Profiの April 2024 の目次

Should manufacturers have a duty of care when it comes to the replacement cost of protective guards? This is something I have been mulling over for a while now. The cost of some replacement pto guards can leave you exclaiming “how much!” at the dealership, but at least there is a ready supply (in most cases) from alternate manufacturers. This is not the case with more specific items such as the tarpaulin skirts/guards used on mowers for instance. Over the seasons they inevitably get frayed and worn as they constantly rub against the passing crop or the supporting frame underneath. The odd stone may also punch a hole in the canvas that again does nothing for their longevity. While some at best will add a patch to prevent a small…

The SP220 is the first self-propelled harvester from French company Steco-Ma. Power to the pea and bean harvester comes from a Volvo Penta 480hp motor. The combination of large front tyres and mechanical all-wheel drive rear axle with diff lock is said to provide good traction in soft conditions. Located behind the Claas X10 cab, the bunker has a 2.5t capacity and maximum unloading height of the discharge elevator is 4.0m. Steco-Ma says it is also developing other self-propelled machines.…

The new 360mm universal wing share for the Amazone Cenius and Cenio mounted cultivators can be positioned on the tine at three different heights and angles. For the shallow cutting of cereal stubbles, the wing share is fixed in the lowest of the holes in the leg, almost parallel to the soil. Working depths (5.0 to 15cm) are said to create the best germination conditions for volunteers and weed seeds. Designed to improve penetration in hard soils, the second mounting point sees the wing shares bolted on slightly higher than in the first position. The point works deeper than the wing share, which Amazone says generates a greater undercut with an easier pull-in. The steeper angle of attack of the wings in the third mounting point provides more intensive organic…

While there’s much guff and hot air spouted from the PR departments of machinery manufacturers around the potential for electrification in agricultural equipment, to date there’s not much evidence of it out working in the field. It’s a subject that is clearly frustrating implement makers, a good number of whom have put considerable time and money into developing kit off the back of tractor brands repeatedly launching and re-launching ‘electrified’ concepts that are as yet to make it onto the production line. Recent announcements from the likes of Fendt, New Holland and Steyr suggest that might be about to change with fully-electric battery powered models as well as hybrid diesel-electric concepts all appearing under the floodlights at last year’s Agritechnica. Having presented various prototype options over recent decades, transmission specialist…

Sip’s line-up includes a rather extensive array of mowers for different types of farming: from lightweight ‘Alpine’ units for mountain regions, to conventional mounted machines, to its behemoth 14.5m wide trailed mowing rig. Crop conditioning is catered for with roller or plastic or steel tines. Pretty much all bases are covered, then. So, what did we get our hands on last season? Sip supplied a plain mower triple combination comprising a Silvercut Disc 300F S-Flow front mower (the latter having the firm’s hydro-pneumatic suspension system with a pull-type headstock) while out the back we had a Disc 900C: the C refers to combination and does not denote a conditioner unit, as per the mower-naming norm. Easy attachment The front mower is attached via an A-frame and needs a double-acting spool.…

Claas is launching a new generation of large-scale mowers. The line comprises three models offering cutting widths from 8.80m out to 9.50m and boasts a roller or tine conditioner with the possibility of adding a grouper belt. For our driving impression we looked at a Disco 9700RC AS, a triple mower complete with roller conditioner and merging belts that enabled the tractor to work at speeds of up to 18km/hr in high-yielding crops. It is connected to the tractor via the Cat III headstock, which offers two coupling heights. All hydraulic hoses (with Kennfixx couplers), electric lines and the pto shaft have storage positions when not in use. The driveshaft is sourced from Walterscheid and transmits power to the Claas-developed gearbox, which splits the power and sends it on its…

Although we don’t have any cold, hard facts, we do have an inkling that the number of field and machinery fires has increased in recent years. As a result, some farmers have added a water tank to an old trailer or fuel bowser or even a front linkage to work alongside a traditional fire extinguisher to help douse the flames. The Field Attack, from German firm Meier-Brakenberg, takes this to another level. The ace up its sleeve is a hydraulically powered pressure washer that atomises the water into tiny droplets, giving an effective extinguishing effect with surprisingly little water. Ultimately, the droplets absorb the heat from the fire better and faster than a thick jet of water. The rapid absorption of energy causes some of the water to evaporate, which…

Although it is the FC313 and FC 314 models that we look at here, it follows that the same broad brush buying pointers will apply equally to narrower 2.40m and 2.80m working width models in the nominal ‘103 and 104’ mower series. This will also include the front mounted models too as all variants share essentially the same ‘100 Series’ cutter bar with six, seven or eight discs. The FC3125 and current FC3115 are not covered specifically here, these heavier-duty models having a different Optidisc Elite bed. When originally launched in around 2000, the FC313 was only offered with a flexible V-shaped white nylon finger conditioner. From 2012, the FC313D variant was introduced, this having a pivoting steel finger conditioner. In brief, the latter will add around 90kg to the…

There's a lot of hype around the topic of NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) sensors — particularly on a forage harvester, where the data created can be used to help with decision making … from how the actual field is performing to fertiliser use and the potential make-up of the harvested forage. In order to see just how accurate these NIRS systems are, nine farms within the Bavarian region of Germany worked with four different makes of forager (Claas, John Deere, Krone and New Holland) fitted with the technology as part of the research being carried out by the DigiMilch project — see the panel on the next page titled ‘The DigiMilch Project’ for more details on the background to the work being carried out. The focus of the research project was…

In the second instalment of our report on farming in Australia we will introduce you to interesting businesses such as those run by Scott and Leigh Somers as well as Tim and Daniel Bell. While one farm produces oat hay for Arabia on a large scale, the second farm has integrated several flocks of Merino sheep to complement its cereal cropping. This is exclusively dryland, with no-till being the main way to establish crops. Then there is the Silo Art Trail, the largest outdoor art gallery in Australia and the Great Ocean Road with its coastal landscape in the south of the continent. Join us on our tour, both here and on the profi DVD. TIM & DANIEL BELL Crops and sheep Warracknabeal is located in the Australian state of…

TEST Seven ISObus systems — Part 1 Carrying on from our seven 300hp tractor test, our test team assesses the candidates' ISObus systems, from loading and programming to use. Is it as simple as plug and play? REPORT Lewis Brothers Carmarthenshire-based Lewis Brothers have changed to 5in and 6in pipe for their umbilical system, to match the increased output of their Wox Walrus pumping unit. It's all about output and efficiency. TEST Loading shovel comparison — Part 2 We continue our comparison of four high-output 15t+ loading shovels. Next month we focus on what the various Claas, JCB, New Holland and Volvo machines are like to operate. USED MACHINERY Vervaet self-propelled Thinking of buying a self-propelled tanker on a used budget? We chart the history of the Vervaet Trike to…

The eagerly awaited AF11, the first model in the new combine series, broke cover at the recent National Farm Machinery show in Kentucky. More than five years in development, the most powerful Case IH combine ever built shares its 775hp engine and 20,000-litre grain tank (210l/sec unloading rate) with the New Holland CR11. It also shares the same twin rotor as the CR11. Called AFXL2, and the brand’s first-ever twin rotor, the longer (3.6m) design provides 50% more separation over previous models. Prototype AF11s are operating worldwide, but we understand that the Class 10+ machine will only be available in North America for now but we would not be surprised to see it enter European price lists at some point and we understand that at least one of the limited…

DoubleFlow is a new linkage option that halves the row spacing on Vogelsang trailing shoe slurry applicators from 25 to 12.5cm. Doubling the surface area coverage without affecting tractor forward speed, a Y-shaped piece on the new double runner linkage divides the drain hose into two outlets. Designed to fit the flow optimized PrecisionFlow spout, the linkage is available for the UniSpread and BlackBird trailing shoe linkages from May this year. The newly developed lightweight double runner concept ensures that the weight of the Y-flow distributor is the same as the standard unit. Made from individually replaceable Hardox steel blades and wear-resistant plastic, the result is said to be easy to operate and maintain. Vogelsang’s Andy Hayhurst says that the firm’s trailing shoe applicators are becoming more popular in the…

This isn’t our first loading shovel rodeo; we ran a comparative test back in 2009 with the focus on the 12-14t bracket. But things have moved on, and, as with most machines, the demand is for bigger kit, so our attention this time is on those with an operating weight of 15t (or so). The four test candidates are: ● Claas Torion 1611P● JCB 435S● New Holland W170D● Volvo’s L90H Six-cylinders all round All four test machines have a six-cylinder motor out back. When it comes to maximum power (using the ISO 14396 rating), JCB (6.7-litre Cummins) and Claas (6.8l DPS) churn out an equal 185kW/252hp. Knocking out 145kW/195hp from a 6.7l FPT engine, the New Holland has a lower output. Volvo also sources its motor inhouse, with the L90H…

Mounted tedders are typically less expensive, potentially more agile and easier to set up than a trailed alternative. With its latest GF13003 tedder, Kuhn now offers a wider mounted tedder. With its 13m working width, 12 rotors and all up weight of 2,050kg, the GF13003 is currently unique in the mounted tedder class, folding to 2.99m wide and 2.67m tall in under half a minute. A key to this folding ‘magic’ is not a complex hinged frame. Instead, the design makes the best use of the space to the rear the machine. The central six-rotors lift vertically, with the outer rotors moving inward to enable the final two rotors to fold diagonally to rest on rubber buffers on the headstock. When folded, the unit extends 3.45m to the rear. 100hp…

More and more manufacturers are introducing grass mergers, and one of the latest names to be added to the list is Samasz, which last year unveiled the MRG2-900, indeed it even had one on show at LAMMA earlier this year. Our German colleagues managed to catch up with a pre-production unit last season; it was being shown at a working demo The 5.6t machine is a similar design to many of its competitors, consisting of a linkage-mounted headstock, a pair of pick-ups and a substantial chassis. The minimum tractor size should be 88kW/120hp plus with one double-acting spool and the usual brake and electric connections. There's a 7in display, as ISObus is not yet available. The gyro-style headstock permits tight, pretty much right angle turns with the pto engaged. Design…

Fendt has come along with another four-cylinder tractor range, the Vario 600, which promises a low kerb weight, high payload and a bunch of features that see it sit in line with the high-spec Vario 700 Gen 7 models. Indeed these two line-ups are very similar, sharing the same cab and, more importantly, the VarioDrive transmission and driveline, helping the Germany company stand out from the rest of the tractor-making crowd who also manufacture a stepless box, high horsepower four-cylinder unit. Four models The four Vario 600 tractors deliver between 110kW/149hp and 154kW/209hp, with the last two digits of the model number indicating the boosted power rating. Yet Dynamic Power is somewhat different to more traditional power boost functions, which normally kick in when forward travel speed reaches a certain…

Baier and Michels is part of the Wurth Group and specialises in making bolts for the automotive industry (see “Bolt production at Baier and Michels” for more information). The manufacturer previously developed so-called thread-cutting bolts that can be used to cut threads into drilled holes or remove dirt and paint residues from internal threads, made possible by modifying the threading. The bolts have a slightly conical form where the cross section of the thread progressively increases. The closer you get to the head of the bolt, the higher the pitch of the threading. As such, the bolt gradually cuts the thread — similar to a tap. The TrimNut works the other way round: the nut is designed to recut damaged threads and remove dirt. How it works When threading out…

As a general rule of thumb, silage bales will measure in the region of 1.20-1.24m in diameter, with fixed-chamber machines being the tool of choice particularly in Ireland. However, could making larger diameter bales save you money by reducing film use per ton and also the time taken to move bales? To answer these questions, we teamed up with Krone and used their variable-chamber combination to produce different size bales and compare the stats. General conditions The trial was carried out in second-cut silage, so yields were not overly heavy. The field was mown two day before baling, but in the intervening days the grass was drenched by a thunderstorm. On baling day the dry matter content was 42%, and the grass was rowed up by a two-rotor central delivery…

When New Holland launched its new CX straw walker combines for the 2002 season it brought the whole range bang up to date compared with the boxy metal tinwork of the TX. The new CX in contrast had curvy styling, a 75cm diameter threshing drum, up to 374hp, a maximum grain tank capacity of 10.5m³ and a feel-good cab. And today, more than 20 years on, the curves are still there. Indeed, the styling has hardly changed, but New Holland has not stopped developing the CX — from the header and the threshing drum to the engine, chassis and cabin. This is highlighted in our comparison of a 22-year old CX860 with a two-year-old CX8.90. Both of these are part of the combine fleet run by German harvesting contractor Bernhard…

After having been coaxed dangerously near sleep by the mud-terrains droning sweet lullabies for three hours, you do tend to question if such an aggressive tread pattern is strictly necessary. Although compromised on tarmac, mud-terrain tyres were selected for a reason, and these long motorway runs are very infrequent. And that's really the point: you pick the style of tyre with the attributes that best suit your needs. The right horse for the right course, so to speak. Throstle Nest HQ is nestled riverside, right in the valley bottom, but we also run a unit of upland grazing some 15 remote miles away at the head of the valley. Speaking from experience, adding a loaded trailer to peaty ground makes for a highly effective land-anchor, and the only thing between…

AGCO BOOKS RECORD RESULTS Buoyant global demand for new tractors and machines was responsible for the 14% increase in AGCO net sales last year to around US$14.4 billion. The Europe/Middle East (EME) region is traditionally the strongest for the company and increased sales of mid-range and high-horsepower tractors, and replacement parts, helped boost revenues by 17% to approx. US$7.5 billion. Healthy demand from dairy and livestock producers is expected to compensate for some of the decline expected in the arable sector in EME this year where incomes are under pressure, and the generally lower global sales volumes expected by AGCO this year will reduce 2024 net sales to around US$13.6 billion. LARGER PATCH FOR REA VALLEY Rea Valley Tractors has completed the acquisition of neighbouring New Holland dealership, Teme Valley…

Some of the features and options from the recently launched 75hp Bobcat L95 are now available on the L75 and L85. These include an improved version of the advanced attachment control system, of which flex-drive allows the engine speed to be changed by a hand throttle, independently from the foot throttle (standard L85/option L75). The auto-idle function, which shuts down the engine if the machine is not used for four seconds, is also new, and both loaders are now available with a heated air suspension cloth seat. With a higher back rest, and a head rest, it includes an adjustable left-hand arm rest and a sensor to indicate if the operator is sitting down. Forward-reverse joystick control and lift and tilt response time has been improved, and there is also…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Did you know over 9,000 farmers currently benefit from our unrivalled advice? If you want to know what they know, take a look at some of our subscription offers where you’ll get the latest news, updates and guidance, as well as our unique DLG tractor tests delivered to your door, every single month. Subscribers can also enjoy free access to our 27-year in-depth test archive, PLUS receive access to a complimentary digital copy of Agricultural Trader every month. Guarantee you make the right choice when purchasing machinery by subscribing to profi today. Editor, Profi International BECOME A SUBSCRIBER & ENJOY THESE BENEFITS: ✤ Enjoy one whole year of Profi magazine✤ Free access to our entire 27-year in-depth test archive, including the unique DLG Powermix tractor tests✤…

The TM420S was much more than just turning up the power wick on the four-cylinder Dieselmax to pump out 173hp. The company's engineering team shoehorned in the bigger 4.8-litre unit, which was mated to a brand new transmission with torque lock-up, making it a much more appealing option for clamp climbing. Our host farm is no stranger to the JCB TM having operated a 420 previously, which amassed over 6,000 hours during the three years it was on farm. With 1,600 head to cater for, dependability is right at the top of the list, and, even though the old model had a number of exhaust emission equipment issues, it was largely judged as a solid performer. When trade-in time came, the decision was made to step up to the newly…

A few caveats from the outset. If you want to use a chainsaw to ‘mill’ fallen timber, you need several things. First, a chainsaw that is not just powerful enough to drive a long guide bar with a ripping chain but with the stamina to cope with the tough job of slicing through the timber you want to mill. We borrowed a Stihl MS500i for our job and although it absolutely ‘bossed’ the 42in guide bar through our ash trunk, an even more powerful saw is recommended to mill with such a long guide bar as Stihl recommends a maximum guide bar length of 36in for the MS500i. Next you need to be patient. It takes time to set up a milling system, the generic Alaskan mill ‘frame’ we used…

Sitting in the office of Slievenamon Agricultural Services and chatting to Richie, John and Martin White they all agree that, to keep a contracting business profitable, you need to have output, but even more important is efficiency. For instance, last season the firm invested in its first tri-axle silage trailer, a 50m³, 7.6m long Redrock. For every two loads of silage the triaxle delivered to the clamp, the firm’s tandem-axle trailers would have to do three to move the same tonnage. On the same theme, today’s machinery fleet is chalk and cheese compared to what they started out with, and all three brothers will nod in agreement when Richie says: “It was all hard got.” Wind the clock back, and it was their father Pat who started doing hire work…

An increasing range of high capacity tedders are now on offer, and it’s not just contractors snapping them up, suggests Krone product manager, Ben Davies. “Mower capacity has increased in recent years, and where dairy farms for example are using a contractor for their mowing, they may have a larger tractor that has been purchased for slurry tanking and feeding but could pull a tedder in the harvest season. A wider tedder helps them get uniform tedding ahead of the rake and forager and achieve the desired 24 hours between cutting and clamping.” As a rule of thumb if looking for a tedder it should be between one and a half to two times the width of the mowers running in front of it, he says. “Realistic driving speeds are…