After a delayed start, the 62nd Wimmera Machinery Field Days gave farmers the chance to see plenty of exciting machinery
Residual water from heavy weekend rains forced the opening day’s cancellation, but Wimmera Machinery Field Days returned in style last month once gates eventually opened.
Sunshine greeted crowds for what became a two-day event on March 4 and 5, allowing thousands of visitors to browse everything from broadacre machinery through to technology services.
Organisers had their work cut out to prepare the site after wet conditions meant it was deemed unsafe to hold the first day following more than 100mm of rain.
In addition to the wide array of machinery on show, this year’s event had a special exhibit of ‘Fantastic Farm Trucks’ with many classic machines displayed around the site.
Wimmera also has an annual awards section to honour the best sites and machines.
Swayn & McCabe Claas Harvest Centre was named the best ag machinery outdoor site, while the Goldacres G8 Crop Cruiser Series won machine of the year.
Part two of the machinery and technology highlights from this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days included:
JCB telehandler
JCB’s 532-70 Agri telehandler was flying the flag both metaphorically and literally for multi-branch dealer Michaels Group.
This popular unit is specifically designed for the agricultural market and provides a 150hp (112kW) engine, 7m maximum lift height, 3,200kg maximum lift capacity and a top speed of 40km/h for moving quickly between locations where it is required.
The manufacturer also implemented its new CommandPlus cab to give operators the most comfortable experience possible during long days in the telehandler, which offers a 12 per cent increase in size, 50 per cent reduction in cabin noise and a 14 per cent increase in upward visibility compared to previous iterations.
Auto bucket control makes it easier for users to fully empty material via a button on the joystick, while a one-piece fully welded chassis maximises strength and minimises weight.
Burder bale feeder
A feedout wagon from Burder AgAttachments provided just one example of the Victorian manufacturer’s capabilities.
Celebrating 35 years of operation in 2026, Burder produces a variety of products for Australian conditions with this feedout wagon built to be rust-resistant for long-term use.
It is also finished with two-pack epoxy paint which the manufacturer says is much stronger than normal paint.
The unit also offers a high-torque 400cc motor, bi-directional feedout, galvanised feedout bars and feedout extensions that enable it to throw the shredded bale out beyond the track of the wheels.
Merlo telehandlers
Two of the popular models within Merlo’s agricultural telehandler range were being displayed at the event.
The Italian manufacturer’s Multifarmer 44.9, which combines the benefits of both a tractor and telehandler, was shown alongside the Turbofarmer 42.7, which is more of a traditional telehandler.
Merlo’s MF44.9, which has a 170hp (127kW) engine, is described as a “unique and unrivalled telescopic tractor” that offers the functionality and drivability of a tractor, along with telehandler benefits such as a 4,400kg lift capacity, 8.9m lift height and 6.1m maximum reach.
The TF42.7 gives farmers a 7m lift height, 4,000kg lift capacity and 3.8m maximum reach from its 105hp (78kW) engine and its low profile has made it suitable for multiple farming sectors such as hay and almonds.
Claas tractor
In addition to Swayn & McCabe winning a Wimmera site award, the presence of an award-winning Xerion tractor was another highlight.
The Xerion 12.650 was displayed with wheels at Wimmera, while its tracked Terra Trac concept won the 2024 Tractor of the Year at Agritechnica in Europe.
Xerion 12 boasts an enormous power output of 653hp (480kW) and produces 3,100Nm of torque at just 1,300rpm from its 15.6L engine.
It is a four-wheel drive tractor with continuously variable transmission and also boasts a 50-50 weight distribution and can be fitted with up to a 537L/minute hydraulic system.
Kubota tractor
Kubota’s M7-152 Deluxe model was on display, giving visitors an insight into the manufacturer’s “flagship” M7-2 range.
The Deluxe specification takes “the simplicity of operation of our standard grade with select specifications from our premium grade”, therefore combining an operating system with less electronics without missing valuable features.
These include a closed centre load sensing hydraulic system with 110L/min flow to help with demanding jobs, along with a mechanical self-levelling loader system that significantly increases the lifting height to 4.25m.
The M7-152 also offers a 148hp (109kW) engine, along with 9,400kg rear lift capacity, 2,620kg front lift capacity plus a tight turning radius and excellent mobility.
Midwest harvest platforms
As the first company to manufacture a harvest platform at 60-foot (18.3m) wide, Midwest Fabrication has always been proud of its innovations.
The Queensland-based company exhibited at Wimmera, giving farmers an insight into what is available, specifically its Legacy and Durus platforms.
Legacy is purpose-built for John Deere X9 1000 and X9 1100 Series combines, while the Durus integrates with all other combine harvester brands.
An upgraded frame and centre mount feature on the Legacy platform to handle the greater loads delivered by larger Deere combines, while the Durus – which Midwest describes as its “workhorse” is popular with farmers chasing efficiency over multiple crop types.
Agridrone
Founded by two brothers-in-law who combine “boots-on-the-ground farming and practical agtech experience”, Agridrone displayed one of its showpiece products.
The DJI Agras T100 is described as a “groundbreaking innovation, 12 years in the making” and has a maximum payload capacity of 100kg.
It is suitable for a wide range of agricultural applications including spraying, spreading and lifting and comes equipped with “industry-leading safety systems and advanced algorithms”.
Agridrone says it suits everyone from farmers needing to quickly cover large hectares with paddocks are inaccessible to spray ring, or where difficult terrain means traditional spray gear cannot reach it, to contractors needing to handle multiple clients across diverse applications with high capacity.
Bushmans tanks
A selection of tanks and accessories was shown by Bushmans, showing Wimmera visitors how many solutions are available for farmers.
Bushmans is a wholly Australian operated company with more than 35 years of experience and which builds its products across multiple Australian states.
Sunsmart technology helps to ensure a long lifespan in tough Australian conditions, while poly tanks are delivered, places and have their fittings installed by the Bushmans expert team.
The company’s extensive range includes everything up to 360,000L steel water tanks, while smaller tanks and items such as pumps were part of the field day display.
Dunstan chaser bin
Victorian manufacturer Dunstan displayed one of its tried-and-tested chaser bins.
Backed by more than 50 years of local manufacturing, Dunstan had its 39-tonne bin available for customers to see at Wimmera.
This dual-axle unit measures 10.14m long and includes a 20-inch (51cm) auger plus discharge rate of up to 12 tonnes per minute.
Dunstan says it “combines fast unloading with proven reliability” and also offers internal flow control, hydraulic tilt spout and large inspection windows as standard.
