This year’s field day season rolled on with a successful event at Elmore in northern Victoria. Here is part one of our machinery wrap.
Machinery was in abundance in northern Victoria last month for the annual Elmore Field Days.
In stark contrast to last year’s milestone 60th event, sunny weather across the three days contributed to healthy numbers through the door and a positive mood among visitors.
Manufacturers and dealers from Victoria and beyond displayed their wares, which was complemented by an agribusiness pavilion and family-focused exhibits and activities.
Here is the first of our two part series showing the machinery on display at the Elmore Field Days site:
Merlo telehandler
The stand occupied by Merlo dealer Farm & Diesel included one of the manufacturer’s most popular machines – the Turbofarmer.
This agricultural telehandler is designed for a variety of industries including hay, almonds, cotton and fruit thanks to features such as its low profile, boom side shift, hydrostatic transmission and impressive cabin width.
The TF42.7, which is the larger of two Turbofarmer models, offers a 4,000kg maximum lift capacity, 7m maximum lift height and 3.9m maximum reach.
A premium finish, excellent visibility and manoeuvrability plus a factory-integrated load management system combine to make Merlo’s telehandlers well suited to local farmers.
Berti mulcher
Italian-made Berti mulchers were represented at Elmore by Bertoli Farm Machinery, which is part of national distributor Ag-Pride Australia’s network.
One model on display was its TFB/Y 180 low-body heavy-duty mulcher.
Designed for tractors between 60-110hp, it offers a 180cm cutting width and can mulch grass, vegetation and branches up to 80mm.
Other features include a rear adjustable discharge hood, mechanical side shift and a height adjustable levelling roller with scraper.
New Holland combine
A demonstrator unit of the manufacturer’s latest combine took centre stage at dealer Rural Group’s stand.
Part of AEH Group, the CR10 combine harvester was a popular attraction for visitors keen to check out the next generation of harvesting.
The CR10 twin-rotor combine harvester offers a 12.9L engine producing 635hp (473kW) and a 16,000L grain tank and sits alongside the even larger CR11.
It is the result of a full rebuild of New Holland’s CR10.90 combine, promising close to zero grain loss, improved residue management and maximum uptime.
UHI tractor
While the United Heavy Industries local tractor range has grown since its inception, the original model remains popular.
The T454 was the first model available to Australian farmers and was prominent in the company’s Elmore display.
It is a 45hp tractor with an 1,870kg machine weight and remains ideal for smaller operators, with subsequent tractor releases by UHI being higher powered.
All UHI tractors are also sold with either three or seven attachments included as standard, giving farmers the ability to complete a wide range of jobs.
Case IH baler
Case IH, via dealer O’Connors, displayed the LB436 HD large square baler.
Producing bales at 120cm by 90cm, it promised 15 per cent greater density than its predecessor model when it was first launched.
Features include Case IH’s exclusive two-speed powershift transmission with automatic start-up, hydraulic suspension for excellent ground following and weight distribution, along with a heavier frame to handle high density loads.
TwinePro – an innovative twine knotter system – also helps to boost productivity while eliminating field litter and bale contamination.
Balzer chaser bin
A 60-tonne Balzer chaser bin was showcased by Australian distributor MJM Equipment.
The unit in display was the second largest in Balzer’s range, boasting a 78,000L tank capacity.
Balzer’s Field Floater 7 range is designed for durability and long-term performance, along with having the capacity to handle big jobs.
A 61cm diameter unloading auger system is a standard feature, along with Balzer’s patented hydraulic engagement clutch system for the horizontal auger, independent running gear, patented Auto-Trail steerable axle system and convenient central joystick control.
Faresin mixer
The PF2.24 Plus unit on display highlighted the versatility of Faresin’s feed mixers.
This particular unit is considered a mid-sized model, offering a 24 cubic metre capacity.
Across the Faresin range, a two-speed gearbox allows for a fast or slow ration mixing, while a conical mixing tub and internal geometry ensure a constant flow of product.
A front-mounted cross conveyer discharge with a honeycomb belt conveyer is standard, which allows for feeding to occur either on the left or the right-hand side of the machine.
John Shearer airdrill
Another locally manufactured product on display was John Shearer’s AS2400LT airdrill.
This airdrill is electrically driven, with maintenance reduced thanks to replacing traditional chains and sprockets.
This also means farmers can control its operations from the tractor seat, while also having plenty of sowing width and opener options.
It has a 2,400L capacity across two compartments and also offers a heavy-duty design plus the ability to fold under 3m for road transport.