Essential Farm Machinery - January 2023

Hybrid Disc and Tine

Machinery event makes welcome return to traditional January date

Top UK machinery show

LAMMA returns to its traditional January date this month – for the first time in three years.

LAMMA 2023 will be held on 10-11 January at the Birmingham NEC. It will include exhibits from all the main farming sectors from companies who supply machinery, technology and equipment to the industry.

More than 700 manufacturers, dealers and distributors will showcase the latest tractors, harvesters, arable and grassland machinery – as well as a range of new technology, services and tools for each sector.

Fendt returns to LAMMA with a host of new machinery. It will include the UK launch of the new Fendt 700 Vario Gen 7, fea-

turing a new 7.5 litre AGCO Power engine with outputs of 203hp for the 720 model and 300hp+ for the top 728 model.

“LAMMA is the the perfect place to launch the new 700 Vario Gen 7,” says Fendt’s Richard Miller. “The NEC is a fitting location for the show. It helps raise the overall profile of the agricultural industry in the UK and enables Fendt to show the best we have to offer.”

Innovations

Syngenta will unveil a raft of innovations and technologies to aid more accurate and efficient application and product use. The company’s revolutionary new EvoPac product packaging will have its first UK showing.

The pack is purpose designed

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to optimise results with the pioneering EasyConnect system – which Syngenta says is set to become the industry standard closed transfer method for sprayer operators.

Meanwhile, Knight Farm Machinery’s new Vario Select control system enables users to achieve a uniform spray application when working on uneven shaped field margins and around fixed in-field obstructions.

The system works by combining four different capacity spray nozzles at each spray point to offer up to 16 different application rates – typically from zero to 800 litres/minute.

Other refreshed LAMMA features will include the Future Farming Trail and the latest cutting-edge robotics and autonomous machinery for the farming

industry from big companies and smaller manufacturers.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the farming community back to LAMMA once again,” says Nichola Bell, head of events for Agriconnect which organises the two-day show.

“With sustainability, production efficiency and food security at the top of the industry’s priority list, LAMMA is the perfect place for farmers and business owners to find the right tools and strategies help them achieve their goals.”

Visitors can expect to see a return of familiar features like the Farm Safety Zone, the ability to earn CPD points and a wide range of seminars on contemporary topics in agriculture.

For details, visit www.lammashow.com

LAMMA will see the UK launch of the Fendt 700 Vario Gen 7

Isobus system controls four applicators simultaneously

Stocks Ag has extended the capability of its Isobus compatible i-Con system – which can now control multiple seed and product applicators simultaneously.

Up to four i-Con applicators – including the Turbo Jet, Fan Jet Plus, Fan Jet Mini and Rotor Meter – can now be connected through a single terminal or, ideally, through the tractor’s own screen.

If the tractor’s own screen is unavailable, an additional terminal can be supplied.

Each applicator’s i-Con control automatically maintains a pre-set target application rate as the forward speed varies, with onthe-move adjustment of the rate applied as required, says Stocks Ag technical director Tim Farrow.

An Isobus bridge module connects up to four Stock’s applicators directly into the tractor’s Iso-

bus socket. Connecting directly into the tractor’s screen eliminates the need for multiple control boxes and GPS receivers.

“A growing number of customers are looking for precisely metered, accurate application of more than one product in a single pass as part of the cultivation process,” says Mr Farrow.

“This reduces the number of passes, saving on fuel, time and labour.”

Typical combinations include oilseed rape with fertiliser and slug pellets; or cover crops drilled with at least two seeding units to account for different seed sizes. This reduces the number of passes, saving on fuel, time and labour.

Mr Farrow says: “The new module gives greater versatility and flexibility and allows users to deploy up to four Stocks applicators at the same time.”

For a seeding operation, the drill would typically use two of the four channels. This leaves two available channels for a pair of supplementary applicators. On a stand-alone machine up to four Stocks i-Con applicators can be controlled via the bridge unit.

The bridge module with operating control screen will be on display for the first time on the Stocks Ag stand no 6.540 in Hall 6 at LAMMA.

New MD appointed at Sumo

British cultivation equipment manufacturer

Sumo UK has appointed Steve Ridley (below) as its new managing director.

Mr Ridley has more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural machinery sector, including roles in engineering, technical, sales and product training.

“I’m delighted to be joining Sumo, a leading manufacturer with a great team of people who are easy to do business with and have a mindset of continuous improvement,” he says.

“My objective is to make Sumo a leading manufacturer, building on over 20 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing top-quality innovative equipment.I’m looking forward to meeting our customers over the coming months and will be at LAMMA this January.”

Sumo chairman James Sweeting says the company is delighted to welcome Mr Ridley to the team at an exciting time of growth for the business.

New products from Bobcat make LAMMA debut

Bobcat will be showing several new products for the first time in the UK at this month’s LAMMA event –including the the CT2535 compact tractor.

The CT2535 being shown at LAMMA will have a front-end loader and bucket – as well as a tiller attachment. Other compatible attachments include pallet forks, utility forks, utility grapples, mid-mount mowers, backhoes, box blades, rakes and seeders.

As part of the Ground Maintenance Equipment (GME) range, there are three Bobcat compact tractor platforms – the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series – which feature nine new models designed to meet the needs of European

customers.

Each model varies in size and engine horsepower, with the option to choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions, and open canopies and cabs. The CT2535 cabbed model being shown at LAMMA is part of the 2000 series.

Bobcat’s compact tractors can be equipped with front, mid and rear connections and power takeoffs. The proven Bob-Tach system comes as standard on all frontend loader platforms, enabling users to switch attachments for multiple jobs easily.

As well as compact tractors, Bobcat’s innovative GME line-up includes zero-turn mowers and Ryan Turfcare equipment, sup-

ticulated loaders.

Bobcat will also be showcasing its R-Series agricultural tel-

heights. Powered by Stage V engines, maximum lifting capacities range from 2.5-4.3 tonnes.

The system now controls multiple applicators at the same time.

Big features for new compact drills

Horsch has launched two new drills which package the latest features and innovations of the large-scale Sprinter NT drill in a more compact format.

The trailed 12m Sprinter 12.25 SC and mounted 6m Sprinter 6.25 SL drills feature 25cm row spacing and can be folded into the 3m transport width required for movement on UK roads.

The Sprinter 6.25 SL can be

and SC machines will be available in 2023.

Both Sprinter SL and SC drills are available with the latest tine coulters.

Options include the Ultra ThinEdge seed coulter with a 12mm wide seed band to minimise soil movement, the 21mm ThinEdge coulter for sowing catch crops directly into stubble, and the 110mm WideEdge tine seed coulter.

a 4m transport height to make it even more manoeuvrable.

It is equipped with a 6300-litre double hopper and will soon be available with a triple tank or additional MiniDrill options. The hopper design is based on that of the new Avatar 8.25 and can apply up to four components.

The tines of the Sprinter 12.25 SC are hydraulically prestressed, with a coulter pressure up to 180kg, and can be retracted

The mounted 6m Sprinter 6.25 SL is good in in wetter conditions and on light and medium soils. Highly manoeuvrable and easy to operate in small fields, the three-bar tine section and 25cm tine spacing ensures straw-free and clod-free sowing.

Recovery for tractor sales

Tractor sales are bouncing back, with a significant rise increase in registrations for the second month in a row.

At 728 machines, the number of tractors registered in the UK during November 2022 was up by more than a third, compared with the same month in 2021.

Although registrations were unusually low a year ago, this year’s figure was also 12% higher than the average November figure for the previous five years and was the highest for the time of year since 2017.

The annual total was still 2% down on the equivalent period last year but was 4% above the recent average for the first 11 months of the year.

Tippers put to work on agricultural contracts

Two new sloper smoothsider tippers supplied by Fruehauf are delivering on their promise, after haulier MNS Developments increased its focus on agricultural work.

The Huntingdon-based company, which specialises in aggregate supplies and recycling, purchased the tippers primarily to help with a new contract transporting sugar beet.

The family-run haulier is using the trailers, together with two 2013 similar models, to transport wheat, beans and grain from farms to processing plants.

Owner Mark Selby says: “We’re working the new tippers hard. Like the older Fruehauf trailers, what’s so impres-

sive is that they are extremely versatile.”

The detailed specification includes automatic tailgates, sheets and on-board weighers. As part of the company’s 15-strong fleet of vehicles operating in the East Midlands and East Anglia, they are expected to cover up to 150,000 km per year.

The deal strengthens the haulage contractor’s relationship with Fruehauf. Mr Selby, who has bought vehicles from MV Commercial for four years, was only too happy to do business with Fruehauf when it was acquired by MV.

Mr Selby has even wrapped his new tippers in Fruehauf’s full hiring livery as a gesture of grat-

itude to the company. “We work together very well and we don’t actually have livery on our vehicles,” he says.

“They were looking at advertising on the side of a static truck. This was a chance to give something back to Fruehauf. We drive the tippers on local roads through

several counties and people will see that they look the business.”

Mr Selby adds: “I can’t speak more highly about Fruehauf. We’ve always had strong and immediate support from the company, which is conveniently located within one hour of our Huntingdon base.”

World’s first spring green harvester makes UK debut at Grimme open day

The world’s first spring green harvester is on show in the UK this month – giving growers their first chance to see the new machine.

Grimme’s Spring Green Harvester – or the PO-335-SG – claims to be the first mechanised solution for harvesting spring greens. It borrows some of the technology found in the ASALIFT PO-335 leek harvester to ensure gentle handling.

A side-mounted machine, the PO-335-SG cuts in a single row and presents the spring greens onto an inspection belt before landing them into boxes via the side elevator.

The harvester also features automatic height control and an inspection table, which can be easily adjusted for differentsized crops. A hydraulic elevator for unloading on the move is also provided.

Orders for the Spring Green Harvester can be placed now for delivery in time for the 2023 harvest, says Grimme.

“Until now, if someone wanted to harvest Spring Greens, they would have to employ people to do

Ingenuity

“Now, thanks to Grimme’s ingenuity, growers can reduce their labour costs and the time needed to harvest their Spring Greens.

tract a lot of interest, and we’re really looking forward to showing it to people.”

As well as the new harvester, Grimme UK’s technical team will be promoting the company’s full range of sugar beet, leeks, onion and potato machines and offer-

Flex-Load tines available on Strautmann forage wagons

Forage specialist Strautmann has rolled out its flexible tine pick-up design as an option across the company’s range for 2023.

Flex-Load tines are designed to reduce wear and breakages – and therefore downtime – because they are flexible and easy to replace without having to remove the pick-up bands.

They are available as an option on all forage wagons and fitted as standard on all Magnon machines. In addition, all Straumann forage wagons are designed with camless pick-ups which allow flex over the working width – again reducing wear and downtime, saving on fuel.

Opico Strautmann specialist David Mein said “I’ve been really impressed with the Flex-Load

means that foreign objects aren’t collected with the grass. Since using Flex-Load, I haven’t seen a tine break yet.

“On the Magnon 10, the Flexload pick up is hydraulically driven and therefore adaptable to

Flex-Load tines are made from flexible durable polyurethane plastic. They adapt to ground undulations, rather than penetrating the ground. This reduces soil and stone contamination into the cutting unit.

The Grimme Vegetable Prod ucts Open Day takes place on 18 January at Malpas Tractors, Lathom, Lancashire. There is no need to register for the event, which runs from 3pm until 8pm. For details, call 01205 822300 or sales@grimme.co.uk

Contractors lounge at LAMMA

The NAAC Contractors Lounge is a new addition to LAMMA 2023, held on 10-11 January at the Birmingham NEC.

The Lounge will be a dedicated area for contractors to relax and network, while providing specialist clinics and opportunities to meet new suppliers, says Jill Hewitt from the National Association of Agricultural Contractors.

Experts will share the latest advice, assistance and resources to help contractors stay safe and legal. They have also partnered with financial experts to create a “contractor calculations tool” for which there will be a costings demonstration.

ble product specialist Rob Wilkin son.

New model from Case IH offers extra-dense bales

Case IH has expanded its range of large square balers with the addition of a new model which produces extra-dense bales.

The LB 424 XLD produces 260cm long bales which are up to 10% heavier than those from the existing LB 424 XL – the ‘D’ standing for Density. The latter machine remains in the range, says product marketing manager Michael Jankowski.

“The new model will appeal to customers who need extra-dense, well-shaped, consistent and durable large square bales for maximum output, perfect handling, lower transport costs and optimum use of storage space.”

The denser bales are mainly thanks to a reinforced plunger

which provides 400kN of compression force, a 27% increase over the LB 424 XL. Its includes V-shaped support beams made from 33% thicker 8mm steel and four sectional reinforcement plates.

Versatile design

Hard-wearing and versatile enough to operate in all combinable crops, the LB 424 XLD is equipped with reinforced baler chamber side doors which are twice as stiff as those on the LB 424 XL, says Mr Jankowski.

The top door and top door density beams are also stronger and more rigid, while the front and floor sections of the bale chamber are constructed of Hardox steel wear plates which are extremely resist-

ant to abrasion and very durable.

The design also includes two larger, 140mm-diameter hydraulic density cylinders which exert 113% more force on the side doors; they have a deeper profile to improve rigidity and evenly distribute the addition-

al pressure.

The larger hydraulic cylinders also increase the force on the top doors by 25%, adding two additional density levers provides more compression forces to ensure an even compression of the forming bale.

Bales are up to 10% heavier thanks to the new LB 424 XLD

11593 DGPS ANGLIA FARMER ADVERT 2022 FF FINAL_11593 DGPS ANGLIA FARMER ADVERT 2022 FONTED 22/12/2022 13:26 Page 1

Like its LB 424 XL stablemate, the LB 424 XLD improves productivity by enabling auto adjustment of tractor forward-speed by an optional Feedrate Control system. Bale weight, volume and moisture data are recorded using AFS Connect technology.

Techneat launches applicator at LAMMA

Cambridgeshire-based manufacturer Techneat Engineering will launch its new Multicast Applicator at this year’s LAMMA event.

Due to be officially unveiled at the Birmingham NEC, the machine combines the roles of the Autocast V2, Terracast V2 and Avacast GR models. It will make its first appearance at on stand number 20.352.

Designed to simplify the existing Techneat applicator range, the Multicast is a multi-purpose seeder unit that can apply most types of products including Avadex granules, cover crops and grass seed, by simply changing the applicator’s single metering cartridge.

Using a powerful hydraulic driven fan and a Garmin GPS speed controller, each product is accurately applied though a distribution head available in different configurations. All Multicasts will come complete with wiring kit, outlets, and a coil of hose.

Techneat technical support manager James English says

the versatility and timing saving promised by the Multicast will be a major positive for farmers.

“The Multicast is a multi-use tool that will apply all types of products by changing the cartridge, offering farmers the option to transfer the same applicator between implements easily – especially if additional fitting / wiring kits are purchased.”

The new Multicast applicator with 200-litre hopper. A 400-litre option is also available.