As we head into winter, it is timely to reflect on the season past. Certainly it has been a very hard one for much of Hawkes Bay and the rural sector in particular.
We have seen many of our customers impacted to one extent or another, either directly or the people they deal with. And whilst it has been very challenging, it has been heartening to see how the rural community has pulled together to help one another. We’ve tried to do our bit by assisting the local community with machinery and labour, as well as trying to be supportive with some of the finance deals we’ve had on offer, but there is still much to be done.
On a positive note, the supply issues that have been thwarting the sector seem to be alleviating with more machinery on boats and reduced shipping times. Stock holdings and availability are becoming far better with mid-range tractors and telehandlers in reasonable supply. That said, lead times for indent stock are still longer than normal and so if you’re thinking about new equipment, an early conversation with us is very worthwhile.
Our door is always open for a brew if you’re passing by or equally we’re very happy to pop out to see you. Here’s hoping we get a decent winter and are able to head into spring on a more positive note.
-Glenn
Around the Traps
Our in house Engineering team have recently delivered a new header for a squash harvester to one of our local customers. At just on 15 metres wide and 3 metres high, this bespoke header was made from scratch and allowed our engineers to really stretch their legs in terms of precision and quality. Pictured with the header in the background are Simon, Jamie, Brent, Derick and Anton; the majority of the team that fabricated and assembled it.
Arion 620C – 640C – Demonstrator Available
Meet the ARION 600 C range – one of the most versatile tractors in the 140 to 165 hp class. Powerful, manoeuvrable and economical, the ARION 600 C has everything you could wish for from a machine that can tackle any task with confidence.
DPS-6.8-l-6 cylinder engines with common rail injection system.
Max. output 140-165hp to ECE R 120
QUADRISHIFT transmission with four powershift speeds Clutchless shifting with plus / minus and shift buttons on the hand throttle
Open-centre hydraulic circuit with 60 or 98 l/min output
PTO speeds 540, 1,000 und ECO (optional)
CLAAS comfort concept with 4-point cab suspension
Arion 620C – To try out this exceptionally versatile tractor, Call Grant Blackberry on 027 539 6103.
Our People – Ray Coombe
Ray was one of the original employees of T A Dear Limited not long after Tom started the business. He’s been with us for 32 years now, is our resident baler expert, and has quite possibly worked on a wider range of agricultural equipment than anyone else in the region.
Married to Carolyn, a father to 3 and a grandfather to 6, outside of work Ray has tried his hands at plenty of things over the years including racing saloon cars at the speedway, and rowing 8s and quads on the Clive River, but his real passion is rallying. Over the last 20 years he’s been a timer from Whangarei to Dunedin for the WRC, Rally NZ and countless other local events. If there’s a rally on, Ray and his local team of timers will be there.
A great longstanding member of the Harvest Centre team, Ray is showing no signs of slowing down and is always willing to pass on his knowledge to other members of staff. And unless you’ve got a bit of time on your hands, don’t ask him about the 15 years he spent on pea harvesters.
Arrivals
We are delighted to welcome Grant Blackberry onto the sales team. Grant has a wealth of experience in the agri space and will be looking after tractor and cultivator sales. He is planning on getting himself down people’s driveways to introduce himself – so watch out for his very shiny CLAAS ute.
Mikayla Ashforth starts in Parts on 7 June. Mikayla is a couple of papers off completing her parts apprenticeship and is looking forward to getting stuck in and assisting Parts ace Anshul Nand.
Fresh off the Boat
We are over the moon to announce that we will shortly have the first of our fully autonomous tractors arriving in country – the AgBot W3. Our parent Landpower have secured the exclusive distribution rights for Australasia for the Netherlands based agritech innovators AgXeed, and we will be receiving the first NZ unit here in Hawkes Bay. The AgBot is primarily for orchard work (it will work 23 hours a day!) but there are other models in the range which may suit your needs. If you’d like to find out more, touch base with Dan or Glenn.
Pre-loved Machinery
Available for sale at our Omahu Road Yard:
- CLAAS Jaguar 850 Forager $130,000 + GST
- Maschio Falco 460 Power Harrow Special $45,000 + GST
- Kverneland 9580c Hay Rake $25,300 + GST
- Triolet Mixing Wagon $40,000 + GST
- Brevriglieri 3 Metre Power Harrow $17,825 + GST