Caleb Austin is part of the family-run Tighe Ag, a cropping enterprise located northeast of Moree in Northern New South Wales. The operation manages approximately 4,400 hectares in winter and 750 hectares in summer, growing crops such as barley, canola, wheat, and chickpeas.
Following a wet start to the recent winter harvest and high yields, Tighe Ag expanded its fleet with an additional combine harvester and adopted the newly launched Geringhoff TruFlex Razor front to better handle challenging harvest conditions—especially in canola.
We were originally going to test one of the fronts and then due to the weather situation we had at harvest and the need for a top cross auger, one was available and we had it on a header in the paddock within two weeks.
Tighe Ag’s Geringhoff TruFlex Razor front is paired with their John Deere S780 combine harvesters, and features a three-sectioned frame, rigid and flexible cutterbar, and an integrated air system designed to reduce harvest losses.
There was a noticeable visual difference in (grain) losses off the front when walking behind the header. In high yielding or high-volume crops, there will be great savings. This is where the Geringhoff really shone and it starts to pay for itself very quickly.
Caleb also noted that despite some minor issues, parts were quickly available and service from the Waringa Distribution team was excellent.
It’s not a big, bulky air reel. It’s a thin air wall and it’s incredible to watch.
“The draper front combined with the air makes for a clean cut and gets it into the header quick. It was awesome through the crabhole country, we didn’t have to touch a button.”
“We were cutting the canola high and it was great. We also had a lot of lodged barley that we were picking off the ground and we just ran it in hinge flex mode (with rigid cutterbar). It followed the ground better and there was less dirt getting in the front than our other fronts.”
“All my time used to be spent spreading. With the AgriSpread, I get my time back. It’s precise, easy to use, and makes a big difference to how we run the farm.”
