Profiの August 2021 の目次

Väderstad AB has bought the AGCO-Amity JV (AAJV), a joint venture formed in 2011 when Amity Technology teamed up with AGCO to develop and distribute air seeding and cultivation equipment under the Wil-Rich, Wishek and Concord brands. As well as a 30,000m² manufacturing facility in North Dakota, the acquisition gives Väderstad access to 270 global dealers (majority in the US). The business will be integrated into the Väderstad Group as Väderstad Inc. “This acquisition is in line with our long-term ambition to grow on the North American market,” said Väderstad president and CEO Mats Båverud. “AAJV has a strong position on the US market combined with a product portfolio that gives us a more complete product offering in North America.” This is not the first time the Swedish company has been…

A couple of years back we reported on the German-made Feiffer Grain Tablet, a tray-based way to check yield loss from different areas of a combine (profi 8/2019). Over in Canada, the entirely unconnected Bushel Plus company produces a similar tray-based system. In the UK it’s handled by Oxfordshire-based Castlehaven; in mainland Europe, sales are through Geiger Agri Solutions. What do you get The Bushel Plus system releases a steel (rather than plastic) drop pan below the combine during work. Two electromagnets, a rechargeable battery and a WiFi transmitter form a release unit, which itself uses magnets to mount in different places around the machine — behind the header, below the feed elevator or under the rear axle, depending on which source of loss you’re interested in. The release unit…

Torque lockup transformed the clamp climbing ability of JCB’s TM320S, ticking the box for the farmer or smaller contractor wanting a versatile machine that had the reach of a telehandler. As ever, users stretched the 320S’ abilities and longed for a more powerful and heavyweight machine, so in comes the TM420. A hefty looking tool, effectively beefing a TM320S up in every conceivable way, apart from its engine and transmission. Around the yard, the TM420 can shift a serious amount of material in a hurry, we should know as our test farm has been running one for the past three years. Its abilities on the clamp however never lived up to much, something JCB was well aware of. Even before the launch of the TM420, JCB was on with developing…

Getting a sprayer to deliver an even application is relatively straightforward when travelling in a straight line, but throw corners into the equation and the task becomes significantly more complex. The problem arises because of the differing speeds nozzles along the length of the boom travel when performing a turn. Those at the tip of the outer section can be moving at a considerable lick, while those at the end of the inner boom may be travelling so slowly that they’re actually moving backwards. When a constant flow is delivered to every nozzle, this results in some significant under- and over-dosing every time the driver turns the wheel. One system that helps solve this problem is Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). It adjusts the duration each nozzle opens relative to its…

“Our ‘playground’ is about 30,000ha,” says Claus Böttages wryly, as he introduces us to the orange-clad Fendt 936 Vario. But this is no farm tractor, as we're at the military training area in Bergen located in Lower Saxony, used by the Bundeswehr — Germany’s armed forces. Groundscare “Our job is to make sure the area remains usable for our colleagues,” says Claus, who is head of the Oerbke site management. “Above all, we must keep the open spaces open and maintain the shooting ranges.” As well as ongoing maintenance, the fleet of machinery is called into action should part of the expansive site need altering. “If the terrain is too scrubby, the area can be cleared," explains Claus. Primary tool for the job is a power-hungry forestry tiller, which is…

There is no shortage of choice in the hotly-contested 110-130hp sector of the UK tractor market, whether growers and producers are looking for a relatively compact and simple machine or something with more substance and features. In short, there is a multitude of sizes, weights, transmissions and hydraulics on offer, together with the potential in many cases to add cab and front axle suspension for increased comfort, as well as touchscreen technology, more comprehensive electronic control, guidance and telematics options to cater for different applications, performance expectations and budgets. Nor is the choice diminishing, with Deutz-Fahr, Kioti, Kubota and Valtra all introducing new ranges at this power level, albeit just as the 90-135hp 5R Series exits the John Deere line-up. There are plenty of newly upgraded models too; most coinciding…

Taking its styling cues from the new Massey look first introduced on the 8S tractors, the latest six-model range of TH telehandlers come with a new cab and an improved hydrostatic transmission. All six are fitted with four-pot, Stage V engines, with power increasing to 135hp on the TH6534, TH7038 and TH8043, while the other models stick at 100hp and height specifications remain the same. Main changes include the lower profile engine bonnet profile for an unobstructed view to the rear three quarter right-hand side, while the new, more rounded and quieter cab, provides a wider opening door. An air-suspended seat is standard and the new 5-inch colour display (7” optional) can be used to select the steering modes, which include a new semi-crab setting. Positioned just under the steering wheel,…

The Minsk Tractor Works (MTW) is testing a prototype of the first Belarus autonomous tractor. Called the 3523i, it is largely based on a cabless version of the diesel-electric 3523, which won an innovation silver medal at the 2009 Agritechnica. Power comes from the same 350hp Cummins block. Mated to a generator that powers the same electromechanical transmission, the electric ‘CVT’ provides infinite speed selection in two ranges (field 0-15km/hr - road 0-50km/hr). Electricity developed by the tractor can also be used to power electric implements. The driver has been replaced by a combination of cameras and sensors linked to a computer (5G data transmission). The tractor is equipped with GPS navigation and a Topcon guidance system. Still in the test phase, the prototype has worked with both a triple mower…

The newly designed swiveling bracket on Lemken’s OptiStone overload protection system automatically deflects up to 37cm upwards and 20cm to the side when the mouldboard strikes an obstacle. Available on Juwel, Diamant and Titan models, the tripping forces are adjusted from the cab and Lemken says the large range of deflection ensures consistently disruption-free work, even when deep ploughing. The high-strength radial spherical plain bearings are said to keep the plough bodies stable. The three plough ranges are also protected by a double-cut shear bolt.…

Sulky-Burel has developed a solution that maintains a constant fertiliser spread pattern independent of the forward speed of the tractor. Called Speed Control, the device is integrated within the Econov system and works using GPS forward speed information from the tractor. The technique does not change the rotational speed of the discs as the speed of the tractor changes, but the point where fertiliser falls onto them. Speed Control equipped models (X40+ Econov and X50+ Econov) will be available in mainland Europe from September, although the first units are not expected to arrive in the UK until early 2022. The X40+ is available in working widths from 24-50m and hopper capacities from 1,900-3,200 litres. The X50+ is offered in working widths of 24-50m and hopper capacities from 2,400-4,200 litres.…

Also hailing from Canada is the ScherGain system, offered in Europe at €1,500 by French company Oria Agriculture. It uses a single large plastic tray (1.7m x 300mm), released by electromagnet from a battery-containing drop unit. This clamps to any flat surface by magnets, but doesn’t shield the tray pre-drop so chaff build-up can be a problem. A small remote control prompts tray release; the tray itself is white but despite its size, can still be hard to spot in some swaths. The maker advises battery disconnection after use to avoid it flattening, so that’s something better not forgotten. Apparently, a cleaner is part of the ScherGain kit; we didn’t have one, so sample separation involved a lot of huffing and puffing. Once clean, the collected seed is tipped into…

Back in 2014, Claas introduced the Arion 400 line-up with six models spanning 90hp to 140hp. From the outset this little all-rounder impressed with its long-wheelbase combined with front axle and cab suspension. Together with the four-cylinder, 4.5-litre Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) engine and optional Hexashift transmission with six-step powershift, the Arion 400 has proved to be a versatile performer on many farms. Panoramic roof and Electropilot The Arion's front loader specification certainly played a part in the success of the machine: optional load-sensing pump with 110l/min: panoramic roof made of polycarbonate, less a crossbeam to disrupt the operator view; and the Electropilot controls. Not only does this joystick look after front loader operation, but its electric controls offer numerous functions — from engine speed memory to linkage and transmission…

Precision farming is increasingly used as a decision-making tool for cereal growers, but as technology develops to reliably control and co-ordinate larger fleets of machinery, it offers the potential for significant improvements in efficiency for high value crops such as potatoes. Working alongside John Deere Precision Ag dealer Ben Burgess, leading grower PJ Lee and Sons has been steadily progressing its use of the technology with a mixed and diverse fleet of machinery in Cambridgeshire. “We have a number of John Deere tractors, but also have JCB Fastrac 4000 series which are delivered ‘John Deere guidance-ready’ and have a JDlink telemetry gateway installed to feed back data from the potato planters into the MyJohnDeere portal.” explains estate manager, Simon Quince. “We also have two Case IH Quadtracs that are used…

Out on July 30th If you were to fill a shopping basket with key tractor-building components such as the front axle, engine and transmission, then there's a lot to like about the X7.624 VT Drive. But just how good a job has McCormick done of sticking all the bits together? That's a question we hope to answer in our September issue tractor test. TRACTOR TEST McCormick X7.624 PRACTICAL TEST Horsch Express 3KR power harrow drill Wheat, OSR and grass were the three crops we tasked the 3.0m Horsch combi with putting in the ground. Find out how it performs in the next issue. PRACTICAL TEST Kuhn VB7190 baler With harvest just around the corner, you might be thinking of a new baler. Check out our test of the Kuhn VB7190……

The British manufacturer’s new PowerTrac trailed sprayers come with a self-contained hydraulic drive system that transmits up to 130hp to the powered axle. Powered by the tractor PTO, it provides two forward (up to 18km/hr in the field) and two reverse speeds. The company says the new models offer better weight distribution and less soil compaction than large twin-axle self-propelled sprayers. Having three powered axles the tractive force required to propel the combination is shared between six wheels, which says Landquip, results in less slippage and compaction, and is advantageous when reversing into field corners. Steering (20° angle) or non-steering axles can be specified with track width options from 1.8 to 2.0m. Air brakes are standard (ABS option). Available in 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000-litre capacities, the PowerTracs also have a new…

Lifting 6.0t to 9.0m, the MLT961-160V+L is the most powerful Manitou telehandler to date in the NewAg XL range. Replacing the Stage IV powered MLT961, the 156hp Stage V block in the new high-performance model is said to sip 10% less fuel, deliver 10% more power and provide 50% more torque. Drawbar pull is increased by more than 30% and the hydraulic flow is 200l/min. The block is mated to the CVT M-Vario Plus transmission. This provides two modes (comfort and dynamic) and a top speed of 40km/hr. The new 4,500-litre and 2.70m wide bucket developed for the new model is wider than the machine. Manitou says this not only prevents driving over the material but also helps to increase outputs. The higher cab position improves visibility and the HighView camera…

Amazone’s new-look ZA-M02 and ZA-X03 mounted spreaders can be specified with an electric control unit to maintain a constant application rate irrespective of the forward speed of the tractor. This is the first time that a rate regulation system has been available for the ZA-X. The EasySet 2 in-cab terminal adjusts the size of the apertures automatically by setting the shutter position in such a way that the application rate is always the same. This allows the driver to speed up or slow down depending on the size of field and ground conditions. The operator has the option of using an X-sensor (counting pulses), a signal cable (transmission of the tractor speed) or a GPS antenna to determine or transmit the speed signal. EasySet 2, in conjunction with the electric shutter control,…

Developed and made at the Bobcat plant at Pontchâteau, France, the seven-model range of R-series agricultural telehandlers covers lift capacities from 2.6t and 4.3t and lift heights from 6.0m to 8.0m. There are three compact models (TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70) and four large versions (TL35.70, TL34.65HF, TL38.70HF and TL43.80HF). The steeper profile of the new engine hood increases visibility and reduces blind spots by a claimed 15% on the right hand side. There is improved access to the engine compartment and the upgraded versions of the Bobcat D34 engine (most powerful version 135hp) uses DPF after-treatment to meet Stage V emissions. The redesigned cab has a wider door and single access step. Interior noise levels are said to be down by a half and the revised interior provides more storage…

Based on the chassis of the existing four webbers, and available in working widths of 1540mm and 1740mm, ScanStone’s TriStar destoner retains the open front system with large hydraulically-operated and pressure-controlled discs. After the share (multi-blade or full width), the material goes onto a front digger web, followed by three rows of fixed stars to break down clods and help convey material over the webs. The design of the front intake web is said to reduce wear on the front stars and cut running costs. After the stars, the soil moves onto a second web and then a rear web. The TriStar comes as standard with a hydraulically-powered scrubber web. Rotating over the rear web, the scrubber has varying pressure, speed and direction for heavy clay or light soil with high…

We’re clearly no strangers to New Holland’s dual-clutch DynamicCommand gearbox, having put the T6.175 DC under the spotlight in our 5/2018 tractor test. And, since Agritechnica 2019, the same mechanical transmission has also been available in the four-model, 100-130hp T5. Interesting mix of 5 and 6 While both the engine and transmission are identical to the heavier T6's, the front and back axles are shared with the company's T5 ElectroCommand. All this is topped off with the new ‘SuperVision’ low profile cab… but more on the office space later. While we're well acquainted with FPT’s NEF motor, the T5 DC has the Stage V compliant version, which uses an enhanced SCR unit to reduce its particulates by 40% without resorting to EGR — very good. The turbo has a wastegate,…

Replacing the Jumbo Combiline is the new 7000 series, a three-model lineup consisting of the 7400, 7470 and 7540, with the middle digits usefully representing the DIN volume in standard guise. So that's 40, 47 and 54m³, although, if you want to squeeze in a little more, there's the option of adding a yellow greedy board to boost capacity by a further 2.0-2.7m³. Pöttinger wagon aficionados will note that there is no direct replacement for the 34m³ and 38m³, Jumbo 6020 and 6620; instead the range pretty much starts from where the old one finished off with the 41.5m³ Jumbo 7220. Any customers wanting a replacement for a smaller Jumbo Combiline will be directed to Torro. For our continental cousins, who are into that sort of thing, there are also…

Weighing in at 5.6kg on its own and without a bar and fluids, the 2.6kW/3.5bhp Stihl MS271 is a 50cc saw has long ticked all the boxes to make it a decent all-round farm saw choice. Now with the latest Light 04 guide bar, the established MS271 power head remains unchanged, but Stihl claim that by combining it with its new Light 04 bar and RM3 chain, performance is increased by up to 20% when compared to the established Rollomatic bar alternative. Sounds great, even more so when the prices for this latest set up are pretty similar to the previous offering at £550 and £560 (excluding VAT) for 14 and 16in (35 and 40cm) models. Will going for this slimmer, and slightly lighter chain and bar combo really make…

Having come across Ziegler’s new Combi Expert cultivator on display at Agritechnica in 2019, we were keen to use the pre-production unit to prepare ground for sugar beet last spring. And the machinery maker was glad to help, sending the very machine that had been on display at the show. But after hitting a couple of early snags, Ziegler took the harrow back, incorporating a number of design changes and improvements for production spec models. It then returned with the updated version for this driving impression last summer. Light cultivator with 24 tines The Combi Expert is a light cultivator available in working widths of 4.0m, 5.0 and 6.0m. Ours was the smallest model, the 4001, which is armed with 24 tines spread across four rows and a frame height…

Anyone who drives a tractor or harvest machinery for a living soon gets used to grabbing short breaks when they turn up, like while waiting for a trailer or a spreader, or a pause for more seed or fertiliser to arrive. Time to check the phone or maybe unscrew the flask; nothing wrong with that. But instead, why not run through some easy routines designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles and relieve load on your joints? Fieldwork builds tension in muscle groups, partly through holding set positions and partly from the narrow range of alternatives. Rough going builds compression in the spine, and lack of movement reduces blood circulation. All of which will — sooner or later — produce stiffness and pain. At this point you might reasonably think…