e-waste,pallets,drums,plastic,MSW/RDF, wood,bottlesandcans.Hydraulicdrivesystem, electricalcontrolpanelwithSiemensPLCControl Systemrequiring3phasepower. We canworkwith youtoarrangetransportandcommissioning, 240547.NSW. DIY1254597. 0498 500 509. $192,500

KERFAB BALE FORKS

DO THE HEAVY LIFTING

Kerfab’s bale forks are proudly designed and manufactured in Australia to withstand the harshest conditions, delivering exceptional durability, efficiency, and safety.

Trusted by professionals across Australia and New Zealand, Kerfab attachments provide the reliability and performance that top operations demand. Reach out to the Kerfab team or your machinery dealer today to experience the difference.