Tabla de contenidos para June 2021 en Profi

The wider top and narrower base (50mm/80mm or 80mm/120mm) of Väderstad’s MixIn shins throws material forwards instead of upwards. This action forces the material to pass the tine twice which, says the company, doubles the mixing intensity and improves the lengthwise distribution of residues. Other benefits include moving more soil in the driving direction to level uneven parts of the field (such as wheel tracks) and improved clod crumbling in heavier soils. Available now for Swift, Cultus, Opus and TopDown cultivators, the new conical shin is produced at factory in Överum, Sweden.…

Following the decision to cease potato production, Manor Farm sold all its potato harvesting equipment, cultivation kit and horsepower associated with the potato growing business of J and A Smales with Cheffins in charge of the online sale of just over 100 lots. The main highlight of the sale was a 2010 Grimme Tectron 415 four-row self-propelled harvester, with a modest 4,675 hours of 4,675 it sold for £100,000. Other potato kit included a 2001 Miedema SBC1251 2.55m wide grader with hopper with Grimme MultiSep cleaning system and eight person picking table fetching £41,000. A 2014 Baselier 5.5m HFT6LKB550 hydraulic folding potato topper with 2.2m 2LKA280 pto driven front topper sold well at £13,400, whilst a 2009 Grimme GL32B two-row potato planter sold at £4,200. Top price for the tractors…

Transmission 3.8 The 'CommandQuad Plus' transmission has six ranges but only four powershift steps. Despite the Soft Shift function, the gear changes are comparatively harsh. Then again, the start-off gear can be quickly changed, and you can also adjust how quickly the drive is engaged when using the clutch function on the brake pedal. Linkage and hydraulics 3.8 The electric spools cost extra but are great to use … and not just because they bring time and flow control. The controls are easy to identify: only some of the control levers are close to the joystick. There's only one automatic stabiliser on the rear linkage (option of two). Unlike on other makes, the rear linkage doesn’t need activating every time you start the engine. Cab and electronics 3.4 Getting in…

Transmission 4.1 The dual-clutch transmission always takes a little time to change ranges, and programing the auto system for the eight powershift speeds could be a little more intuitive, especially when you don’t have the IntelliView terminal. The brake-to-clutch function is adjustable, and there is a very practical park position on the powershuttle lever, which also works the trailer brake. Linkage and hydraulics 3.6 The markings for the spools at the rear, as well as those on their respective levers in the cab, are clear, and their positioning is also good. The linkage controls work well, and there is even a quick lift/lower button on the armrest joystick. The external lift buttons are located relatively high and out on the side of the mudguard. Cab and electronics 3.4 The steering…

When we were testing the Claas Lexion 5500 TT for last month’s magazine, we used it with both the Vario 770 header, which has an auger to direct the crop to the middle, and the Convio 770 Flex belt-based table. We didn’t get to tuck into field beans or peas, but we did manage to tackle cereals and OSR. The ‘new’ option … According to Claas, the demand for an inhouse draper header mainly came from North America. As early as 2012, the German firm was trialling its first prototype draper head with a flexible knife to harvest soybeans in the USA. Able to flex by up to 225mm, the conveyor belts behind the cutterbar move accordingly, so harvested crop is transferred with as few losses as possible. On the…

Designed to meet the demands of high-intensity users, Manitou has given its MLT 840 and 1040 telehandlers a freshen up. Far from just a new cab interior and slick styling though, donned the ‘New AG XL’ the twin- and tripleboom 841 and 1041 loaders boast some fancy new features. First seen at Agritechnica way back in 2011, the 840 impressed when we first got behind the wheel as a capable and feature packed loader (see profi 04/2013). However, Manitou says the construction derived loader never really felt part of the agri line-up, until now. Sitting above its current range of MLT telehandlers, which does include machines capable of hoisting 4,100kg and stacking up to 9.00metres, Manitou reckons these new models are designed to be serious material movers. The French firm…

Grass and arable framers alike know the fundamental importance of lime to growing crops. Unfortunately, not all people living in the countryside appreciate the virtues of ground stone to the soil, especially when their home is blanketed in a plume of grey dust. So, with this 'potential conflict' in mind, several firms have developed auger-based booms, including relatively new lime spreader maker SpreadPoint. Customer demand was the main reason for SpreadPoint embarking on the project to build a 12m boom attachment. Its initial prototype has now applied more than 2,500t of lime and fibrophos, and, even though it doesn't totally eliminate dust, it does significantly reduce it to the point that onlookers are no longer left looking like Casper the ghost. Bolt off, bolt on The boom attachment takes the…

“Using an electric spreader to establish a cover crop wasn't precise enough for us,” says Michael Lütke. “Luckily, we happened upon a more precise alternative at our local machinery dealer in the form of an old Accord drill, which we reckoned we could mount on our existing 3.0m Kuhn Cultimer cultivator.” Friendly neighbour and engineer Felix Wigger helped to fabricate the mounting frame on the cultivator. A cross member was welded to the two beams used for carrying the Kuhn’s roller, and a Weiste A-frame was added. Farther back, they made up some U-shaped brackets, which were also fixed to the Kuhn roller’s frame. To allow the coulters to run behind the roller, the drill's frame was extended to the rear. Gusset plates at the bends and struts help to…

Rostons Auctioneer held one of the first on-site farm dispersals following the lifting of the restrictions. Held at Hawthorn Farm, Cholmondeston in Cheshire, the sale was on behalf of GJP Robinson and Co following the sale the farm. Auctioneers on the day were Andrew Wallace and Tony Rimmer, who both reported an excellent trade. Top price was awarded to the 2015 Valtra N143 which was in excellent condition that took £50,800. This was followed by a bid of £42,000 for the immaculate 2018 JCB 526-56 Agri Plus Loadall and £23,000 for a 2009 New Holland T5060. On the machinery front, there were plenty of kit from the Kuhn stable that was headed by the 2018 Kuhn EL162-50 rotary tiller that sold at £7,600, the 2016 FC313D front mower conditioner followed…

Redesigned cabs, a new look, new transmission and engine features and a new display are the highlights of Valtra’s fifth generation N and T Series tractors. Replacing the traditional instrument panel behind the steering wheel, all the important information, such as driving speed, engine speed and time, are shown on the top of the new colour display located on the A-pillar. Below that, the operator can select information for controlling the tractor and implement. The display also shows the radio station and smartphone information over Bluetooth, and can also be used on HiTech and Active models to make all engine, hydraulics and transmission settings. On Versu and Direct models, the A-pillar display and SmartTouch divide the tasks according to suitability and operator preferences. The steering column is also new, and…

The first EOX-175 diesel-electric tractor has left the workshop and is about to start field tests. Developed by Dutch company H2Trac, the machine is born out of a 210hp (160kW) diesel-electric tool carrier known as the Multi Tool Trac (MTT), which featured in our October 2017 issue. Scrutinised by an international audience at Agritechnica that same year, the feedback was that the electric powertrain was great, but the 10.0t tool carrier was too heavy, long and high. It was back to the drawing board to ponder ways to lower the weight and reduce the length and height. The EOX-175 (Electric ox) was deemed the best fit for an arable farm for cultivating, drilling and spraying duties. Built in a workshop at Arnhem in the east of the country, and finished in…

Valtra reckons its Precision Lift & Load app makes front-loader work even easier, more efficient, more comfortable and safer. Available for G, N and T Series SmartTouch models, the app collects weighing data of different materials, which can be transferred to a spreadsheet. The upper and lower limits for loader movements and the maximum angles can be set, stopping the loader automatically when the limits are reached. A shake function ensure that no materials remain in the bucket. Operated from the touchscreen on the armrest, no separate controls or displays are required to use the app, and adjusting the settings is said to be easier than using a smartphone. The operator can relax and enjoy the work, says Valtra, while the tractor automatically takes care of all the front-loader settings. Precision…

Transmission 4.1 The Dyna-6 transmission offers lots of setting options, but first you have to figure them out. The auto transmission shifts nicely. On the newer 5S range you no longer have to activate the brake-to-clutch function using the button on the dash — something you had to do when operating the older model. Linkage and hydraulics 3.4 Activating the linkage is not so easy, and the depth control works the opposite way to that of most other makes. Massey has already improved these features on the 5S Series. The testers liked being able to use the loader joystick to operate the rear spools when the boom wasn't being worked. Cab and electronics 3.4 Good access … but the accommodation is a little smaller and lower than on the others…

Transmission 4.4 Valtra has the same transmission as Claas and Massey Ferguson — with four ranges and six powershift steps. The Finns offer lots of transmission set-up options such as the ‘bite’ of the powershift steps and shuttling. There is also a brake-to-clutch function and the possibility to store cruise control speeds. Linkage and hydraulics 3.9 No issues with the hydraulic output and lift capacity, the spools work well and all of the controls are clearly arranged on the armrest. The external buttons are placed out of easy reach — not practical, but safe. View of the hitch could be better, as the valves are in the way. Cab and electronics 4.0 The steps are good; the small steering wheel is adjustable with a pedal. Most functions are bundled on…

Malone has been making the fourrotor Tedd-Air 570 and six-rotor 840 since 2015. Since then, there have been subtle tweaks to the design to improve performance in a broader range of crops as the Irish machinery maker gains a stronger foothold on the world stage. While there are plans for trailed six- and eight-rotor models in the next 12 months, we contented ourselves with testing the current flagship, the 840. Plenty of metal Malone can't be accused of skimping on the metalwork: the featured 8.35m wide, sixrotor Tedd-Air 840 tips the scales at around 1,300kg. That's anywhere between 60 to 160kg heavier than some of its competitors, while the Lely Lotus 675 we tested back in 1999 was just 875kg. This extra Malone metal is evident in areas such as…

The Annaburger HTS 34.16 holds a massive 46m³ or over 32t of wheat, which should allow the big tri-axle chaser to keep up with the latest generation of high output combines. HTS 34.16 equates to a gross weight of 34t. Unladen, the Annaburger weighs around 12t, meaning there is enough room to carry 22t of cargo on the road, depending on local regs. But in the field the chaser bin can hold as much as 46t. A big bin As on its smaller sibling model, the HTS 34.16 has two augers: the one in the sump and the unloading auger up front. In addition, the featured machine was fitted with the optional (€9,150) Digi-Star weighing system, which utilises six weigh cells (two on each axle) and a special hitch ring…

Come Spring it’s easy to believe that your aircon has survived a winter. Out comes the low sun, cab fan(s) blow cool air and all’s well. But is it? As days lengthen and ambient temperatures creep up, the system will come under more stress and might wilt when you need it most. What can you do now to stay cucumbered in the cab? First thing is not to assume that a re-gas is the answer, followed quickly by acknowledging that there is a definite line between DIY jobs and those that need training and the right equipment…and that if you stray over that line you can damage the system and yourself. So do take a look at the box ‘Know when to stop (page 55)’. It always helps to have…

Thanks to all of you who took the time to send in your various trailer and bale handling tips and mods. If you have any others, why not share them with us by emailing profi.ed@kelsey.co.uk, so we can pass them on to your fellow profi readers. Many of the featured tips will be handy for securing all sorts of different loads and meeting other farm transport challenges, though some may need adapting for your own particular needs. SAFE TRAVEL This 18t dolly trailer was given an overhaul, gaining 560/45 R22.5 tyres as well as a new chequer-plate floor. A new step leads to the catwalk mesh in the Y of the drawbar, making it easier and safer to climb onto the trailer. At the rear, a heavy-duty auto clevis, as…

Kuhn Farm Machinery’s VB variable chamber balers and VBP BalePack variable chamber baler-wrapper combinations are now available with the option of a humidity sensor. Available on all models from 2021 and retrofittable onto 2021 machines and beyond the device, which can measure forage moisture contents up to 40%, is described as a bonus for users seeking greater control over forage dry matter. A bale weighing system, another new option, is mounted on the wrapping table. Available on FBP BalePack and VBP BalePack balerwrapper combinations, as well as weighing each bale, it also provides a rolling average of the previous three bales for an estimation of total production. Kuhn says the technology will help farmers and contractors to monitor dry matter production more accurately. New SB square baler range developments include an…

Transmission 4.2 The Hexashift gearbox with six powershift steps and four ranges (the same GIMA transmission is also used in the Massey and Valtra) works perfectly. A larger overlap between ranges three and four would be handy for heavy loads. Powershift steps without a load can prove to be a bit jerky. The brake-to-clutch function and the auto-shifting features are good, even though the CIS version of the Arion offers fewer setting options than the 5712S and G115. Linkage and hydraulics 4.1 Rear linkage lift power is below average (improved on the successor), but the lift arms can be operated from the armrest controller. The spool valve levers are conveniently positioned and well marked — this also applies to the rear couplers. The external buttons for the linkage are within…

Transmission 2.8 The simple transmission on the McCormick only has three powershift steps but is sufficient for most tasks — even though there is no speed matching when making a range change and no powershifts available when in reverse. The response of the shuttle is adjustable. Linkage and hydraulics 3.8 The oil pump has the lowest output in the group at just 66l/min, but the mechanical spools are among the best. Main linkage controls live far back in the cab, while the external buttons are easy to access. Cab and electronics 3.5 The cab is relatively small and low; the glass hatch is also small and too far back. There are few cubbyholes, while the dashboard is not super modern but is informative. The McCormick is the machine that is…

Transmission 2.7 The Zetor Forterra HSX 120 transmission has two ranges, five gears and three powershift steps. The powershuttle works well, but powershifting is a little staccato. There's a simple auto shifting feature relative to the current engine speed, while the gearstick has to cover a lot of ground when shifting through the box — it feels like a throwback to the old days. Linkage and hydraulics 3.3 Zetor's Forterra HSX has the highest lifting capacity in this comparison but a small gear pump producing just 70l/min. And the levers for the mechanical spools on the side console are sited too far from the driver. The Bosch linkage control system, on the other hand, is simple, logical to operate and, above all, works well. Cab and electronics 3.4 The Forterra…

Since Kubota took over the Kverneland Group in 2012, a growing number of products have started to appear in the firm's distinct orange livery. And here's yet another example, the BV5160 Plus FlexiWrap (also sold as the Vicon RV5216). Regardless of the name on the bodywork, there have been many improvements made to the baler wrapper. Which is why we took a closer look at the Kubota-badged combi in late second cut. Cleaner front The standard machine comes with a hitch ring. Tractor demands are one double-acting coupler and load-sensing connections plus the usual electrical power socket. If you have ISObus, then great; if not, just go with the supplied IM Tellus Pro control box. Not much out of the ordinary so far. One change is the hydraulic hoses are…

Nearly every dribble bar or trailing shoe applicator will be fitted with some form of macerator/distributor, which will need an annual spruceup if it's to perform reliably. The two items most prone to wear/damage are the cutting rings and the blades inside the distributor. Working at an internal pressure of 0.4 bar, the ECL distributor ensures that the slurry is distributed consistently to all of the outlets. It is also responsible for chopping any straw, silage or other organic matter that's in the slurry so it doesn’t block the various outlets. Easy mounting As mentioned, one of the most common distributors fitted to many applicators in the UK and Ireland is the Vogelsang ExaCut ECL, though many of the applicator manufacturers are now churning out their own designs. The rotor…

The market for agricultural tractors sold into the UK market has long been used as an accurate barometer of the financial strength of the farming industry and, by consequence, how well the agricultural machinery trade of manufacturers and dealers are also faring. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the tractor is the one piece of machinery that farmers can put off purchasing for a year or two when times are tough, or can be brought forward if cash flow requires some extra money to be invested. Secondly, tractors represent the single largest investment in terms of value and numbers within the industry. For example: the current UK tractor market has an annual value of circa £850,000,000. The market for agricultural tractors in the UK is measured by registrations of…

Rear discharge muck spreaders have become the go-to-solution for applying a manures on-farm quickly and efficiently, and the weighing systems linked to modern precision farming equipment can offer greater precision and traceability for those wishing to utilise and quantify the nutritional value of manure. Many operators are looking to spread a wider range of wastes however, including lighter materials, which is where horizontal beaters and spreading discs come in. Various levels of precision are available to suit the operation and material – digestate producers, for example have the requirement for the greatest levels of traceability. Achievable spreading widths also vary, which may to some extent be down to the material itself, but the opportunity to make 36m bouts sets organic manures up as a viable contender to mineral fertilisers in…