Essential Farm Machinery

August 2024

covering East Anglia and the Midlands

SOLUTIONS FOR ALL SOILS

KUHN offers a wide range of equipment that improves land preparation according to farmers’ environmental conditions.

Richard Hellyer

Farm

Manager

on a 700ha heavy clay farm at Hatley St George, Bedfordshire

labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to drop spring drilled crops from the rotation. The Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a dramatic reduction in costs and with wheats averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting from our previous heavy cultivation and plough system. It is true to say that the Triton will drill clay effectively in virtually any conditions and gives the confidence to drill wheat later to reduce black grass.

labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to drop spring crops from Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a reduction costs averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting our previous and plough It to say the Triton drill clay effectively in conditions confidence to drill later to grass.

We purchased the Triton 6m drill in 2021 to replace heavy cultivations and reduce labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to maximise our winter wheat acreage and drop spring drilled crops from the rotation. The Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a dramatic reduction in costs and with wheats averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting from our previous heavy cultivation and plough system. It is true to say that the Triton will drill clay effectively in virtually any conditions and gives the confidence to drill wheat later to reduce black grass.

Seed

and

Twin hold roll pin blade removal system and backward leaning air borne upper blade for trash lift and ease of trash flow

Seed depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace

Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades

Next Generation Patented from direct drilling. Six years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the

drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops

claiming all weather capabilities – don't be caught out, get a demo against a Triton.

Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. Six years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the Triton than from ploughed trials on our own land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling. A number of other manufacturers are now claiming all weather capabilities – don't be caught out, get a demo against a Triton.

Downward facing upper blade does not hook grass weed seed up from below stale seed bed and field surface

Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance

SOIL SURFACE

Drilling at 40mm depth

Downward facing upper blade holds field surface in place minimising soil eruption in the stale seed bed

14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground for air drainage and rooting

for air drainage and rooting

14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground for air drainage and rooting

Triton UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands)

Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri) Southern agent: 07970 549012 (Richard Peck)

Triton UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands)

Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri)

Triton UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands) Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri)

Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21 6AX

Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21 6AX www.tritonseeddrills.com

Twin hold roll pin blade removal system

depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed

Risk to tyres from short stubbles

• Growers advised to adjust pressure

• Wider lugs are less prone to damage

• Keep watchful eye on straw length

Minimum tillage farming systems are increasing the risk of damage to farm vehicles, a leading tyre manufacturer has warned.

The shorter stubble lengths preferred by growers who adoptmin-till systems means a higher risk of tyre damage, says Tom Godwin, agricultural specialist for tyre maker Continental.

Sharper angles

Tyre choice

“Lower or shorter stubbles protrude at sharper angles, with the potential to damage tyres because the stalk will not be pushed over, and can instead dig in,” says Mr Godwin.

“This can cause damage to the lug and, at low pressures,

“Using a tyre with a wider lug that leaves less room for stubble damage is one way to mitigate against stubble damage but, fundamentally, tyre choice and pressure will play a bigger part,” says Mr Godwin.

Continental developed its Dfine lug design with 5% greater lug coverage to protect the area between the lugs, he adds. Con-

Editor:

Johann Tasker T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

Advertising sales: Danny Lewis | T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk

Advertisement production:

Callum Hoﬀman T: 01502 725840 E: Callum.Hoﬀman@micropress.co.uk

Essential Farm Machinery is published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties and the Midlands. It is mailed with Anglia Farmer and Midland Farmer magazines and is also available at selected farm machinery and supplies outlets.

tinental has also added a nylon layer beneath the tread to help make it more ﬂexible.

In short stubble, Mr Godwin advocates running at higher pressures than would normally be expected for field work. Harvest is a rare example of when it can be beneficial to run tyres at higher than normal pressure, he adds.

“We recommend up to 0.4 bar. When the ground is already hard, having a tyre at very low pressure will cause the tyre wall to bulge. If this happens when the tyre is constantly being attacked by stubble, it presents a weakness that can lead to tyre failure.”

More air

Having more air in the tyre also helps to keep it cooler in the hotter conditions faced during harvest. Increased pressure tightens the tyre wall making it taller and less prone to stubble damage. But with higher pressure comes the

risk of soil compaction.

“It’s a tricky decision to make but if a tractor or harvester is doing long hours, heat can become an issue. We therefore suggest that utilising tramlines and headlands for field travel and loading is important to reduce compaction.”

Shorter stubble protrudes at sharper angles

Not all manufacturers offer warranties against stubble damage. Mr Godwin says Continental is the only premium manufacturer offering a 10-year warranty that includes three years stubble damage cover.

“This is for tyres made in our Lousado manufacturing plant from 2017 featuring both Dfine and N-ﬂex technology that we believe will be able to better handle the threat of stubble damage,” he says.

POWER, COMFORT AND VERSATILITY

McCormick X7 SWB. Stability, maneuverability and versatility.

The new X7 SWB from McCormick offers a powerful combination of power and performance in either 4 or 6 cylinder packages. A modern McCormick is packed full of features and technology, built from reliable, proven components. A true workhorse that delivers versatility day in, day out. With tailored warranty and finance packages to suit every farm, why not try a new McCormick?

Speak to your local dealer or call us direct to book a demo on: 01302 757550

High prices at classic and vintage auction

A50-strong line-up of classic and vintage tractors generated huge interest and strong bidding at a summer sale by machinery auctioneers Cheffins.

Acquired over the past 40 years, the Manor Park Farm Collection owned by Peter and David Ingall was offered to the market on Saturday 29 June in Lincolnshire. Top price on the day of £60,000 was paid for a rare 1918 Latil lorry.

The lorry was originally used by the French military. It was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer. The winning bidder plans to ship it over the channel to a new home in France.

Bidding reached £50,000 for a two-wheel drive 1995 Massey Ferguson 390T with 2692 hours. A similarly aged and low-hour 1996 Massey Ferguson 372 fitted with a Trima loader topped out at £34,000.

Cheffins chairman Bill King said the sale showed that modern classics

were in high demand. “Strong trade for classic tractors appears unabated with collectors prepared to pay premium prices for good low-hour examples in original condition.”

Classic Fords continue to be popular on the collecting circuit, with a four-wheel drive 1988 Ford 7610 making £31,000 and a 1990 Ford 5610, with just 1,603 hours, knocked down for £27,000.

All-time high

“Vendors are seeking to maximise returns, while interest in well-maintained modern, classic and vintage machinery remains at an all-time high,” said Mr King.

A rare commemorative edition twowheel drive Case 1594, in excellent condition with all the decals still visible, made an impressive £15,500. A selection of Fordsons saw a rare E27N DG4 half-track make £10,000.

ond-hand machinery coming to market continues to be strong.

Speaking afterwards, Mr King said: “The quantity and quality of sec-

He continued: “The auction calendar is filling up for the rest of the year with on site, vintage and genuine farm dispersals.”

Bag Supplies specialise in the supply of net bags and ventilated FIBCs to the agricultural sector. We carry a wide range of stock of monoﬁlament and leno woven nets, in a variety of sizes and colours.

We provide delivery within 48 hours of your order being placed.

Bag Supplies offer a free personalised print and design service, so your packaging can be customised with your company logo and additional product information.

Please contact Bag Supplies for further details.

We’ve got it in the bag!

This four-wheel drive 1988 Ford 7610 went for £31,000

‘We want to save lives’ – free safety training now on offer to farmers

Land-based training group Lantra has started offering free safety courses in a bid to reduce the number of farm fatalities.

It follows research which found that almost 60% of younger farmers want more health and safety training. Lantra’s Farm Safety eLearning course has now been made available free of charge.

Announcing the decision during last month’s Farm Safety Week, Lantra chief executive Marcus Potter said: “It is a sad part of my otherwise brilliant job to receive all too regular notifications of farming fatalities.”

Most farm fatalities were due to the same handful of causes – including falls from heights, overturning vehicles, and being crushed by cattle or falling objects, said Mr Potter.

Overdue change

A better attitude towards health and safety is long overdue, suggest recent findings from the Farm Safety Foundation indicate. Even among farmers over-40 – traditionally a harder-toreach group – more respondents are asking for safety training.

The course covers the common causes of death and serious injury. It explains what farmers must do to work safely and meet their legal responsibilities. Taking two hours, it is split into easily digestible modules of practical information and guidance.

The good news is that most of the measures needed to stay safe are not

Farmers and contractors are being urged to take a more serious approach to farm safety – or risk losing their lives.

“People still think health and safety is imposed upon them, but we have to cross the bridge between compliance and culture,” says James Harris, recruitment director at staff specialist Real Success.

“As long as it’s a box-ticking exercise it’s not true farm safety,” he adds.

Agriculture has 18 times more fatalities than the UK industry average – making it one

about expensive equipment. They are about being aware of risk – adopting safe working practices, being properly trained for the job at hand and knowing your limits.

Mr Potter said Lantra was pleased to be supporting the industry during Farm Safety Week and beyond, including with the Farm Safety Foundation.

“Let’s hope that together we can turn the dial on farm safety and significantly cut the number of deaths and serious injuries,” he said. To access the safety course, visit www.bit.ly/FarmSafetyELearning

Time to change attitudes to farm fatalities

of the most dangerous professions. In the past year alone, 34 people lost their lives on UK farms, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

Thousands of other farmers and farm workers suffered severe injuries says Mr Harris. “These statistics highlight a critical need for change in how health and safety is approached on farms,” he adds.

“Most accidents are a result of habit, haste, fatigue or improperly maintained machinery. Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be a forethought – otherwise it’s

like fitting an alarm on our houses after being burgled.

“Compliance implies following rules because they are required, not valued. In contrast, a health and safety culture integrates these practices into daily operations, making them as important as tending to livestock or maintaining equipment.”

Changing these attitudes poses a significant challenge.

“Farming is often seen as inherently risky, with accidents viewed as part of the job. This attitude needs to shift towards a proactive approach to safety,” says Mr Harris.

A proactive approach to safety is vital, says James Harris

The course covers all aspects of farm safety – including machinery

Right: Potter wants to reduce farm fatalities

Marcus

Claas expands mower range with large-scale conditioners

Machinery giant Claas has added two new models to its range of large-scale mowerconditioners.

Both models offer a 9.10m working width. This means Claas now offers four performance classes for power outputs from 180hp to over 400hp – adding an option for farms which don’t use a conditioner because they require longer wilting processes or have less powerful tractors.

Forward-thinking

The new Direct Swather uses technology redeveloped for grassland use from the Direct Disc front attachment on the Jaguar forage harvester.

The Disco 9300 features a host of details which Claas says provides four mowing and swath-laying strategies in this segment for the first time. It includes full-width deposition for fast,

effective wilting; and mowing with in tegrated central swathing for fast, ef fective field clearance without tedding and swathing.

ed to 12 m swath (combined swath/ wide placement) allows active control of the wilting process and optimal for age harvester utilisation.

one-sided swath laying can help clear the field margin.

er, the large-scale mower can be oper ated with tractors from 180hp. It is said to be suitable for all crops and all conditions – from high-yielding green rye for biomass production to late-season cuts with low growth. When dealing with low volumes of growth, especially in regions with low rainfall and a high number of sunshine hours, the absence of conditioner pre-

optimal adjustment of swath laying to the volume of growth and downstream harvest chain.

The tapered Claas auger arranged close and parallel to the mowing discs ensures consistent, reliable crop pickup even when growth is uneven.

the auger, the tapered auger housing has integrated ‘pockets’ in the rear, explains Claas.

These pockets expand the available space, thereby significantly increasing the feed volume and thus the throughput.

New Verti-Mix ‘Professional’ Range launched

trautmann has launched an agile ‘Professional’ version of its Verti-Mix feeder wagon – based on the standard machines but within a more compact chassis.

The idea behind the new offering is to create a more manoeuvrable and less complex mixer wagon. Strautmann says it is still capable of withstanding the daily demands of TMR feeding across livestock farms.

The range aims to provide a straightforward, competitively-priced specification for farmers who do not need advanced features but still want to benefit from Strautmann’s mixing quality.

iQblue

Verti-Mix models feature Strautmann’s IMS vertical augers as used across the German firm’s range. Stepped auger ﬂights ensure fast, homogeneous mixing with the widest range of ration ingredients.

A redesigned front end of the mixer wagon has made it possible to reduce the distance between the towing eye and the mixing tub, making for a more compact machine.

The new Strautmann Verti-Mix Professional range comprises six single-tub machines from 7.5m2 to 14.5m2 and four doubleauger machines from 11.5m2 to a maximum of 24.5m2

100,000th Fendt

700 rolls off production line

• Huge milestone for German tractor

• Produced continuously for 25 years

• Latest advances as popular as ever

Machinery giant Agco passed a huge milestone last month when the 100,000th Fendt 700 Vario rolled off the production line in Germany.

Produced at the Fendt factory in Marktoberdorf, the iconic machine is one of the world’s most popular tractors with farmers and contractors –and has now been manufactured for 25 uninterrupted years.

A small turning circle and high performance coupled with low fuel consumption has seen the 724 Vario become Germany’s longest-standing top model. Since its conception in 1999 it has won 33 awards in nine categories from nine countries.

Power and economy

“The 700 series is a true all-rounder,” says Ed Dennett, Agco’s retail market manager for north-west Europe. “It has evolved over the last 25 years to provide more power, improved fuel economy and better manoeuvrability while being the epitome of comfort.”

Launched on 30 August 1998,

Fendt presented the Favorit 700 Vario series with its stepless transmission and range of four-valve engines.

Fendt was the first manufacturer to introduce machine operation via joystick and terminal in the 115 to 160 hp power class. 10,000 of the first model were manufactured and the series was named Tractor of the Year in 1999.

In 2003, the Favorit name was dropped and a new Tractor Management System (TMS), which controlled the engine and transmission, optimised the injection quantity and engine speed, was introduced.

Bestseller

The Variotronic headland management system memorised and automated function sequences at the headland, and just one push of a button could trigger 13 functions. This saved time and money and made the second generation a bestseller.”

At low loads, the engine speed was lowered, which improved fuel consumption. The ensuing third generation then brought track guidance

and a fully automatic guidance system which made precision field work the norm.

“The 700 series is a true allrounder

The highvisibility cab provides commanding views

Generation four featured the now familiar curved cab and a multifunctional armrest. New SCR technology saved up to 10% diesel and in 2012 the 724 Vario achieved the best result in the DLG-PowerMix Test performance class.

The fifth generation 700 featured a Coated Soot Filter (CSF) and external exhaust gas recirculation, reducing diesel consumption and halving AdBlue consumption. However, the sixth generation broke the mould again with its FendtONE operating system.

New approach

“This was a completely new approach to Fendt operation, enabling function buttons on the armrest and joystick to be freely assigned. In addition, FendtONE onboard and offboard provided Smart Farming options,” says Mr Dennett.

Today, the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 offers up to 300 horsepower. “As it did 25 years ago, development started on a blank sheet of paper with the aim of building the most manoeuvrable, fastest and most efficient 700 of all time.”

The Gen7 makes the technologies of the larger Fendt tractors accessible to the compact class up to 300hp. “It is just as groundbreaking as the very 700 series was 25 years ago,” says Mr Dennett.

A new single-stage Fendt VarioDrive drive train, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system and a licence for up to 60kph made the 728 Tractor of the Year 2023.

The 700 Vario has a proud history – and many fans

New mowers and rotor rakes unveiled

Massey Ferguson has added two new heavy-duty butterﬂy mowers to its DM range – while also updating its twin rotor rake range.

The butterﬂy mowers featuring options to improve performance and crop conditioning. The new heavier-duty MF DM 9614 TL offers a 9.6m working width, while the larger MF DM 10114 TL has a 10.1m working width.

All new models are equipped with the latest heavy-duty, spur gear cutterbar and a conditioner is fitted as standard. There is a choice of tined or roller versions, with a steel-onsteel option for heavier crops such as lucerne.

Pro models include ISOBUS control, allowing operators to automate functions to improve ease of use and forage quality. Conditioning intensity can be adjusted to match the crop and produce a uniform dry matter.

The updated RK twin rotor rake range sees the introduction of six new models, offering users GPS section control on all new machines. They feature speed related height adjustment, as well as section control and maintenance-free rotor heads.

A ﬂexible speed-dependant raking height system automatically raises and lowers the machine to maintain the optimum working height, reducing contamination and increasing output.

All rotors feature maintenance-free heads, while a standard switch box or load sensing on the Pro models, allows individual control of the rotors. Section control is available on all new models to increase accuracy and reduce contamination.

The mower range includes two new heavy-duty butterﬂy mowers.

Inset: Section control is available on the new MF RK twin-rotor rakes

Supplied in strips of 10 SET Tags or ‘drums’ of 20 SET Tags

& EID for Sheep & Goats

Retention SET Tag Colours:

New models for Kuhn cultivator range

Kuhn Farm Machinery has ex panded its versatile Prolan der cultivator range with three high output machines suiting a varie ty of soil conditions.

The three models – 9000, 12000 and 14000 – offer working widths of 9.2m, 12.2m and 14.2m respectively, which will suit farmer and contractors operating controlled traffic systems.

The new models take the Prolander range to eight, says Kuhn. They offer a versatile stubble cultivator capable of working a range of seedbeds, including ploughed, cultivated or stubble.

models increase the appeal for grow ers requiring a tine cultivator capable of a wide range of operations.”

Kuhn arable and connected services product specialist Edd Fanshawe says the new models allow larger growers to benefit from the Prolander – not least because they have a modest power requirement of just 25-35hp/m.

‘Complete

mix’

Working depths of 3-12cm are possible across the Prolander range and a new 90x13mm S-tooth is ideal for “tearing” stubbles to guarantee a complete mix of surface material.

be specified to requirements.

The five smaller Prolander models, from 4m to 7.5m, are now available with a 600-litre hopper to sow cover crops and small seeds in one pass. Options for the new larger models include Kuhn’s TF 1512 front tank.

The starting price for the 9m Prolander 9000 is £83,000.

cultivator

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