Table of contents for November 2021 in Profi

It is mid-October and it is great to feel the sunshine hitting the keyboard, even if it does illuminate how much I need to clean my desk, but that it will not be happening today. As soon as this issue is put to bed I will hopefully get outside for an hour to spend some time with our new pup, Strudel, and practice a bit of rugby with my daughter ahead of her first match on the girl’s team. So I better come up with something interesting to say. Back in the October issue we had a tractor test on a Steyr Expert and this month we have a driving impression on the Abolut – neither of which you can officially purchase in the UK or Ireland, so why are…

Best known for its range of beltbased crop mergers, Italian manufacturer Roc has sold 80% of its shares to the Kverneland. Shingo Hanada, president and CEO of Kverneland Group says it is strengthening its commitment by adding the important merger line. Both of the current owners of the ROC company, Denis and Raffaele Ubaldi will continue with the company. The brothers noting, “We see great opportunities and synergies in becoming part of Kverneland- and Kubota Group. Being part of this Group with a strong global footprint offers important strengths in many areas such as product development, manufacturing and not least in the important further digitalisation of farming systems and solutions”. Scan now to get our weekly news email…

The latest version of the 6.0m trailed min till seed drill is available with full width front press wheels and track eradicators. An additional hopper can be specified for all models in the Espro range from 3.0m-8.0m. Adjusted from inside the cab and available on the 6000R and 6000RC (grain and fertiliser model), the full width front press wheels apply additional pressure to the soil to provide a more level surface. Incorporated into the press wheels, the track eradicators help alleviate soil compaction from the tractor tyres. The additional SH1120 hopper can be fitted to offer a second seed option or to distribute slug pellets or fertiliser. Other Kuhn news concerns the trailed Prolander 6000 (6.0m) and 7500 (7.5m) seedbed cultivators which for 2022 are available with harder wearing carbide tips…

When a completely new range of tractors is launched, as sure as eggs are eggs, some problems will only come to light once the machines are set to work in earnest. This was certainly the case with the Case IH Optum, which debuted back in 2015. The chunks of hefty iron, such as the tractor's FPT engine and CVX transmission, were less of a problem. However, leaking or vibrating hydraulic pipes, as well as electronic problems and other software errors, have caused a few headaches. A lot of these issues have been addressed with several modifications and, of course, by the new updated model. In September 2019, our test machine pulled into the main yard of our arable farmer and contractor, who also operates a digester. Since then, the Optum…

The differences between the individual systems becomes clearer when comparing the results. Both the winged-tine and the shallow topsoil cultivator as well as the various disc-based machines actively work the soil, mixing the stubble and trash. The two straw harrows lightly penetrate the soil, while the two flail mulchers stay above the ground. And there are also specific differences between the individual machines in each group. Winged-tine cultivator Shallow topsoil cultivator Field flail mulcher Classic flail mulcher Wavy discs Straw harrow with wavy discs Straw harrow with knife roller Compact disc Chain disc harrow…

Having operated diesel-driven Bobman’s at Park Farm for the past five years, James Isles has certainly covered a few cubicles. “The electric machine feels more responsive when operating, and does every bit of good a job as the diesel machine, just with much less noise and clattering from the engine. “Diesel may be more convenient to just top up half a gallon if you forget to fill it, but you aren’t ever using the machine for long so it’s easy to put on charge in between sheds if you need to. Not having to constantly empty the pre-cleaner and air filter every few days is a big advantage.”…

A problem with a driving impression is it will always be just that, an initial impression. What we cannot tell you is how well a machine will stand up to the rigours of real-world use. As the Corvus Terrain 1000 DX4 Pro EPS we tried had covered barely 145 miles and conditions were dry we can only give you an idea of what the machine is like Bit of mileage Bromsgrove based Corvus dealers ACE ATV, who supplied the featured model outlined here, was able to at least help by giving us time to look over an 18-month-old customer Diesel Terrain DX4 Cab. In for a service, this previous generation model was one of the first sold in the UK and showing over 7,000 miles on the clock. It was…

If you are an existing Valtra user you will have something of a head start when it comes to deciphering what the four-cylinder ‘N’ series has to offer. You will also appreciate that just because a given series was launched at a certain time it does not mean this is the date when a given series became available in the UK. The N4 series, for example, was launched back in late 2015 but it was not until later in 2016 that these models started to reach UK customers. The current N5 models have also seen a delay in getting to customers, although this time the reasons why are obvious. What this has done is create strong demand for relatively scarce late N4 tractors. Regardless of make or model, the market…

“The black soils we work here in Norfolk are seen by environmental groups as being critical to the storage of carbon,” says Scott Watson, general manager of East Cost Growers. “If we do not look after our land, there is every chance they could be taken out of agricultural use.” Having looked at ways in which to minimise damage to the structure of all the soils on the 400ha enterprise, Mr Watson adds that he has considered tracks and floatation tyres, having also long recognised the compromise between working in the field and on the road. “When Richard Larrington approached us to trial the AgriBrink system we were keen to see how it worked in practice,” adds Sam Bratton. “In wet weather we sometimes need to balance the need to…

Students at the University of Applied Science compared Mathias Maier’s one-pass, plough-based system with other methods for establishing cover crops. For the project, a mix of fine seeds and coarse legumes was sown in two fields. A Pöttinger power harrow drill was used for the drill-based approach. For the cultivator approach, a Rauch fertiliser spreader broadcast the seeds before a cultivator mixed them into the soil. At the same time, a Lehner electrically powered broadcaster mounted on the cultivator spun the fine seed into the tilled soil. The students then monitored the development of the break crop with the used of aerial photography and by determining the dry matter and chlorophyll contents. The study showed no significant disadvantage to the plough seeder. Looking at the costs, according to the students’…

New owner for Stoll Agrostroj Pelhrimov, the new Czech owner of the German tractor loader and attachment manufacturer, says it is business as usual and no major changes are planned. The purchase includes two production facilities in Germany and one each in Poland and the US. “The acquisition fits ideally with our strategic plan and holds great synergy potential for both companies,” says Agrostroj owner and CEO Lubomír Stoklásek. In addition to making drum mowers, the Agrostroj Group manufactures components and machines for a number of mainstream brands. This year, the Czech company, which has a 2,700-strong workforce, is aiming for a turnover of around €250m without Stoll. AGCO dealer changes AGCO has agreed changes with existing dealer partners Scot Agri and Ancroft Tractors on the distribution of the Massey…

The comparison took place on a wheat field that was valued with 66 to 71 points (soil type: clay silt) in northern Germany (the area of Uelzen in Lower Saxony). The field was harvested on August 9th with a tracked combine using a draper header, and the straw was chopped. The field trial was done three days after combining, with the field worked at a 20° angle to the way it was drilled. Between the time the combine left the field and the profi team showing up, Jan-Philip Pohl from a company called Agrarpohl flew a drone with a multispectral camera over the field, comparing the stubble structure and the extent of greening as parameters that indicate the uniformity of stubble and straw distribution. Agrarpohl then created georeferenced track lines…

Kuhn designed the Prolander as a light, versatile cultivator that can be used for creating a seedbed, a shallow stubble pass, weed control and even incorporating cover crops. Indeed in a DLG Test (report 6871), the trailed Prolander 6000 scored good marks for its work in stubble and incorporating a frozen catch crop. 33 tines across four rows Unlike the trailed version with five rows of tines, the mounted models have four. The frame still folds in three parts for transport. The two wings carry 14 sturdy spring tines, which are symmetrically distributed with a line spacing of 15cm. There are five tines on the central frame. The row spacing varies from 50cm to 60cm and back to 50cm. There is a 60cm spacing between one tine and the next…

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Of late, British holidaymakers have been left somewhat grounded after having their wings clipped, restricting them to an exploration of their native land. And explore they have. Yet who can blame them? Considering the small size of our country, its variety of rural landscapes is simply staggering. Well, this picturesque playground also happens to be our factory floor, our office. I can't speak for the rest of the country, but here in the Dales the levels of tourism were literally off the scale. Such an influx of people who are perhaps not used to countryside shenanigans can often lead to headaches for those of us trying to work amongst the thrang. Badly parked cars, gates left flapping in the breeze and general trespassing all made it on to my list…

Out on NOVEMBER 19th TRACTOR TEST John Deere 6140M Having already tested the 6120M with the CommandQuad transmission, we are upping the horsepower and the transmission spec with our extensive examination of John Deere’s 6140M with the AutoPowr stepless box. DRIVING IMPRESSION Ag Products DUO If Bobman’s latest bedder didn’t sweep you away, check out AG Products first pop at a self-propelled machine. USED MACHINERY Knight trailed sprayer In 2012, Knight introduced its Trailblazer trailed sprayer range but the previous generation EUA models were by no means outclassed by the newer machines. This is a point a ­used buyer needs to bear in mind, some late EUA models now fetching as strong money as a newer Trailblazer. But understand why you need a bit more gen, ­which we hope to…

Sitting below the 1500/14T in the heavy-duty range, rotor diameter on the trailed 1300/12T (12.9m/12 rotors) is 1.45m and the patented hydraulic system is said to allow for quick and easy adjustment of the rotor angle from 12 to 18°. The drive system is fitted with double clutch overload protection and the rotors can move by up to 750mm to follow undulating land and a new safety system prevents the rotors from swinging. With an adjustable drawbar and a compact transport chassis (transport length is 6.25m), the 3.2t tedder can travel at road speeds of up to 40km/hr. The 915/8 (9.15m working width/eight rotors) is also new. Rotor diameter is 1.60m and the tine arms are equipped with safety guards to prevent broken tines from being lost in the forage.…

The Oryx, a new self-propelled machine from the French manufacturer, is available as the 4.75 (four 75cm rows) and 4.90 (four 90cm rows). Succeeding the previous four-row PAP, the 510hp Stage V six-pot 12.7-litre Volvo block in the Oryx works at a fuel saving 1,200-1,300rpm. The rearmounted position helps to reduce noise levels inside the Claas sourced cab where the operator is provided with views from up to 12 different cameras, and the armrest is equipped with the new Claas Cmotion joystick. The wider topper linkage is said to provide better stability, and the four press wheels on the digging unit improve tracking and crop flow onto the first web. With an empty weight of around 26.0t, bunker capacity is up from 15.0m³ on the PAP to 16.5m³ (approx. 10.0t). Maximum…

Michael Lepage is a contractor in Kesfeld in north west Germany. He has been using a new 6600 for two years now and likes its robust construction, the stability of the bogey axles on slopes and its quick emptying. However, Michael is not yet satisfied with the chopping quality from the new rotor in really heavy crops. “I am in close contact with the manufacturer, but the problem has not yet been finally resolved,” says the contractor. The automatic loading system caused some problems at the start, making it easier to load the wagon manually.…

We would have been happy to provide you with results from a neighbouring oilseed rape field, but the drone images that were taken before the cultivator test revealed a hailstorm had led to uneven growth, this making any count comparison of limited value. Nevertheless, we did still tuck the implements into rape stubble, and here's a summary of our findings: Visually, differences could be seen after the cultivation pass. After 14 days, the crops in the plots that were cultivated by the straw harrow with the knife roller, the field flail mulcher and the knife roller had closed up their rows. None of these cultivators penetrated the soil. The wing-tined cultivator was set to 5.5cm, which seemed deep. This plot lagged behind in terms of plant coverage after the 14…

Bedding cubicles can be an arduous task especially on larger dairy units, or even smaller livestock farms where labour is scarce. And as efficient operation becomes ever more crucial, upgrading from hauling bags around sheds or the tired sawdust barrow can be a decent time, and back-saving investment. Not set on being a one-trick pony, Danish manufacturer Jydeland offers six different self-propelled bedding setups from compact tool-carriers, up to its largest self-loading bedder capable of covering 250 cubicles in a single tub fill. Sitting somewhere in the middle of its lineup, the Super machine can now be electrically powered instead of its standard thumping diesel motor. While not only reducing noise levels, removing the single-cylinder Hatz engine means there are no emissions making it ideal for working in sheds with…

We sometimes need to climb onto the bonnet of our 2018 Claas Jaguar 970 forager for maintenance and we used to used the handrail as a step to climb up there. But this is very slippery, especially when it is wet. For improved safety, we welded two steps onto the handrail which was easily removed for the welding job. In addition, we fitted a handle on the cab roof. To do this, we needed to drill two 8mm holes through in the roof. The nuts that fix the handles were tightened through the service opening of the cab filter. The plastic roof is sufficiently thick in this area and offers enough stability. Our modification allows us to climb onto the bonnet more easily and, above all, more safely. Guard gets…

It seems that field robots share herd tendencies with public transport. No sooner had we explored the possibilities of the FarmDroid (profi 06/21), along comes the Naïo Dino. Made in France and built for large-scale veg crops, this 1.25t baby uses battery power to cultivate, weed and collect data on a range of crops, travelling at 4km/hr max and covering — says the maker — up to 4ha/day. You can nip over to bit.ly/3zBkNyP to see it in action. Take me to your.. rows Row position in the field has to be defined then turned into a form that the Dino can use for navigation. Ideally the grower plots row location during drilling or when planting out, then either Naïo, its dealers or third parties generate guidance tracks from it.…

Tyre inflation systems with air lines running to the Schrader valves of agricultural tyres are not new and a quick glance at the AgriBrink system could lead to thinking it is just another alternative. There are, however three key developments that make this system a little different: Dedicated 200cfm compressor, capable of delivering 5,500m3 of air a minute, can raise the pressure of both tractor and trailer tyres from field friendly pressures of just 0.6/0.7 bar and 1.0bar to a transport ready 1.0bar and 3.0bar respectively in around 90 seconds (dependent upon tyres fitted) Purpose developed 3/4in (19mm) wheel rim airway, with control valve, enables the air pressure within the tyre to be quickly and accurately adjusted to suit soft ground and road transport demands An in-cab controller, divided into…

We’ve made eight changes to this picture of a Fortuna FTH 200 trailer. Simply locate our changes and then mark them on the gridline picture at the bottom of the page. Submit your answers (A1, B2, C3, for example) via our website profi.co.uk by the 4th November 2021 and we’ll pick one correct entry at random. Don’t get too competitive — it’s just for fun! The differences spotted in last issue’s picture of a Massey Ferguson 7624 cab were correctly identified by: David Uprichard Lisburn Co. Antrim Congratulations! THE DIFFERENCES WERE IN THE FOLLOWING SQUARES: A6, A9, B3, C/D7, D4/5, E7, F10, F/G8 ORIGINAL NEW To submit your answers, please visit profi.co.uk and look for the Competition tab. YOUR ANSWERS…