Essential Farm Machinery June 2024

Essential Farm

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.

Farmers urged to be vigilant after new wave of GPS thefts

• Thieves strike across the country

• Keep watch for unusual activity

• Targets include previous victims

Farmers across the UK are being urged to be vigilant after a new wave of GPS thefts from tractors and other farm vehicles.

Farms in Lincolnshire, Essex, Newport, North Yorkshire and Thames Valley have all been targeted by organised criminals, with thieves looking to steal GPS systems, says NFU Mutual.

Incredibly alarming GPS systems have become one of the most targeted pieces of farm equipment because of their high value and portability – and their ability to be used around the world. The cost of UK GPS theft increased 15% to £1.8 million in 2022, with many stolen items ending up aboard.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “This new wave of GPS theft is incredibly alarming, especially as farmers start gearing up for the busy harvest period.

Ms Binns added: “It is also worrying to hear that thieves are targeting farms who have previously had GPS systems stolen, especially considering the financial and emotional impact these crimes have already had on those farmers.

“Together with the National Rural Crime Unit, we’re urging farmers to take all possible steps to protect their GPS equipment, such as removing them from tractors, combines and other machines where safe to do so and lock them somewhere securely.

Essential Farm Machinery

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: Jade Soanes | T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@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.

© Countrywide Publications 2024 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk T: 01502 725800

NFU Mutual GPS Security Guide

Activate PIN security on your GPS kit

Mark your postcode on the unit’s case

Keep tractors out of sight – if you can

Remove GPS kit when not in use

Record serial numbers and photograph your kit

Return tractors to the farm yard at night

Always remove keys and store securely

Close farm yard gates and lock up buildings

Consider installing CCTV or movement sensors

Instruct staff to be on alert out for unknown people

Be wary of second hand GPS kit offered for sale

“If it’s not practical to remove units from machines, try and park vehicles where they cannot be easily seen. Also consider forensically marking, painting or scratching your farm name or post code onto the GPS to make them less attractive to thieves.

Organised crime

Police superintendent Andrew Huddleston, who leads the NRCU, said: “Organised crime groups are again operating in the countryside, and they are targeting previous victims, especially those who have had GPS stolen in the last two years.

“While there have been several recent successful arrests of those responsible, the new spate of GPS thefts shows

how determined the organised criminal groups are, so we’re urging all farmers to be vigilant and take security steps.

National group

All police forces that have had GPS units stolen are part of a national group that are working together to tackle this threat and help protect farmers.

“It is vital that we receive information and intelligence to help us, so please can I urge farmers and members of the rural community that if you see any suspicious activity, particularly vehicles, moving around at any time of the day, please share this information on rural watch groups and with the police so we can arrest those responsible.”

Richard Hellyer Farm Manager

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

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.

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.

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

backward leaning air borne upper blade for trash lift and ease of trash flow

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

at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace

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 Drilling Blades

Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades

direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. Six years later we are

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 whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling. A number of other manufacturers are now claiming all weather capabilities – don't

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.

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

upper

does

below

seed

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

Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance

SOIL SURFACE

SOIL SURFACE

Drilling at 40mm depth

Drilling at 40mm depth

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

reduced draught and soil disturbance facing upper blade holds field surface minimising soil eruption in the stale seed bed

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

14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground 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 UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands)

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

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

labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to drop spring drilled from rotation. The Triton with dramatic reduction in and with wheats averaging 11tha which higher getting from heavy cultivation and It true to that the will drill clay in virtually any and gives the confidence wheat later black Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21

www.tritonseeddrills.com

Kverneland offers growers more feeding options

Ahost of updates and oiptions are now available across Kverneland’s Siloking feeder range.

They including a new range of battery-powered eTrucks, a stepless auger gearbox and the ability to run self-propelled diesel models on hydrotreated vegetable oil.

The second generation of Siloking eTruck models includes machines from 12-20 cubic metres. Unlike its predecessor, the latest range has been designed from the outset around a robust, high-tech 20 cube model.

Larger capacity

The revised design is said to make it easier to produce smaller eTruck models, using the same engineering featured in the rangetopping 20 cube machine, rather

with lithium ion phosphorous cells, creating a 96-volt batteryelectric vehicle (BEV).

This advanced BEV technology affords low-noise, zero-

SelfLine cab, though centrally mounted at the front of the eTruck chassis. Prices start at £188,000 for the 12 cubic metre capacity eTruck 2012.

up torque to engage. It allows larger capacity mixers to be operated without the need for ever more powerful tractors.

Three pre-defined auger speeds can be selected to suit cutting, mixing and emptying, with push-button controls and remote activation from the

Grant for tyre inflation systems

• More efficient and good for soil

• Pressure can be easily adjusted

• Cab-operated so good for driver

Central tyre inflation sys tems are now eligible for

to the government’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).

CTIS systems enable operators to significantly reduce soil compaction by adjusting pressure for load and ground conditions. This includes adjustments in the field when working the soil as well as on the road for transport.

Both onboard and retrofitta ble systems are eligible for 60% grant funding, says tyre manu facturer Continental. This will have a positive effect on soil health, says the company, which has a number of offers.

Discount benefits

“Because 60% of the expected £6,933 CTIS cost will be covered by the FETF, the investment is just £2,773.20. This will provide benefits far beyond the cost for both machine efficiency and soil health,” says agricultural tyre specialist Tom Godwin.

Caveats of the grant include that the inflation system must be capable of regulating all the tyres on the vehicle and that this can be achieved by the operator from the cab using control panel linked to a pneumatic control unit.

The applies to tractors, sprayers, loaders and some forestry machinery. But load indexes can often be tricky to follow – one reason why Continental has a phone app to help operators set up and monitor tyre pressures using a CTIS.

Continental’s TireTech app can be used on Apple and Android devices, explains Mr Goodwin. It contains data about all Continental’s agricultural tyres, including tractor, telehandler and sprayer tyres, to enable the operator to select the optimum pressure for load.

Mr Goodwin says: “We also offer ContiPressureCheck, a tyre sensor that fits to the rim of the vehicle to monitor heat build up and pressure.

Working day

“Setting the pressure at the start of a job has many benefits, but the true value of a CTIS can be better realised by having up to the minute tyre information because pressures can vary by more than 10% during a working day.”

The FETF is also offering the same contribution for those specifying CTIS on new

machines. Some brands, such as Fendt’s VarioGrip, have in-built systems that can be specified when purchasing certain models. Continental offers a full range of tyres that can be specified on new machines. “If buyers choose to specify tyres that can deliver the full benefit of these systems, we can reduce the impact machinery has on soils.”

Claas is made official supplier to Le Mans 24 Hours race

Telehandlers manufactured by Claas will be used as recovery vehicles this month’s Le Mans 24 Hours race, which being held on the 15-16 June.

It follows the company’s appointment as an official supplier to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), organisers of the famous endurance race, held every year at the classic Circuit de Sarthe.

Under the three-year agreement, Claas will supply Scorpion telescopic handlers for each of the races organised by the ACO, where they will be used as recovery vehicles for both car and truck races at the Le Mans racetrack.

Some 22 machines will be supplied for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, all of which will run on hydrotreated vegetable oil to help limit the race’s carbon impact by reducing emissions by up to 90%.

The low-emission telehandlers run on hydrotreated vegetable oil

Clockwide from top left: Tyre pressure monitoring; compaction damage; Continental’s VarioGrip; Continental Tyres agri sales manager Tom Godwin

Improving farm plastic recycling

Two companies have linked up to increase the amount of waste plastic recycled from farms.

Kuhn Farm Machinery has become the first machinery manufacturer to partner with Agriculture Plastics Environment UK (APE UK) – a non-profit organisation focused on improving the management of agricultural plastics.

Less than 30% of agri-plastics are recycled in the UK and the two companies aim to build a national plastics recovery and collection scheme to increase this to 75% in five years.

Cost-effective

APE UK chief executive Ian Creasey says the goal is for industry-wide collaboration.

“We are engaging with the farming sector and government to incentivise agricultural plastic recycling and support the development of cost-effective recycling services for farmers.

“As an industry, we can’t continue to ignore the impact managing plastic waste incorrectly has on the environment.”

The initiative requires a collaborative approach. Kuhn has already taken steps to ensure waste plastic is easier to manage, including buy introducing film binding on its standard and combination balers.

By removing net binding and creating one waste product, farmers can save time and

be more efficient when sorting the waste, says Kuhn grassland specialist Rhodri Jenkins, who says the company is committed to making it easier for farmers to recycle.

This included chemical cans, baler twine and bale wrap.

“If we can help promote more efficient and cost-effective ways to manage these waste products off farm, then we can start to make the current problem part of the solution.”

How to make

Baled grass silage can be as good as clamped silage –but requires equal attention to detail, says a forage expert.

This starts with cutting grass at its nutritional peak – which is before heading, says Volac silage scientist Mark Leggett.

Too often, farmers and contractors cut grass for baling when it’s older and lignified –and less palatable.

The next step is to wilt to the optimum dry matter (DM) content – typically 35-45% for baled grass silage fed to beef and sheep. Dairy farmers should aim for the lower end of this range.

Reducing losses

“This not only reduces wilting times, to reduce in-field nutrient losses, but a lower dry matter also improves the fermentation and reduces the risk of heating and spoilage,” explains Dr Leggett.

make best quality silage bales

Bales have a large surface area, so sealing rapidly against air is vital to reduce heating and spoilage. It is also important to choose the correct type of additive to reduce losses in bale quality and dry matter.

“Tailor the additive used to the dry matter percentage and to how long the opened bale will be exposed to air for at feedout.”

Avoiding spoilage

For lower dry matter bales which will be eaten within a day, for example 35% or below on dairy units, where there is little risk of aerobic spoilage, consider using an additive to preserve the bale by improving the initial fermentation.

“If bales will be open for two or three days before being consumed, for example on beef and sheep units, focus on the initial fermentation but also on tackling spoilage and heating.

“It’s also important to store and stack bales correctly to avoid splitting. At lower dry matter percentages don’t stack them too high. Above 35%, they can potentially be stacked three or four high.”

Rapid sealing against air will reduce spoilage, says Mark Leggett

Growers should tailor any additive to bale dry matter

Working demonstrations will draw the crowds at Cereals event

More than 200 machinery demonstrations will take place at this month’s Cereals event – due to take place on 11-12 June at Bygrave Woods, Hertfordshire.

“This is one of our biggest years for demonstrations,” says event manager Alli McEntyre.

The co-located Direct Driller at Cereals event adds even more working demonstrations to the line-up, she explains.

Low disturbance and onepass systems have gained popularity, as understanding has evolved of how soil biology and structure can support sustainable long-term productivity, while addressing cost efficiency.

Agriweld will showcase two such cultivators – the Multi Till 5T 3m rigid model and the Min Disc 3m rigid model – on its working demo plot close to its stand.

Maximum versatility

The Multi Till 5T offers a step change in seedbed preparation, says Agriweld owner Dean Foster. A five-in-one adaptable trailed cultivator, it features a leading set of 460mm Oblique Disc System (OSD) discs, auto reset legs, a double set of mixing discs, and an Agri-Packer roller with hydraulic depth control.

Each of the low disturbance cultivator’s components can be used independently, or in

five combinations, giving the operator maximum versatility. The Multi Till 5T comes in 3m, 3.6m fixed body form or 4m, 5m and 6m in foldable form.

an excellent contender for the UK direct drill market.”

Available in a range of widths, the drill features disc coulters which allow for good ground

Direct drilling

Direct drilling can bring cost advantages, reducing mechanisation costs as well as fuel, input and planting costs. It can also benefit soils and crop yields.

Visitors interested in direct drilling can visit the Maschio Gaspardo demo areas to see a range of machinery in action –including its flagship pneumatic seed drill, the Gigante Pressure Direct Drill.

“It’s been in the fields in Europe for about three years now and has done very well,” says product manager Alastair Newton Hall. “It’s a well thoughtout, simple to use drill and it’s

Versatile new cultivator launched by Grange

Yorkshire-based Grange Machinery will present new innovations at Cereals – helping to reduce crop establishment costs while improving soil structure.

The Grange Strip-Till Preparator offers deep loosening and tilth creation in strips for precision seeding. It uses an intensive tine and disc arrangement across the full working width of the machine.

Meanwhile, the new TopTilth Cultivator offers a three-

in-one cultivation solution.

It features hydraulic front leading discs and hydraulically retractable Grange low disturbance legs to lift and restructure the soil at depth, ahead of a full width beam of staggered wavy discs which cultivate the top section of soil.

A parallelogram feature allows for the disc beam to be hydraulically adjustable to accurately manage the disc working depth for optimum performance in varying conditions.

clearance and trash flow - as well as depth gauge wheels to control depth and independent seed press wheels to optimise seed-to-soil contact.

‘Redefined’ return to Cereals for CASE IH

Case IH will be re turning to Cere als 2024 on 1112 June with a new stand that will show case its connected ser vices and latest machin ery.

The ‘Case IH Con nect: Farming REDe fined’ stand will in corporate one of the largest working dem onstration plots on the Cereals site, and provide the first opportunity for UK farmers to see a new Axial-Flow 260 Series combine.

At the heart of the hospitality area and static machinery displays, visitors can experience a live Case IH Connect Room. The Case team will show how the brand’s connected services enhance productivity and optimise operations.

Meanwhile in the field, the demonstration team will be operating tractors using a range of automated and GPS technology, plus showcasing the capabilities of the new Case IH Farmlift telehandler.

As well as the new AxialFlow 260 Series, the Case IH

team is inviting all Cereals visitors to take a seat in a Puma 260 CVXDrive – the most powerful Puma ever and the recent recipient of 5 stars in Profi’s Tractor Test.

“The continual innovation from the Case IH brand is certainly capturing the attention of both new and existing customers,” says Neil Macer, Case marketing manager for the UK and Ireland.

“We are really empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic agricultural landscape. We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand – and showing them all that the Case IH brand has to offer.”

Giving farmers the tools they need today

A host of demonstrations and machines will be showcased at Cereals

THE NEW-LOOK ISUZU D-MAX

BUILT FOR DOERS

That’s

you are.

Mark Weatherhead Ltd 01954 210355 www.markweatherhead-isuzu.co.uk St Neots Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB23 7QL

07825 671168

All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the

Isuzu

emissions 220–241 g/km.

Visit Isuzu.co.uk or contact your local Isuzu dealership for more information.

Tractors & Telehandlers • MF 240 - p/steering • MF 6480 - Dyna 4, v tidy •

THE NEW-LOOK ISUZU D-MAX. DRIVEN TO DO.

Holland TD80 & loader, 5,900hrs • Caterpillar 407 ag telehandler (2009) - tidy • Various forks & grapples

Harvesting • MF 7278 AL combine (2006) - 24’ PF, v tidy • MF 7274 combine (2004) - 22’ table, 208hrs • MF 30 - 14’

Telehandler maker returns to Cereals

Merlo telehandlers will on show at Cereals following the manufacturer’s decision to return to the show after more than five years.

From the compact entry level TF27.6 to the high-capacity TF65.9, Merlo offers a range of agricultural handlers. Each machine boasts farmer-friendly features with comfort and safety in mind, it says

Visitors can expect to see four models from the current Merlo TurboFarmer (TF) range displayed on the Merlo stand. Among those models is the the TF42.7CS, popular with British arable farmers.

Load sensor

This 4.2-t capacity, 7m model has a Stage V 136hp engine with load sensing 139 l/min hydraulic pump, ideal for loading grain and general farm duties .

For those looking to reach that bit higher when stacking bales for example, the 10 metre TF 38.10 TT-CS with its three-stage boom also offers boom side-shift and frame levelling ideal when stacking bales or bags of fertiliser.

Load sensor

These models feature Merlo’s powerful hydraulics and its flow sharing feature – which make the most of simultaneous hydraulic functions to maximise performance and output.

For those wanting more oomph, Merlo will be showcasing two machines equipped with 160 l/min hydraulic flow and 170hp engines: the 6.5 tonne capacity, 9 metre TF65.9 HF-CVT; and the 4.5 tonne capacity, 11 metre TF45.11.

These range-topping models bring high-capacity material handling to a new level, in-

cluding the onboard Merlo ASCS System, which includes a live digital load chart, attachment recognition and large in-cab LCD display screen.

Merlo’s 4.4 tonne capacity 170hp MF44.9 CS will be working a demonstration area adjacent to Merlo Stand number 631. All MultiFarmer models feature

a high capacity rear three-point linkage, 2-speed PTO and hydraulic pick-up hitch.

All Merlo Agricultural Telehandlers purchased and registered before 30 July come with two free attachments from the genuine Merlo Tremme range, namely a bucket and a muck fork and grab.

£137, 000+VAT Model: R975i | Reference: 71091046

The TF42 and TF38 from Merlo’s TurboFarmer range at work in the field.

Smallest Horsch drill on show

The smallest and most manoeuvrable Avatar seed drill will makes its UK debut at Cereals this month.

The 6m 6SL drill adds a mounted 3-point configuration to the renowned Avatar family. It is designed for precise sowing in mulch seed conditions in a more compact format suited to UK farming.

The depth control roller of the SingleDisc coulter ensures a regular depth placement even in uneven conditions. Row spacings of 25cm or 30cm pave the way for mechanical weed control.

Hydraulic weight transfer achieves a coulter pressure of up to 240kg per coulter, with the weight of the tractor transferred

Compact Avatar is built for manoeuvrability

to the seed coulters. This is useful in harder conditions and considerably extends the range of use of the machine.

The Avatar SL is available with trash wheels that smoothly manage high amounts of straw. The trailed layout of the trash wheels allows for a perfect soil adaption as each trash wheel can be adapted individually to the desired depth and the soil is only minimally disrupted.

The optional selective hosing allows for alternately supplying the seed coulters with two differ-

Double-spacing

In addition, double row spacing can be achieved with cereals sown with a 25cm spacing and soybeans at 50cm. The Avatar SL can be combined with the Horsch Partner front tank or 800-litre rear seed tank is available as an option.

Horsch says the Avatar 6SL can be combined with its Partner

The Partner 2000 FT has a double hopper and a total capacity of 2200 litres with a 60:40 partition allows for applying seed and fertiliser, two different seeds or fertilisers.

A 75:25 drill partition has a large hopper capacity for seed or granulated fertiliser and 550 litres for micro-granular compounds with the Horsch fine metering insert.

A new dimension in handling

The JCB Folding Grass Forks are perfect for the handling of silage or any loose material. Extensively tested to ensure efficiency and productivity and maximised for your machine, available in 12ft, 14ft and 16ft wide models. Scan the QR code for more information and to request a price.