RURAL NEWS // OCTOBER 4, 2011
38 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Italian still taking to the hills TWENTY FIVE years after it was launched – notably with patented, independent front braking –there’s still no hill-country tractor better than the SAME Explorer, says Power Farming’s national product manager Ken Bill. Well-specced, eventually becoming wellregarded, this utility tractor suited New Zealand farming conditions. Now Power Farming is “ramping up the presence of the SAME brand,” Bill says. “The brand has had a positive perception over many years, and the Explorer has long been something of an iconic model for SAME.” With wet and dry clutch options, the Explorer range “offers price points well suited to most farm capital budgets” and the offered gear-
box combinations can make just the right match with the demands typical of farming here, Bill says. Two models are offered: entry-level Explorer 85 naturally aspirated, and Explorer 95 turbo-charged models. The naturally aspirated SDF engines are known to be dependable – they’re simple and durable, Bill says. Of the three patents registered over the tractor, the independent front braking remains the standout. The current Explorer is still the only tractor in its class to offer such a feature, coming today as oil immersed discs on all four wheels, run through a hydraulic braking system. The Explorer’s stability has contributed to its popularity for steep work, Bill says. The key to this is low centre of grav-
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ity, and a wide (2100mm) wheel track front and rear. Tyres are 540/65R34 tyres front, 480/65R24s rear). The machine achieves an aim said to be long-held by SAME designers: even weight distribution across the tyre profile so that soil compaction is minimal. In its dry clutch option the 85 and 95 offer a 20:20 gear selection with mechanical selection. A wet-clutch version (Deutz powered), the Explorer GS 85 (to 110 hp) has a 40:40 gear range through a hi-lo power shift. An ‘overspeed’ feature allows the Explorer to be driven on the open road in economy-mode top gear, or matching the engine to conditions using lower gear ratios. This gives a 12% improvement on fuel economy, Bill says. German Profi magazine has rated Deutz diesels
Independent front braking, on which SAME holds a patent, distinguishes the Explorer.
as leaders for economy, averaging 10% better than other engines in the equivalent class. Bill cites two key design features as the reasons: 1) An individual ‘wet’ fuel pump supplying each injector is driven by the camshaft and lubricated
by the tractor’s oil supply. When a tractor is run on bio-diesel this is critical to eliminate the corrosive effect of such fuel. 2) Short fuel lines minimise resistance and maximise fuel-flow pressure for a higher, constant rate of delivery to the cylinder.
Similarly, the hydraulic system has a pump separate from the power steering – no compromise when the steering is working hard. Rear hydraulics will lift 5.1 tonnes. And a four-speed PTO includes a feature rare on utility tractors, Bill says: an ‘eco’
500rpm and 1000rpm power selection. The ‘eco’ matches power to the task being done; with low demand implements, e.g. spray pumps, the engine can run at a lower crankshaft speed, saving fuel. Tel. 07 902 2284 www.powerfarming.co.nz
29/09/11 9:38 AM