Deutz-Fahr's traction is key for NZ Manuka Group

12/01/2018

The NZ Manuka Group establishes, nurtures and harvests the plant of the same name for processing into high quality oil which is exported throughout the World. Production is centred around plantations which are established in partnership with landowners, and managed sustainably to achieve lifespans of 25 to 30 years

Many of the plantation partnerships are in the East Cape, where land is “broken-in” by bulldozes and diggers under the guidance of Plantation Development Manager Kevin Crawshaw.

Once the heavy machinery has moved out, the final development is the task of a tractor fleet, for which the group puts its trust in Deutz Fahr. That fleet compromises a 6165TTV, 6185TTV, and a pair of 5130 TTV’s.

All tractors are fitted with GPS, which takes an RTK base station correction signal, to drive to 2cm accuracy across the plantation. The bigger units are brought in to pull Giant discs, power harrows and levellers to get the ground into shape for planting. The TTV transmissions allow step less speed control, allowing operators to match forward speed to the job in hand and terrain, allowing high daily outputs, at minimum engine revs, which in turn delivers large fuel savings over each project

Crawshaw notes “the bigger tractors hang on well” and are well liked by the operators who find them easy to use after some initial training. He also praises the fitment of safety locks on key functions, which ensure there are no mistakes if a switch or lever is activated by mistake. Operators find the tractors comfortable in rough conditions, no doubt helped by the front suspension, cab suspension, and of course, the air suspended seat. Visibility is second to none, and combines with excellent in-cab ergonomics to allow long productive days.

Once the “big boys” have completed their work, the loader equipped 5130 TTV’s come to the fore, where their high horsepower and light footprint make them ideal for planting and harvesting duties. Again, featuring variable speed control and 2cm GPS, the team is currently planting between 3-4 million seedlings per annum, before they see service at the other end of the spectrum carrying harvesting rigs that scoop up more than 5 tonnes of the oil bearing plant per day.

While the Deutz Fahr tractors provide the business with tractive muscle, Crawshaw notes that supplying dealer, Power Farming is the “glue” that makes the operation work. Offering product information and training, alongside parts and service support on a 24/7 basis, a phone call is all that’s needed to sort a query or problem, and if required a visit to put things right at the drop of a hat.