Plenty of machinery and technology was again on display at this year’s AgQuip field days
More than 50,000 visitors flocked through the gates of AgQuip in August.
Held over three days, attendees were blessed with sunny weather in the New South Wales town of Gunnedah.
NSW premier Chris Minns and agriculture minister Tara Moriarty also attended the event on its final day.
This year’s staging again included a wide selection of machinery and technology from manufacturers and dealers across Australia, while an AgSmart Connect Hub included two days of seminar presentations on agri-innovation and the future of farming.
Dates for next year’s AgQuip have already been announced, with the showpiece event to take place between August 19-21.
Here is the first of two parts showcasing the machinery highlights from AgQuip 2024:
Rata Equipment
One of Rata’s most popular products – the Power Claw – was shown in action at AgQuip.
It was paired with a skid steer loader to demonstrate its capability of being attached to multiple types of equipment.
The Power Claw provides an alternative to four-in-one buckets, able to move logs and debris around while having a claw to grip these items and keep them secure.
This catch-all solution is available in several sizes to suit different needs and machinery types.
JCB Fastrac
The manufacturer’s Fastrac tractors were a prominent part of the AgQuip display.
Fitted with the technology-packed iCON control suite, the JCB Fastrac 4220 was shown alongside the larger 8330.
The 4220 has a maximum rated power of 235hp and impressive top speed of 60kmh, produces 1,000Nm of torque and has a rear lift capacity of 8,000kg.
Features of the iCON concept include a 30cm touchscreen display, fully integrated ISOBUS connectivity, GPS guidance display options and implement control applications.
Falc mulcher
Distribution group Inlon is known for its selection of Landini and TYM tractors, along with the likes of Strautmann mixer wagons, but another brand also caught the eye.
A high-body cotton mulcher – the Kronos 6000 – from Italian manufacturer Falc was part of Inlon’s display in Gunnedah.
These machines have been developed specifically for Australian growers and are backed by 30 years of history.
Requiring a tractor with between 120-180hp and with a 6m working width, the model on display is designed to cover six cotton beds without the overlap of the larger models.
Case IH combine
One of Case IH’s biggest machines – the Axial-Flow 8250 combine harvester – was an eye catcher amidst the sea of red at dealer Kenway & Clark’s stand.
It is designed for big jobs – offering 480hp (358kW) rated power and a maximum of 555hp (414kW).
Reflecting current needs, it is fitted with AFS harvest monitoring and mapping tools to provide valuable crop information and enable farmers to analyse the performance of different seed varieties.
Forming part of the manufacturer’s Axial-Flow 250 series, the range takes the single rotor technology backed by almost 50 years of history and adds the power and technology sought out by Australia’s broadacre growers.
New Holland T7
One of the brand’s flagship tractors – the T7.300 – was in a prominent position following its Australian public debut at FutureAg in Melbourne earlier this year.
Precision Land Management Intelligence (PLMi) is a standout upgrade on this new-generation tractor, which offers a heavier and bigger framed tractor with more power but the same manoeuvrability and overall dimensions as New Holland’s existing T7 models.
A six-cylinder FPT engine delivers 280hp maximum power for draft work and 300hp for PTO and haulage tasks, while an 18 per cent fuel capacity increase boosts productivity.
Larger tyres also feature on this tractor, which is fully ISOBUS Tractor Implement Management certified and which also offers integrated large square baler control and upgraded Auto Command transmission.
Muddy River
A German-made cotton mulcher from Sauerburger was shown by the brand’s Australian distributor Muddy River Agricultural.
The Cottonmaster 6000 is Australian designed and features a 6m cutting width, although other models with between 4m and 9m cutting widths are available.
A flail tip speed of 65.3m/sec helps give good mulching capacity with minimal horsepower requirement.
It is a machine built for strength and durability and features 208 flails.
Tuskan bale clamp
Australian-designed and proven in local conditions, the Tuskan bale clamp makes bale handling both easier and safer.
Available through Kerfab, it was on display along with other attachments from the northern Victoria-based manufacturer.
This hydraulically-operated clamp features four tines and is capable of handling both square and round bales, along with wool bales, silage, wrapped bales and tyres.
The four tines are laid out in a 2×2 formation to provide increased grip and stability, ensuring consistent and secure bale handling.
UHI tractor
The largest tractor in United Heavy Industries’ Australian range – the T1004 – was on display at AgQuip.
This is a 100hp tractor with two-way hydraulic system and 40L/min hydraulic flow, plus a 1,200kg rated and 1,500kg maximum load capacities.
Also offering a fully-enclosed cabin, one point of difference with UHI tractors is in the range of extras available.
All tractors are sold with either three or seven attachments, with the full package including a four-in-one bucket, slasher, bucket, grader, forks and grass stick, auger and backhoe.
Digga
Queensland-based manufacturer Digga showed off its auger drives, which also has the impressive Halo system available as an option.
Its auger drives are made in-house, including the gearbox, and feature a two-piece shaft design for added durability.
More than 50 drives are available to suit machinery from mini loaders through to 50-tonne excavators.
Halo is an alignment system located in the hood ring which utilises a band of LED lights to indicate with the drive is plumb, eliminating the need for a spotter and spirit level.
Haulmaster chaser bin
WA-based Waringa Distribution displayed the Haulmaster chaser bin from Elmer’s Manufacturing.
On show was the 41T tandem axle model, which fits approximately in the middle of its range capacity-wise at 53 cubic metres.
The smallest Haulmaster models start at 39 cubic metre capacities and with single axle or transfer tracks, before moving up to the 81 cubic metre unit with fixed tracks.
The 41T measures 10.03m long and 4m wide, with a 7.09m bin length, and offers four-wheel steering for maximum manoeuvrability and minimal soil disturbance, plus 2.5 square metres of ground contact to maximise flotation and reduce soil compaction.
The second part of our AgQuip 2024 machinery wrap will be published next week.