ProfiDecember 2022的目錄

November is here and the big show season is upon us, with the French SIMA, Italian EIMA, German EuroTier and then the Danish Agromek event all falling within a couple of weeks of each other. And closer to home there’s the Midlands Machinery Show. Exciting times. Yet attending all of these events is not as glamourous as you may think; anyone who has had the joy of travelling through Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport will need no further evidence. More specifically, how is it that the French, a people renowned around the world for their magnifique cuisine, can produce such a woeful offering of pre-flight sustenance? Turn to page 12 to see some of the machinery highlights that were on display at the SIMA show. And there’s yet more coverage…

BERNARD KRONE PASSES AWAY Long-time owner of Krone Group, Bernard Krone senior, passed away recently after a short serious illness. At the helm of the family-owned agricultural machinery business since 1970, Dr Krone was the brainchild behind the launch of the self-propelled Big M mower in 1996 and Big X forage harvester in 2000. He retired in 2010 and handed over the helm to his son Bernard. Dr Krone was 82. END OF THE ROAD FOR FEED ROBOT Fourteen years after unveiling the prototype at the German EuroTier livestock machinery show in 2008, Schuitemaker has pulled the pin on its autonomous Innovado feeding robot. The demise began following the merger of Schuitemaker and Veenhuis in 2019, when the focus switched to the main product lines of slurry tankers and forage…

Targeted at small and medium mixed farms, the two new additions to the Case IH range, the 90hp 90A and 100hp 100A, are flagged up as versatile, easy to use and simple to maintain tractors. Powered by a four-cylinder 3.6l FPT Stage V block, a 12x12 40km/hr mechanical box is standard. The optional hydraulically actuated powershuttle provides four gears in each of the three ranges. A 20x20 creeper option is also available. Maximum rear linkage lift capacity is 4.4t. Air conditioning is standard, as are an air suspended seat, USB socket and phone holder. Both tractors can also be specified from the factory with loader-ready brackets and hydraulics. The optional cab roof hatch has been made wider to improve overhead visibility, and all controls are positioned in a panel on…

There were a good number of robot and autonomous vehicles on display at SIMA including this concept from ManuRob with only a limited amount of information being ditched out. The Rennes-based start-up was formed in 2019 and the 2.0t, 4.0m lift autonomous handler uses LiDAR for obstacle detection, GPS for navigation and a smart camera system to recognise the material it has been tasked with moving. It is fully electric with two motors, one for the transmission that has a top speed of 7.2km/hr and one for the hydraulics. It can swap between attachments of its own accord with a chip used to recognise the implement. It is on solid wheels to avoid any tyre deflection and has independent front and rear steering. Scan now to get our weekly news…

SIMA was the launch pad for BKT AgriForce 18-inch wide rubber tracks and a new range of 70 series tyres called AgrimaxFactor. The latter are only offered as 600/70 R30 and 710/70 R42 for now but 12 other sizes will be available next year. The lug profile changes towards the middle of the tyre to reduce noise while the ply layers are made from polyester instead of nylon for added strength. Benchmark tests against a similar price and premium tyre brand, the BKT is claimed to have 21% longer tyre life and added comfort at 1.6bar. An ‘Eready’ marking on the sidewall shows the new tyres are electric vehicle ready meaning they have improved sidewall stability to deal with heavier battery vehicles.…

Three years ago, Kverneland unveiled the Enduro line-up, a mounted tine cultivator in working widths ranging from 3.0m to 5.0m. But with certain roller configurations, the folding models can be on the heavy side, which is why a trailed version of the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0m cultivators has been added. We have had the chance to cultivate some maize with the widest model, the Enduro Pro 5000T. The three-row cultivator was being lugged across the field by a Claas Axion 960TT. The half-track, 445hp tractor was able to travel at 11km/hr to a depth of 25cm. Sinking the legs to their max depth of 37cm, the outfit was still able to chug along at 8km/hr. Enduro and Enduro Pro Compared to the Enduro, the working depth of the Enduro Pro,…

While mower conditioners are the tool of choice for the majority of silage crops on British and Irish farms, there are certain regions where plain mowers are popular. And as with most things in the machinery world, there is ongoing demand for wider working widths. Enter the latest generation of Claas Disco rear butterflies. For next season there'll be three models: Disco 8300 (8.10/8.30m) and 9500 (8.90/9.10m) as well as the new king, the 1010 (9.70/9.90m). The differences in working width show what happens when the unit is paired with a 3.00m or 3.40m front mower. There is a lot of component carryover from the previous range, such as the MaxCut beds, but there are also a number of new details, which are particularly noticeable in work. As well as…

For some machine repair work you can find yourself lacking a third hand, like when trying to position a screw when up a ladder. If there is no magnetised screwdriver or drill bit available, the job of attaching the screw seems to become much more challenging. To be able to magnetise and demagnetise ferrous metal tool tips, tool maker Wera now markets a nifty bit of kit that polarises the tip of the screwdriver as you pull it lightly over the magnetiser. We ordered the tool from an online retailer to see what it brings to the toolbox party. The 9500 Magnet SB is basically a magnet housed in a plastic casing. Recesses in the housing guide users on how to pass the tip of the screwdriver over the magnetiser.…

Even if feeding is only done once a day, it can still be an expensive task. Not only is there the labour required, but there’s also the cost of the diesel to factor in, along with the hours clocked on the machine. And against feeding just once a day, the cows don't eat evenly through the day, so any reduction in feed freshness can result in poor performance and health issues such as acidosis. This is one of the main appealing factors of a feeding robot, as automatic mixing helps save valuable time and diesel with battery-powered drive. And the cows usually benefit from a more regular supply of fresh feed that is tailored to each group of animals. Goodbye to rails But what if the farm has expanded, and…

With that central commanding driving position familiar to everyone who drives a tractor, the telescopic loader remains a popular tool for work in and around farm buildings. Predictable steering characteristics and good 360° visibility help avoid bent gates and scraped stanchions, while the ability of articulated chassis machines to traverse a bucket or grab while stationary is handy for dragging muck out of an awkward corner or dropping a bale over a gate. High capacity performance from the biggest, most powerful machines meets the demands of large-scale farms and contractors, while at the opposite end of the scale, the smallest units have in their favour nimble manoeuvrability, access to tight locations and site-to-site mobility using a 4x4 and trailer. Within the large selection of wheeled machines featuring articulated or four-wheel…

For no fathomable reason the contracting work has been very sporadic this season. I’ve either been trying to cram two days into one, or been left with a phone so quiet that I could hear the grass crying for rain. During those busier periods I like to keep a variety of audio entertainment on hand to help while away the hours. To be honest, there was a time in my early career when I was just happy to drive ‘anything’, but this soon progressed to ‘anything with a radio’ followed closely by ‘anything with a radio and air-con’. Back then the only available content was a toss-up between whatever cassette happened to be stuck in the old Radiomobile (I still can’t listen to Belinda Carlisle) or the muffled hits of…

VIEW (Vision-based Intelligent Electronic Warnings) is the name of a camera-based system for Valtra tractors that automatically detects other road users when approaching a junction with front-mounted implements such as hoppers or mowers. The system displays three views showing the left, right, and rear camera perspectives, automatically switching to the rear camera when the tractor reverses. Images from the two front cameras are automatically displayed when the indicator is activated. The system uses ISObus information and machine learning algorithms to identify hazards and notify the driver. Camera views and acoustic notifications can be changed on the move. The factory-fitted option is installed in the Unlimited studio at the Suolahti tractor plant in Finland.…

Swedish researchers have developed a jack with an integral weighing system to check axle weights to help farmers and contractors. Called Newton, and suitable for tractors, self-propelled and trailed machines, the compressed air-powered jack can handle axle weights of up to 30t. Described as a new concept to stimulate more farmers and contractors to check axle weights as a tool to reduce compaction, it comprises a strain gauge, a mechanical interface between this and the jack, and a digital display. Said to be easy to use, with the tractor or machine parked on a flat surface, Newton is rolled under one of the axles. With the wheels raised clear of the ground, the weight is shown on the display. The two prototypes are the result of discussions with Rotenberg Manor…

For this month’s Twitter poll, we asked ‘Does your sprayer have GPS section control?’ and it seems the majority of your sprayers do with a massive 78.6% saying ‘yes’. 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) for where we’ll ask: ‘Would you pay a contractor more for using an NIR sensor to determine the value of your liquid manures? ’. 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.…

Väderstad is continuing to test the Proceed high-speed precision drill. Pictured here is machine number two, while prototype number four was on show at SIMA. One of the big points being pushed by the Swedish manufacturer is the reduced seed rate due to the accurate level of planting. In one trial this was as low 45kg/ha in small grains while still achieving 100 plants/m2 . It is performance like this why the hopper is just 2,200l on the 6.0m drill says Väderstad. We took an early look at the Proceed in the January magazine but there have already been a number of tweaks for instance the distribution head and fan have moved from behind the hopper. Testing will continue throughout 2023 and there is no hint yet as to the price.…

The Star 930-28TC rake represents a new look for Sips twin rotor rake and bridges the gap between the 8.0m and 10m models. The higher spec version has hydraulic height control on the rotors and a hydro-pneumatic suspension, but there will also be a mechanical version. When pulled in the two 3.95m, 14 arm rotors deliver a working width of 8.7m but can be pushed out to 9.3m. Even when folded it has a sub-4.0m transport height. The Y shape gearbox is also new as is the headstock which allows a super tight 150° turn. While not giving any more details, Sip did confirm the 930’s new styling will be used on four new central delivery rakes in the near future. There was also a wider trailed merger on show.…

It has been nearly five years since we tested the fresh-faced Luxxum 120, but time doesn’t stand still, certainly not in the world of exhaust emissions. Which is why Case IH has revamped the three-model Luxxum range to meet Stage V. Our focus here is the top-end 86kW/117hp model. The four-cylinder, FPT motor has gained a little extra displacement, 3.6 litres versus the previous 3.4 litres, and now meets Stage V with a combination of DOC, DPF and SCR. This new bigger motor is also said to develop up to 5% more torque, especially in the lower speed range, and thus usefully generate a few more horsepower. More torque below 1,200rpm As per the profi tractor test norm, we had the engineers at the DLG test centre check it out.…

New Holland introduced a myriad of improvements to its T7 HD tractors last autumn (profi 10/2021) and many of these new features have now filtered down to the PowerCommand and AutoCommand T7 LWB range. Most notable is the new Horizon Ultra cab and together with other HD attributes it forms the basis for the majority of the updates from an operator’s perspective. Currently New Holland’s T7 range consists of SWB standard wheelbase (2,734mm) models covering a rated 140hp to 180hp and longer chassis LWB (2,884mm) versions spanning from 180hp to 240hp. At this point the T7 Heavy Duty (HD) takes over, which has a slightly longer wheelbase still (2,995mm) and consists of three models of 250, 270 and 300hp. The brand-new introduction is the T7.300, essentially a T7 LWB with…

Although there have been tweaks along the way, this is the first big change to the Pöttinger Impress range of fixed and variable balers, both as stand-alones and combi wrappers, since the line-up was introduced in 2016. We caught up with the 3190VC Pro. New film/net set-up The chamber film/net wrapping unit has been optimised on the new generation. While net is the standard method of holding the bale together, there are two other options available: option one is for either a single roll of net or film and costs £5,551; or, alternatively, you can spend £8,432 for a two-roll set-up and simply hit the button on the terminal to apply the net or chamber film as both are in place and ready to go. The new unit has two…

Whether it’s lifting or moving stuff, a worthwhile trolley jack will deliver a powerful lift to a decent height. It'll also give fine-grained control of both lift and drop, be easy to move around on a hard surface and be intrinsically safe. But how does a buyer know that a given unit does all that? To see what’s what we checked the abilities of three high-capacity units, all available on the UK market and offering lift heights over 0.6m. Makes and models are the Airpress 10/920 Jumbo Jack, the Compac 8T-HC and the Winntec Y42 1000; the last is distributed over here by SIP. Getting a grip Handles of these jacks differ in shape and size, but all are involved in lowering. On the Compac you lift and turn its…

Some industry insiders reckon diesel will continue to fuel tractors for many years to come, while others suggest that emission reducing alternatives providing the same power, torque and range will come much quicker. All manufacturers have earmarked large chunks of their R&D budget to explore electric and hydrogen technologies. Methane as a power source is also under the spotlight, New Holland stealing an early lead with the methane-powered T6 which is now commercially available. Inspired dealer On-farm generated biogas extracted from an AD plant filled with muck and slurry is a fuel that Rosier Greidanus also sees as offering potential, especially in the current energy situation. Based on an industrial site at Winsum in the dairy province of Friesland, the Dutch firm has years of experience servicing and repairing John…

Quality, not quantity…. That most familiar of adages applies to the world of ag machinery dispersals just as much as it does to any other facet of farming life. At the recent J E Cupit farm dispersal, staged at St James’ Farm, Crowland, Lincolnshire, around 240 people made the trip to the sale site, with 150 further bidders registered to take part online. So, according to Brown and Co’s George Watchorn, it was a decent crowd… but, in terms of quantity, not huge. “At the time of the sale, most arable farmers were still trying to get the remainder of their crops in the ground ahead of the forecast rain. And it’s this that largely explains why the turnout wasn’t bigger,” Mr Watchorn reports. “That said, any lack of numbers…

Out DECEMBER 16th PRACTICAL TEST Seven telehandler group test — Part 2 Next month we take a more detailed look at the pros and cons of each of the seven telehandlers in our group comparison. REPORT Trailed power harrow drill combination We speak to an Irish tillage farmer to find out why he opted for a trailed power harrow drill combination. REPORT Tillers Turf Ever wondered what it takes to produce that pristine green carpet on the golf course or football pitch? Tillers Turf has been growing turf for 35 years and uses some surprisingly familiar kit, plus some other intriguing specialist equipment, too. REPORT Spearhead developments When Spearhead was showing off its new models to dealers, we tagged along to see what has changed on the firm’s batwing mowers…

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Horsch has added 8.25 (8.0m), 9.25 (9.0m) and 10.25 (10m) models to its Avatar SD range. All three have the 25cm row spacing and specifications of the 12m version launched last year. The 3.0m to 8.0m widths are available with 16.7cm row spacing (8.0m available in both). The 6,400l triple tank on the new models offers a 60:10:30 split, while a double-tank option with a 60:40 split is also available. Specifying the MiniDrill allows up to four components to be applied via the SingleDisc seed coulter, providing flexibility when drilling and reducing the number of filling stops. Optional trash wheels can be mounted in front of the coulters to remove surface trash, stones and clods, from the row. The settings can be adjusted infinitely to the soil conditions by means…

Kioti is turning its attention to the ag market with the introduction of the HX9010, 1001 and 1201 which will be joined by a bigger chassis 140hp range at LAMMA. Pictured is the £71,750 HX1201 which like the others has a 3.8-litre Kioti four-cylinder engine with a 10hp power boost for all three models which are rated at 90hp, 100hp and 115hp. AdBlue and a DPF tick the box for Stage V. The transmission is also an in house design (as is the front axle) with four ranges, four gears and a splitter as well as a powershuttle. There are three pto speeds, 540/540E/1,000rpm.…

Set to eventually replace the Elite mounted sprayer range is the Heracles front and rear combination, or the Hermes if it is just a rear unit. Capacities are 1,600 or 2,000l on the back and either 1,000 or 1,500l on the new front tank. Looking at the combination. the Spraytronic controls allow users to set the desired amount when filling and the front tank then transfers to the rear during work to keep the outfit balanced. PWM is an option. One of the biggest improvements is the boom unfold time, the four section, 28m unit taking just 45 seconds. Andy Hedgecock, sales manager for the UK plans on having a demo unit this spring.…

When it comes to telehandlers, machines with a lift capacity of around 4. 0t and a boom that can stretch to 7. 0m are proving very popular… and not just in the UK, but across Europe, too. To see how they stack up against one another, three trade journals, TraktorTech from Denmark, Koneviesti from Finland and Trekker from the Netherlands, gathered these seven machines: Bobcat TL43. 80HF Agri Claas Scorpion 741 Varipower JCB 542-70 AgriXtra Kramer KT407 Manitou MLT741-140V+ Merlo TF42.7 TTCS145 CVTronic New Holland TH7. 42 Elite The table 'Measurements and technical data' on page 25 contains information from the manufacturers' spec sheets as well as test result figures and prices. The drawbar and lifting forces as well as the noise level in the cab are shown in three…

Once you have used a compact wheel loader, it is one of those machines that you find it hard to live without, especially if there’s a larger handler for doing the big jobs and you need a more agile companion. This could be part of the reason why there are now over 41,000 small wheel loaders under 80hp sold worldwide each year. Wanting in on the action, Manitou has come up with six new models, with load capacities of 0.7-1.5t in the MLA line-up. Europeans The 4-50H compact loader is built in Germany, the engine coming from Perkins in England and the hydraulics from Bosch Rexroth. While the smaller series 2 and 3 models have to be content with 25hp engines, a three-cylinder, 1.7-litre turbocharged motor with 36kW/48hp is installed…

MX CHILTON MX 75U Year 2004 Comment: Entry level MX Utility model. Simple and robust, these loaders may benefit from a pin and bush refurb but there is little to go wrong. Look for ram leaks and damage. Price: Add £750 to £1,000 to used tractor price MX CHILTON MX120 Year: 2006 Comment: PCH parallel lift and Mach hydraulic connector. EU carriage with mechanical lock. Check for damage and worn pivots. Parking leg stow on loader, cross beam end caps sometimes going missing. Price: Add £2,000 plus to used tractor price MX MX T12 Year: 2009 Comment: MX Technic T loaders have good base spec. An electronic joystick is more likely to have been fitted to these models but check as Propilot popular Price Add £2,850 to £3,750 to used…

1962 Melroe Bobcat M440 In the 1960s, the Keller brothers experimented with a three-wheeled skid-steer loader in the USA. They developed it into the M400, the first classic skid-steer with two driven axles and skid steering. A significant breakthrough came in 1962 with the M440, the first Bobcat-badged machine — a 15.5hp two-cylinder model with a lift height of around 2.45m. The hydraulic functions were controlled by pedals. 1969 Andreas Andifant Walter Andreas developed an electrically powered skid-steer loader at the end of the 1960s. To develop good shoving power, the bucket rested on rollers and on the front end of the chassis while the manure was being pushed through the barn. The Andifant with permanent four-wheel drive and skid steering was powered by a pair of2kW DC motors. 1970 Eicher…