As fertiliser and spreader decisions come into focus this season, many contractors are also looking at how they prepare the paddock before nutrients hit the ground.
Pasture renovation is no longer just about tidying up residue. It is about creating the right conditions for nutrient efficiency, rapid establishment, and faster return to grazing. That is where the latest generation Forigo Mulchers, paired with a FarmMax Airseeder, are giving contractors a practical edge.
With the first shipment now landed, these machines have been further developed specifically for New Zealand conditions, delivering greater strength, capacity, and versatility where it counts.
Built for New Zealand’s heavier conditions
New Zealand pasture and crop residues demand more than standard European specifications. Heavy grass, kikuyu and uneven ground all put serious load through a mulcher.
At the core of the new generation Forigo Mulchers is a larger diameter rotor. The added mass and inertia mean once the rotor is up to speed, it is significantly harder to slow down in heavy material. In real terms, this delivers more consistent mulching in dense pasture, reduced shock loading on the driveline, smoother tractor performance and improved fuel efficiency.
Contractors working in variable conditions will notice the rotor maintains momentum through changing pasture density, helping produce an even finish that sets the paddock up properly for the next stage.
To support this increased capacity, the mulchers are fitted with heavy duty gearboxes suited to a wider range of tractor horsepower. A fully redesigned headstock, reinforced gearbox mounting and stronger skin frame have all been engineered to handle the punishment New Zealand operators dish out.
Wide, heavy duty skids improve tracking across uneven terrain, while an adjustable rear roller allows operators to fine tune performance across different applications; pasture renovation through to crop residue management. Single and double drive options are available to match power requirements and different workloads.
Preparing the paddock for better nutrient response
For contractors operating in a fertiliser focused environment, mulching plays a bigger role than many realise.
A well mulched paddock creates a more uniform surface, helping fertiliser application achieve better soil contact and distribution. Breaking down existing vegetation evenly also assists with nutrient cycling, returning organic matter to the soil surface and encouraging faster recovery and stronger growth.
In autumn especially, mulching helps retain moisture and protect soil structure, setting the stage for both fertiliser uptake and new seed establishment. Rather than simply cleaning up pasture, contractors can offer clients a system that improves overall pasture response.
Mulch and seed in a single operation
Where the Forigo Mulcher really extends its value is when combined with a FarmMax Airseeder.
Mounted directly to the implement, the FarmMax system allows contractors to mulch and introduce high feed value grasses or cover crops in one pass. Instead of mulching, spreading, and then returning to drill or broadcast seed separately, operators can complete multiple tasks in a single run.
This approach reduces total operating hours, fuel use, labour input and soil compaction from repeated passes.
It is particularly effective solution for regressing after maize, where contractors can manage residue and establish new pasture in one operation, shortening turnaround time significantly.
In many cases, paddocks can be re grazed up to three times faster than with traditional renovation methods.
Proven air seeding performance
The FarmMax Airseeder is a simple and accurate pneumatic unit designed for easy integration.
With a 400-litre hopper, and interchangeable rollers for dispensing the seed, it can sow fine seeds such as mustard and turnip at rates as low as 1kg per hectare, or grass seed up to 80kg per hectare. Green cover crops and oilseed rape establishment are well suited to the system.
It comes standard with its own controller which incorporates a GPS speed sensor that automatically adjusts seed flow to match ground speed, maintaining consistent application rates across varying terrain.
A 12-volt, 80 Nm motor drives fluted feed rollers via a six-speed chain and sprocket arrangement, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of seed types. Twin electric impeller fans deliver even spread, while the agitation system prevents seed bridging and can be disengaged when not required.
FarmShop Technician Jeff Cole says the combination makes practical sense for contractors focused on efficiency.
“It’s simple to set up and very accurate. Because it’s GPS monitored, the seed flow automatically adjusts to ground speed,” says Jeff. “Calibration is straightforward, and the tray stores neatly on the side of the machine when it’s not in use.”
Contractor ready, locally supported
Founded in Italy in 1972, Forigo has built a strong reputation for robust, customisable machinery. Its 25,000sqm facility reflects a focus on durability and build quality, which is clearly seen in the latest machines adapted for New Zealand conditions.
Available through FarmShop, the Forigo Mulcher and FarmMax Airseeder combination is backed by a strong parts inventory to minimise downtime. Finance options are available and trade-ins are considered, making the investment accessible for both contractors and farmers.
For those looking to prepare paddocks properly, seed efficiently, and bring feed back into rotation faster, this mulch and seed system delivers a practical, one pass advantage.
Get in touch with the team to find out more.