AFGRI trainees looking the part after first TAFE classes block

John Deere will be outfitting their range of model year 2019 9R, 9RT & 9RX tractors with exciting optional features including new track spacing & hydraulic options. For the first time, four 9RX models (9470RX, 9520RX, 9570RX and 9620RX) will have 120-inch (3m) track spacing options when the tractor is equipped with 30-inch and 36-inch tracks. The wider stance is aimed to be ideal for customers wanting to control traffic patterns and have enhanced stability on hilly terrain, whilst also making it easier to perform day-to-day maintenance and service. However, this option is not compatible with a 3-point hitch. Another

new feature is the addition of the hydraulic Intelligent Power Management system, aimed at providing enhanced hydraulic performance. This feature is available as a factory or field-installed option and boosts tractor performance when operating implements requiring continuous hydraulic power. It has been specifically designed for air seeding operators using large drills and air carts in their farming operations, providing an extra 25hp in gears five through eight and 50hp more through gears one and four. This enables the tractor to pull heavier loads through tougher conditions. However, it requires a 435L

per minute dual hydraulic pump and is also not compatible with 3-point hitch. The hydraulic IPM system is compatible with previous model years including model year 2015 John Deere 9620R and model year 2016 9620RX tractors.

HANDS-ON: Valuable product experience.

DESERVED: Break after a busy two weeks.

culture July 2018

Pleasetake one!

John Deere tracking well with new 9R series tractor features

AFGRIculture July 2018

AFGRI Equipment have continued to break new ground with our AFGRI Apprentice Academy with our first-year parts trainees completing their first block of classes at TAFE. The trainees attended their first classes of the semester at the Central Regional TAFE campus in Moora, the program’s central training facility, late last month. The program, in partnership with Central Regional TAFE, offers school leavers the opportunity to embark on a career in agriculture, offering first-hand skills and experience and a genuine career

progression path. By enrolling in the program, trainees complete both on-the-job, internal training at the branches they are based as well as attend classes at Moora TAFE. After completing the program, graduates will receive a Certificate III qualification in Parts Sales (AUR31016). AFGRI group parts manager Ken Paolini said the group of seven had received very high praise from lecturers and other campus training staff for their work ethic and commitment to the course. “The trainees have been receiving excellent praise with staff around the campus being impressed with their enthusiasm, engagement and the overall progress of the group,” Ken said. “Feedback from our trainees was also very positive and I think they have gained a lot of experience from their first two weeks at TAFE.” The classes included several hands-on exercises of working on tractors and specific engines. This aimed to give the trainees a good working understanding of where certain parts go and what they do. Ken said

MY19: New track spacing and IPM system.

the program is a great way of ensuring jobs remain in regional areas and our branches continue to have a qualified and experienced staff compliment. “By working with TAFE and investing early to develop our trainees into great employees, we are working to continue to grow our business and meet the needs of our customers,” he said. The trainees will complete their second block in August. Our first batch of academy apprentices have also completed their first block at the Moora campus in April with their second block commencing later this month.

AFGRIculture July 2018

Getting ready for hay season with Kuhn training

AFGRI discovered the HORSCH Serto as part of our farmer study tour to the HORSCH headquarters and factories in Germany with Muddy River last year. Myself and other members on the tour expressed a keen interest in getting a trial unit to WA. As we deep rip between 500 to 600mm where possible in WA and with mould boarding and spading becoming more of a common practice, the Serto was identified as a way to overcome the challenges of seeding in WA conditions with floatation and seed placement being the key. Muddy River decided to bring one in and give it a try. At the demos, the Serto

HORSCH Serto demos making big impact in WA’s central westhas performed very well across several soil conditions. It has a working width of 12m and an integrated air tank on the frame with 6000L capacity with a 60/40 split. It also has all run blockage and a transport width of 3m making it a very versatile unit. It can be pulled with 270hp with front wheel assist, though on deep ripped or spaded country, 350hp and up is better if wanting to maintain 15km/h. In operation, the unit runs on the packing wheels in front of the double disc openers giving floatation and providing an ideal seedbed for accurate seed placement in the softest of soils. Downward pressure on the discs can be adjusted on the run from the cab, and with full ISO integration, no extra screens or harnesses are required to hook up to a modern-day tractor. We operated the Serto at speeds between 12 and 20km/h with no detriment to

INTERNAL: Training at AFGRI Boyup Brook.

A selection of our sales staff took part in some fantastic Kuhn hays tools training held last month. Hosted at AFGRI Boyup Brook on 13 and 14 June, the internal

AFGRI Wagin had the pleasure of sponsoring Lake View Golf Club’s annual stroke competition in Dumbleyung on 26 May. AFGRI was represented on the course by the Wagin branch’s Matt Hitchcock-Jose who flew the AFGRI flag high. “It was a great day for everyone who could come out to the event and the day always provides a great opportunity to reach out to the local community,” Matt said. The day had a good turnout with many golfers from around the local area coming out to take part. Elizabeth Dare won the women’s competition making it two year’s running whilst runner up went to Tamara Bartram. Margie Ward took out overall gross for the women’s competition. Club president Eric Gossage won for his second consecutive stroke event whilst David Wall came runner up, with gross going to Howard Ward. AFGRI look forward to sponsoring the event again next year.

AFGRI Geraldton were proud to host a spectacular John Deere Ride & Drive Day late last month. Held at the Geraldton branch on 23 July, the branch put on the event for customers to come and test drive a select range of John Deere small tractors, GatorTM

utility vehicles and ride-on mowers. The day also featured door prizes, a free sausage sizzle and customers could even bring their mower down for a free inspection. The day was a great success with around 30 people turning out to put our equipment to the test. AFGRI Geraldton sales representative Derek Thill said the day allowed customers, who might not have thought about trying

Lake View in full swingEquipment put to test at Gero Ride & Drive Day

SERTO: Performing well in tough conditions.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: A day for the golfers.

ON THE DAY: Great turnout at the branch.

seed placement. Overall, it proved to be a very good machine that is well suited to seeding into deep ripped, spaded and mould boarded ground as well as sandplain and medium loam, with excellent seed placement and an even germination. For more information, contact your local AFGRI branch today.

out the equipment, the chance to do just that. “It was a great day of test drives and chatting with those who came from the local community,” Derek said. “With the success of this event and the sales and strong interest on equipment we received, we would be very glad to run more events like this moving forward.”

sessions allowed our sales team to receive more in-depth product knowledge on Kuhn’s latest range of quality equipment. The two-day course, run by Kuhn Australia, went in to a variety of specific information on Kuhn’s range of spreaders, tedders, rakes and other hay equipment. With hay season now under way, our branches have a selection of Kuhn equipment available, fully assembled and ready for delivery but hurry quick, while stocks last. For more information on our complete Kuhn range, contact your local AFGRI branch today.

AFGRI Geraldton’s branch manager Graeme Henderson has provided an in-depth look at their recent HORSCH Serto demos across the northern part of WA‘s central west.