7 strong Kioti Pack take command of a Wellsford Avocado Orchard

12/01/2018

A Northland Kioti pack of five tractors and two utility 4x4 vehicles provide safety, reliability and grunt, at the burgeoning 100 ha Avocado Heaven orchard near Wellsford.

Lee Anderson, manager of Avocado Heaven said, “After early frustrations with another brand of tractor which proved dangerous, we needed to find a tractor that would be safe, reliable and just do the job. The Kiotis have fulfilled that role and more.”

After having some dodgy moments with the original brand of tractor, Lee decided to seek the advice of Brent Heaslip of Power Farming, Whangarei, a sales professional he trusted and had built a relationship with over several years.

Lee said, “The Kioti range offered tractors for every possible task, with high safety ratings and a reputation for strength and durability.”
Over several months in 2016, with the assistance of Brent, the exact order was worked upon. The five tractors and the two Mechrons, 4x4 transport vehicles were purchased.

“We now have three RX8030, 80hp tractors. These are great tractors and our every day workhorses.” Lee said, “They are mostly used to drive our mowers which are between 2.7 m and 3.1m wide. The tractors are small enough to get down the rows but have enough grunt to drive the mowers.

“We like our creature comforts, so the cab is important and the Kioti cab is really well set up. The telescopic rear linkage arms make attaching the implements easier, the engine memory setting is handy and adjustable in 50rpm increments. With such a large comfortable cab it’s a great place to eat lunch on the go,” he said. He added, “In comparison with the old tractors, they are simply amazing.” The PX1052, 105hp is the “go to” tractor for all heavy work on the orchard. It is the most used of the Avocado Heaven tractors, being used for mowing, spraying, trenching and front-end loader work.

“It makes a great job of mowing the heavier crops,” commented Lee.

But the operator particularly appreciated the wet clutch power shuttle, the 2-speed power shift and declutch button. She commented that the quick detach lever and third service came in very handy when using the silage grab. But, it was the comfort of the cab that made the Kioti a real winner for her.

The NX6010 is Avocado Heaven’s smallest tractor at 60 hp.

“We use it with the leveling bar to smooth any irregularities between rows, and for mowing,” said Lee. “It’s got a hydrostatic transmission, so it is smooth and easy to drive. It will go anywhere and has got a true speed Cruise Control that maintains the same speed regardless of the load or road conditions. It’s a great little tractor.”

The last two Kiotis in the pack are the two 4x4 Mechrons. These are off-road transport vehicles for staff and visitors. But, in fact the owner has a 6 seater Mechron on his mandarin orchard in Omaha, as well as 2 more DS3510 Kioti tractors. That brings the owners Kioti pack up to an impressive 10.

Lee commented, “The Mechrons are wider than our previously owned brands and have really good stability. The diesel machines are better on performance and the hydraulic tipping back deck is really handy. The full independent suspension makes the ride more comfortable which is great for the boss and his visitors. The power steering is a good feature too.”

The Northern Kioti Pack is undoubtedly going from strength to strength. As Avocado Heaven races towards full production, there are testing times ahead for these wily beasts.

Lee is confident the pack is up to the task with minimum maintenance.”