Table of contents for November 2022 in Profi

There was a time when tractor models were all about horsepower. Nice and simple. In fact I think I can remember most of the models in the Ford lineup from the early 1980s. Today, though, it’s a very different matter, with me having to resort to the manufacturer’s website to recall all the model names and ranges. Which, to be fair, could just be part of the inevitable ageing process. Or, then again, could it be down to firms simply offering more ranges to satisfy the demands of today’s customers? Take the new Fendt 700 Gen 7, for instance. With 203-283hp and weighing in at about 9.0t, it looks to be a direct replacement for the 800 Vario, which it would be fair to say has been a little hit…

The majority (61.5%) of you told us you fit genuine parts in this month’s Twitter poll which asked: ‘Thinking about wearing metal on ploughs, cultivators and drills, do you fit genuine parts or pattern parts?’ We will be sharing another poll on our Twitter page in the coming weeks, so make sure you head over to @profitractors (or scan the QR code) where we will be asking ‘Does your sprayer have GPS section control?’ Our polls only last seven days so make sure you keep an eye out and as always, we’ll post the results right here. We look forward to hearing from you.…

The buildings of a growing number of Dutch farms are covered by solar panels and many others have windmills. With plenty of home-grown electricity, the demand for zero-emission tractors is increasing, and behind the development of a 100% electricallypowered version of the Fendt 700 Vario in which the diesel engine has been swapped for a generator and a 70kWh battery. Jointly developed by Agromec, the Fendt importer for the south of the country, and Electric Construction Equipment (a subsidiary of Dutch Doosan importer Staad), the result is claimed to provide the same performance as the diesel-powered tractor. The 70kWh battery pack is used solely to drive around the farm. The frontmounted 140kW battery pack is the working one and the company envisages that users will buy two or three of…

Dutch company Knoll used ATH to show a new flagship MultiBaler. Sitting above the MB820 (85x90cm) and MB1220 (1.0mx1.2m), the MBXL produces a bale size of 1.15m x 1.2m. Aimed at contractors pumping out 20,000 to 50,000 bales a season, the XL produces 50-60 bales an hour when towed behind aselfpropelled forager. Alternatively, it can also be towed behind a tractor running alongside a forager, and even used stationary. Fitted with an on-board hydraulic pack, the pto-driven XL, which weighs 10.6t and costs around €250,000, needs a 200hp tractor. The four machines delivered so far work in China, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The fifth at the show is off to Brazil.…

The 9 series is an important range for Deutz-Fahr. Not only does it mean it has a complete solution for farms and contractors wanting 300hp plus muscle, but equally it can also attract dealers that need this size of tractor. Our long-term test 9340TTV is a real eyecatcher with the premium black paint job, the only downside being that every speck of dust stands out on the dark glossy panels, something which is less of an issue with the familiar light green. But this tractor was bought to work and not as a piece of art. The contracting business employs the 9340 primarily to pull a Krone BigPack 1270VC and a 23m³ Biri slurry tanker. It also does a stint rolling silage clamps in the autumn, a workload that has…

The 724 has been a Fendt bestseller pretty much since it was launched. However, the competition has pretty much caught up on most of the tech and features, this weakening the salesperson argument of it being a premium product. With this in mind the German tractor manufacturer has looked to the big 900 and 1000 series to inspire its new 700 Vario Gen 7 line and give it the extra features on which Fendt has built its reputation. Straight from the off it’s worth pointing out that the five new 700 series tractors do not replace the current 144hp to 237hp, 714 to 724 Gen 6 models. When you look at the new Gen 7 range it kicks off with the 720 model (149kW/203hp) while the top model, the 728,…

With the introduction of the Fanex 1564C, Vicon is back in the major tedder league. Fitted with 14 rotors covering more than 15m, this model takes the helm as the firm’s widest tedder from the 13.3m wide 1404C. Like other units of this size, it uses a trailed chassis, the running gear also taking care of the heavy lifting in work mode. This is a wellproven layout with the benefit that the rotors are properly guided at depth, and the 15m working width is stable behind the tractor in the field thanks to the long drawbar. There is, however, a disadvantage — the 300kg negative load on the hitch ring the moment the tedder swings from its headland position and back into work. But with a minimum of 100hp recommended,…

A Back in September 2015, profi joined the European agricultural press on a tour of Kubota’s purposebuilt tractor plant in northern France. At the time, the factory in Dunkirk was yet to ramp up production, with teams of Kubota technicians working on the assembly tracks whilst huddles of new employees went through various training programmes ahead of the plant starting full production. It initially seemed a bit strange that Kubota would launch a new European factory before it was fully up and running, the more so as we had yet to learn a great deal about the tractors the plant was to produce. In hindsight, the planning was spot on. Kubota took the opportunity to show off the factory first and before it got busy. As an aside, the company had…

I bought a second-hand slurry tanker with a 200mm self-fill arm set-up, but it didn’t have a macerator to help protect the lobe pump from foreign objects or long fibre. And because my old tanker only had a 150mm suction pipe I couldn’t use the connections. So, it seemed sensible to build something for the new tanker, but I didn’t want to make any changes to the tanker itself or add any unnecessary weight. Which is why I decided to put together a standalone unit. I was able to buy a used stationary macerator that had its own electric motor, an outfit that was operated previously by a biogas plant. Starting with scrapped pallet forks as the base frame, I converted the macerator into a docking station with a suction pipe.…

Dehorning calves is one of those jobs that very few farmers enjoy doing. However, until genetically hornless animals are the norm, it is a chore that still needs to be carried out. So, which tool is best? Corded, battery or gas? When Kerbl introduced the butanefuelled GasBuddex dehorner back in 2011 our German colleagues were enthusiastic about it. Up until then, practical dehorners that were not mains-powered were rare. The handheld device impressed users with its short heatup time of 30 seconds as well as temperatures of 550-650°C, which are advantageous for conventional dehorning. Experienced users only need seconds to treat each horn to get the job done quickly and effectively. DATA SHEET Heat-up time 5-30secs Weight, ready for use 787g Length 312mm Diameter 70mm Flame tube, length 70mm Flame…

When the protective plastic-film covering is still at least partially in place on the seat of adecadeold combine, it’s a pretty good sign the operator has taken a certain pride in the condition of his machine. “The key to achieving the strongest prices at a machinery auction is to present well maintained, quality kit. This is as true today as it’s ever been …. and possibly even more so,” says Brown and Co auctioneer George Watchorn, who conducted the retirement sale at Beechwood Farm on behalf of F G Waterhouse and Sons. “On the sale day at Ranby there was plenty of proof of this ‘condition is king’ factor, although the two standout performers were the already mentioned £109,000 paid by a Gainsborough farmer for the 2011 New Holland CX5090…

MCHALE LAUNCHES FUSION 4 A new generation of Fusion combi balers was launched at Irish Ploughing. Under the fresh styling there has been several changes to the hardware to boost output and improve operator comfort. As with the current range there will be three versions of the Fusion 4: standard, Pro and Plus. The two latter models benefitting from now having ISObus compatible controls. But it is the crop intake where most Fusion users will immediately notice a change. Dubbed Profi-Flo, the path of the forage has been improved and the starting point for this is the five-tine bar cam track controlled and the optional six-row camless pickup which gain a heavier driveline to extend chain service life. The 2.10m pickup gains an extra tine so it is now wider.…

Power to the latest version of the fully electric Weidemann Hoftrac, the 1190e, comes from one of three lithium-ion battery packs. As well as the standard 14.1kWh version, customers can now choose from the optional 18.7kWh or 23.4kWh units. A 3kW onboard charger is part of the standard spec. It is now possible to order a second one to double the charging capacity. This is said to be useful to quickly recharge the larger batteries. The new model can also be fitted with a cab. With electrically heated front- and rear windows and lockable right and left doors, the rear window also opens. Inside the cab is a multi-function joystick, DAB+ radio, height adjustable armrest, adjustable steering column, heated and air-suspended seat and numerous storage compartments.…

The 3000 Special is the latest model to join Amazone’s Centaya pneumatic harrow-mounted seed drill range. Replacing the AD-P Special, the forward position of the hopper (1,000l or 1,500l) keeps the centre of gravity of the new 3.0m model close to the tractor, and its low profile provides the operator with a good overview of the machine. Controlled via the firm’s AmaTron 4 or the AmaPad 2 ISObus terminals (or third party ISObus terminal), and equipped with single disc or double disc coulters, the QuickLink quick coupling system allows it to be connected (without tools) to various Amazone implements. These include the KE 02 rotary harrow or KG and KX rotary cultivators. On lighter soils, it can also be combined with the CombiDisc compact disc harrow. Calibration of the seed…

Dutch-firm Imants used ATH to launch the ST crankshaft spader. Designed to prepare heavier clay soils than the current 46 and 56 series rotary spaders, the ST is available as the ST300 (3.0m/12 spades) and ST350 (3.5m/14 spades). Spades inserted and retracted vertically into the ground by the ST break out a block to the same 15-35cm depth as the 46 and 56 series machines, but there is less soil mixing. Maximum speed is 3.5km/hr and minimum power requirements of the ST300 and ST350 are 100hp and 120hp, respectively. Nine of the 10 machines delivered so far work in the Netherlands (the other is in Belgium). The company hopes to demonstrate a model in the UK next year.…

Dutch Agrifac dealer Abemec has taken a partexchanged sprayer and converted it into a tool carrier. Called the AbeTrac, the company has done more than just remove the tank and spray boom from this 2006-made version. Moving the rebuilt cab to the middle of the machine created the space for a 3.5t capacity front linkage (spec includes a 3.5t capacity rear linkage). The original Claas cab was overhauled and fitted with the controls and software from a Fendt 700 Vario (Abemec is a Fendt importer). The six-cylinder 175hp Deutz engine was overhauled, and the tractor is equipped with load-sensing hydraulics. On the road, the tool carrier steers only on the front wheels, in the field it steers on four wheels. It depends on the tyre size, the AbeTrac has a…

For the smaller farmer, the advantages of a mechanical drill combination are obvious: versatility, simplicity and effective seed placement are just three. However, there are a host of different options – and the question is how many and which of them should one select to ultimately help ensure a good crop? To seek answers to our questions we set out with three Kuhn machines, both in the field and on the test bench. For the comparison, Kuhn specified three typical combination drills from three different price categories with appropriate tillage tools. Our test crops were oilseed rape in sandy loam soil (minimum tillage) and wheat in a loamy sandy soil (ploughed). And these were the Kuhn machines we tested: Premia: HRB302 power harrow with 535mm Maxipacker roller (£14,340) in combination…

Weight and transport height are two very solid reasons why we have not seen wider working butterflies. Yet there is demand for machines that'll cut more grass on each pass and make efficient use of the available horsepower. Kuhn’s latest solution for bigger mowing widths is the new FC13460RA. This semi-mounted machine utilises a number of proven components, as we found out. Variable cutting widths Kuhn’s spec sheet shows a working width of 12.40m to 13.40m when partnered with a 3.50m wide front mower conditioner. When tucked in to 12.40m, the overlap is 75cm (reducing to 25cm when full extended). It is also possible to use the 13460 with a 3.10m front mower, in which case the overlap is 55cm and 5cm respectively. And due to the massive working width,…

The HD Pro is an extension of the Case IH variable baler line, a completely new range that is aimed at the more intensive user wanting to knock out in excess of 7,000 bales per season. As well as extra metal to live up to the Heavy Duty name, there is a slight change in max bale diameter: whereas the long-serving RB456 and RB466 machines top out at 1.50m and 1.80m respectively, these HD Pro models max out at 1.65m and 1.90m. We were able to operate an RB456 HD Pro in dry wheat straw. New pick-up Calling on experience gained from the square balers, a completely new pick-up has been created for the HD Pro. This has 160 tines between the five rows and is controlled by a cam…

The problem is common on farms: machines — especially tractors — grow faster than the buildings that they're stored in, so it takes creativity to make optimum use of the available shed storage space. Welcome helpers on this mission are lifting carts with modified pallets. Many readers sent us their solutions that involve selfmade moving kit. Always pay attention to stability, though. Rolling spreader This salt/fertiliser spreader was given extra front wheels, which allow the machine to be manoeuvred after it’s been removed from the tractor. The rear end of the empty and lightweight machine is lifted while it’s being wheeled around. Exploiting every centimetre The old classic: To make use of every inch of precious storage space, nothing is more obvious than parking equipment like this fertiliser spreader on…

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Grapes are becoming an increasingly viable crop within the UK as global warming takes effect and consumer tastes embrace domestically grown wines. Sales of English and Welsh wines have risen by 69% since 2019 — from 5.5m bottles in 2019, up to 7.1m in 2020, growing to 9.3m in 2021. Hectarage has more than doubled in just eight years, and more than quadrupled since 2000; it now stands at approximately 3,758 hectares under vine. Compared to the many large-scale growers in Bordeaux, Chile and the Napa Valley, British vineyards are quite small, and, while there is a developing market for specialist machinery, vine growing has traditionally remained labourintensive. But today’s tricky labour situation means idyllic visions of pickers harvesting grapes by hand on sun-soaked hillsides could become a thing of…

As daunting as a large and unfamiliar task may at first appear, add a little guidance, then break things down into logical steps, and suddenly all should seem quite achievable. Faced with the farm’s now solitary materials handler bleeding out, I knew two things: this needed addressing, sharpish; and to do so the tractor would need to be ‘split’. Having little experience of such I thought it best to call for help from someone who had — our local Man in a Van. Not only would some of the specialist equipment necessary be provided, but also the knowledge of what needs unbolting, disconnecting or just tying out of the way. That knowledge is worth a lot, as I know I’m not the only one who has had a disassembly thwarted,…

SUPER COMPACT TELEHANDLER Just 1.84m wide and 1.93m high, the TL25.60 is the new baby in the Bobcat R-series range. With a rated operating capacity of 2.5t, and maximum lift height and reach of 5.91m and 3.31m, respectively, power comes from a 75hp Bobcat Stage V engine and the cab comes from the larger models. It contains a new dashboard, 5-inch LCD display and air suspended seat. Initially aimed at the construction and forestry sectors, an agricultural version will follow next year. OXBO BRANDING FOR PLOEGER Ploeger Oxbo Group brand names of Oxbo, Ploeger, Bourgoin and FMC are to disappear. The only name on all new machines is now Oxbo. Ploeger and Oxbo merged in 2011 to form the Ploeger Oxbo Group. Five years later, in 2016, all machines were…

A fertiliser kit is now available for the Pöttinger Terria. When paired with the Amico F front hopper, the trailed cultivator can apply fertiliser or a cover crop, or seed grass and clover simultaneously. Suitable for both stubble cultivation and deep loosening work, fertiliser is applied at one of three depths; 0-5.0cm with fertiliser applied behind the tine leg, and 15cm+ when half of the fertiliser is placed near the surface and half at the coulter point. This is suitable for primary tillage in autumn. It is also possible to place fertiliser to deeper depths of 35cm. Split 60:40, the pressurised hopper is available in capacities of 1,700 and 2,400 litres and with one or two metering units. These are accessible from the front to change the metering wheels, and…

MALONE The Tedd-Air 846T was launched at the Irish Ploughing last month. This is the first trailed tedder from Malone and will be joined by wider working models in the future. First impression is the 846T looks over engineered for a six-rotor, 8.4m machine, but the same chassis will be used on an eight and possibly 10 rotor version. A number of eight-rotor models will be out on test next season ahead of a later launch, just like five of the 846Ts were put through their paces with customers near Malone’s factory in the west of Ireland. The actual tedding element is the same as the fullymounted machine - seven tine arms per 1.60m diameter rotor, and of course the hooked tine. The key difference is the trailed machine has a…

The 5480T is far from the compact yard loader you'd normally associate with the Weidemann moniker. With about 4,750daN of lift and reaching almost 5.50m, it is up at the other end of the scale of farm loaders for moving material and even clamp work, as we discovered over our time with the test machine. Two and half years ago, we took a close look at the all-wheel-steer Kramer KL55.8T (see the group test in the 12/2019 and 1/2020 issues of profi), which is built in the same factory and shares many components with the tested Weidemann 9580T. The biggest difference is the pivot-steer chassis. In the Weidemann range, the 9580T and its wheel loader brother, the 9080, are the only machines with a non-oscillating chassis. On these two loaders,…

The reasoning behind developing the new trailers is quite simple: “When you constantly get customers asking for a push-off trailer, you eventually have to respond to the challenge.” Chassis and axles Like other Krampe trailers, the chassis is made from full section steel, onto which the body is then bolted. The standard BPW axles are 120mm with brake actuators mounted on top. And there are the three suspension choices: air suspension (€2,380); hydraulic; or parabolic spring with compensator. Also on the options list is hydraulic or electronic forced steering, or you can opt for a passive system. Rigid axles are standard. Sides with slanted stanchions The trailer sides are 2.0m high with a 30cm extension in the price book. The hallmark of the RamBody is the flat back door with…

The new 3 Series versions suggest that Massey Ferguson continues to have the right Fergie for everyone. After all, there are now five models from 75hp to 120hp; widths are from a slim 1.00m or 1.25m for vineyard (VI and SP) and 1.45m or 1.70m width machines for orchards (FR and WF). These two latter models are also available without a cab — see the table ‘All models at a glance’ for the full picture. The 3GE, on the other hand, is an extra lowprofile model without a cab for working under trees, in polytunnels or covered orchards, whereas the 3AL, with an external width of 1.70m or more, is designed for hilly terrain and comes with an optional extra-low cab. There are still four models in each of the…

Vogelsang added UniSpread trailing shoe technology to its line of slurry applicators in 2020. Available in working widths of 6.0m, 7.5m and 9.0m, there’s also now a 10.5m version that was introduced more recently. These sizes should meet the requirements of the vast majority looking for a tanker-mounted shoe injector in the UK and Ireland. On the widest boom, there are 42 outlets positioned along the main box section frame. Slurry is applied through dribble hoses or the shoes; both are on a 25cm spacing. The booms fold vertically behind the tank. Although there is an overhang to the rear when in the transport position, this does have the advantage that it makes it easier to retrofit the applicator, as no brackets need attaching to the sides of the tanker.…

Agricultural equipment companies have long tried to outdo each other when it comes to supplying more and brighter worklights. Up to now, the lights on offer provide a clearly defined area of illumination, and so by default they can only light up the areas into which they are directed. This can mean some kit is fitted with so many lights it can be a job to know which ones light up the areas you really need to do the job. Too much light can be a distraction, especially if you are dazzling other operators working alongside you in the field. Then there is the problem of light that gets reflected back into the cab from the driver’s own vehicle. This can include glare from roof lights shimmering off the tractor…

The AgBot from Dutch start-up AgXeed, is an autonomous tracked tractor that, according to the manufacturer, can do everything a standard 150hp tractor can do — pull, lift and provide pto and hydraulic power. And with its on-board diesel generator, it also has a high-voltage 700V DC socket, compliant to AEF standards, to power electrified implements. We already took an early look at the AgBot in the 9/2021 issue, and more recently it has been on tour in the UK following its debut showing at Cereals in June. But all of this was doing relatively simple work with what might be categorised as ‘dumb’ implements such as cultivators or disc harrows. So, how does the autonomous tractor perform when tasked with a more challenging job such as planting maize or…

Out NOVEMBER 18th PRACTICAL TEST Seven 4.0t/7.0m telehandlers on group test — Part 1 We compare 4.0t capacity, 7.0m reach machines from Bobcat, Claas, JCB, Kramer, Manitou, Merlo and New Holland. In the December magazine we focus on the handlers' all-round performance. TRACTOR TEST Case IH Luxxum 120 With a rated power of 86kW/117hp, a 3.6l engine and Stage V emissions, the Luxxum is fired up and ready for our tractor test. LIVESTOCK Feed Index in Denmark Feed accounts for up to 88% of the variable costs on a dairy farm, therefore it has to be used efficiently. Today, big data is helping to evaluate the best genetics to save feed. We visit one dairy farm in Denmark where sophisticated technology measures feed intake patterns to produce a Feed Index…