Essential Farm Machinery - October 2023

Essential Farm

covering East Anglia and the Midlands

Fuchs and Rix Petroleum join forces in East Anglia

• Fuel and lubricant suppliers

• Fuchs relocates to Rix depot

• Better service for customers

Two businesses in Norfolk have joined forces in a move they say will keep farmers moving throughout autumn drilling and beyond.

Well-known lubricants supplier Fuchs has appointed Rix Petroleum as its automotive and agricultural distributor for the area – serving farmers, hauliers, and other businesses across the region with requirements for fuels and lubricants.

The partnership sees Fuchs relocate all stock and vehicles from its Dereham distribution centre to Rix Petroleum’s depot in Fortress Road, Snetterton.

Fuchs automotive field sales manager Paul Wood said the move had come about due to changes in the company’s logis-

The move to Snetterton would improve customer service levels, said Mr Wood. The Rix Petroleum depot was more centrally placed

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The decision put the company in the heart of East Anglia, said Mr Wood, giving it the capability to serve a greater number of farms, hauliers and other businesses.

“The company has looked at how we can improve our customer supply service within the East Anglia region and Fuchs Lubricants are happy to confirm that we have appointed Rix Petroleum

as our distributor partner within the area, and joined them at their based in Snetterton.

“This is an exciting move for both businesses. It means the Fuchs brand remains an integral part of the East Anglia’s farming and business communities.

Mr Wood added: “Rix Petroleum is able to offer the full Fuchs range of automotive, commercial, and agricultural lubricants and improved delivery services for these products.”

The partnership deal will bring a number of benefits to farmers and businesses across East Anglia including bulk orders on fuel and lubricants, and free delivery on packed orders of more than

Rix Petroleum director Jon Dench described the deal as timely for East Anglia’s farming community. Customers can collect orders from the Rix depot, and a buy over the counter service is available for smaller or urgent orders.

Keep moving

Mr Dench said: “The weather has brought a lot of uncertainty around harvest this year, with the heavy rainfall in July pushing back when farmers can get into the fields.

“Under these circumstances, farmers need to know their machinery is going to work when it is needed, meaning the last thing they want is uncertainty from their suppliers.

“Tying up with Fuchs means we can bring that certainty to lubricant supplies, not just for farmers, but to all sectors across East Anglia that rely on them to keep their businesses moving.”

Anglia’s distributor for Fuchs lubricants

Tractors and arable equipment in demand at dispersal sale

Ahigh quality line up of tractors and arable equipment sold for up to £65,000 as a Shropshire farm dispersal last month.

Buyers from Ireland and across the UK competed for the equipment on offer at the auction, conducted by auctioneers Halls on behalf of Chris Marsh and family at Uckington Farm, Uckington, near Shrewsbury..

Top price

The sale took place in Friday, 9 September. The day’s top price of £65,000 went to a 2018 John Deere 6155R Auto Power tractor, closely followed by £56,000 for a 2008 John Deere T560 combine harvester with a 20 foot header.

Auctioneer Henry Hyde said: “A huge crowd of buyers, both on the field and online, from across the Irish sea and as far away as Cornwall, showed plenty of interest in the arable equipment which had been well kept by the Marsh family.”

Other highlights were £43,000 for a 2013 John Deere 6150R tractor and £36,000 for a 2013 20T Master Dryer. The sale continued the successful series of on-site farm dispersal auctions conducted by Halls across the midlands and Wales during 2023.

Stop-start harvest hits tractor registrations

ew tractor registrations in August were 14% down on the same month last year – but sales for the year to date remain higher.

At 714 machines, the monthly figure for new registrations was also slightly below the seasonal average for the third month in a row, according to the latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association.

AEA agricultural economist Stephen Howarth said: “August is always a relatively slow month for registrations, with farmers occupied with other activities – and this year’s stopstart harvest may have had an impact on the figure.”

Despite the dip, more tractors have been sold this year overall, with 8588 new machines registered so far for the year to date – some 4% higher than during the opening eight months of 2022. This year’s total was also 3% above the five-year average.

The line-up included two John Deere tractors and a combine harvester

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The TR Bale Handler Range

Lemken harrow makes easy work of uneven ground

Machinery specialist Lemken has launched the company’s first weeder harrow to complete its range of mechanical weed control implements.

The Thulit boasts four beams and eight rows of harrow tines. An innovative hydraulic tine pressure adjustment system replaces complex spring combinations, ensuring that tines deliver more pressure across the full working area.

Adjustment

Pressure can be continuously adjusted to up to 5kg while driving. This means harrow is well-suited for a range of conditions, including work during sensitive crop growth stages.

Tines are arranged with a line spacing of 31.25mm and ensure blockagefree work. Stable, true-to-track and wear-free tine bearings ensure optimum weed removal. A straightforward quick-change system makes it easy to replace the harrow tines.

The Thulit features precise and con-

tinuous ground contour following with consistent tine pressure, making it a versatile implement, including on uneven ground and in ridge crops.

A generous clearance height removes the need for the usual springs, making it almost impossible to find plants getting caught underneath the frame. The flexible hydraulic system further supports width section control to avoid multiple passes.

Minimising the frame weight was a core aim in designing this machine, says Lemken. To achieve this, the number of moving parts was significantly reduced compared to similar models, ensuring the Thulit can also be used by tractors with low lifting capacity.

The operator has a clear view of the harrow tines during work and therefore a constant view of work results. For transport, the tines fold in automatically for increased safety.

The Thulit harrow will be available in limited quantities in working widths of 6m and 9m from spring 2024.

Pressure is delivered via an innovative hydraulic system

Kuhn launches 13m mounted tedder

uhn Farm Machinery has launched an in novative 13m mounted tedder which will allow farmers to access hard to reach fields with a wider working width machine thanks to its compact design.

The GF 13003 is the widest mounted tedder on the market. The mounted design places the weight of the tedder over the rear of the tractor, to avoid the implement slipping when working on hillsides, helping to increase accuracy and stability.

Kuhn grassland product specialist Rhodri Jenkins said: “For users after increased output from a mounted tedder, the GF 13003 offers im proved manoeuvrability and the ability reach fields through narrow lanes and gateways.

“The clever design means all 12 rotors fold into a 2.99m transport width and a 2.67m transport height, while the tedder features just one gearbox and two hydraulic valves for simple operation.”

To maintain forage quality and prevent losses, Kuhn’s Oblique setting pivots the two outer rotors rearwards when tedding on headlands. This ensures all tedded grass is thrown back on to the cut area. The system requires no additional hydraulic supply.

Uprated arms and heavy-duty tines accompany

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a new rotor to improve longevity of the GF 13003 and reduce servicing and maintenance.

Kuhn suggests the asymmetrical tines are expected to last twice as long as previous tines and will improve tedding between neighbouring rotors. A reduced distance between the wheels and tines helps reduce contamination due to closer ground following.

The Kuhn GF 13003 is said to be the widest mounted tedder on the market.

Upgraded Farmlift telehander range makes debut at Agritechnica

• Improvements across Farmlift range

Operator comfort and safety tweaks

• Faster workrate on bigger machines

The latest Farmlift telescopic handlers from Case IH will make their full international debut at next month’s Agritechnica event in Germany.

The revised seven-model offering includes multiple upgrades including cab comfort new smart hydaulic features. All machines now feature the 6F/3R PowerDrive powershift already established on some Farmlifts.

Performance

The machines are set to make their full international launch at Agritechnica, which takes place from 12-18 November in Hanover.

The 2024 Case IH Farmlift telescopic handlers all now feature the 6F/3R PowerDrive powershift already established on some Farmlifts. New decals on a revised hood design that enhances vision to the right, with a lower sight line aiding safe operation and manoeuvring.

The Farmlift 633, 737 and 935 models continue with their 140 l/min

Material losses are minimised

hydraulic system. But a new high-flow 160 l/min pump now features on the higher capacity 636 and 742 models.

Case IH says this brings a 25% reduction in lifting and lowering times, faster work cycles and more material moved per hour and per day.

Better handling

Handling capabilities are also improved by the integration of the EIMA 2022 electro-hydraulic self-levelling attachment carriage system. This replaces the conventional compensation cylinder and provides real-time position information.

The machine’s software then instantly calculates the tilt cylinder’s

Bumper crowds expected at flagship event

More than 400,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s Agritechnica event, which takes place from 12-18 November in Hanover, Germany.

Exhibition space is fully booked by some 2,600 companies from more than 50 countries. Tickets for the 24-hall trade fair – which this year has the theme Green Productivity –are available from the Agritechnica online ticket shop.

Visitors can purchase Green Tickets and support reforestation projects.

The exhibition program will be complemented by a technical

programme comprising miniconferences on topics such as smart farming, automation, connectivity, autonomous agricultural technology and alternative powertrains.

exact oil flow requirement, optimising self-levelling accuracy. Material losses and maintenance are therefore minimised, and complexity is reduced.

Control layout

Enhanced controls boost productivity and comfort through improved ergonomics and ease-of-use. A new 7in colour LCD screen makes key machine data easy to read and, via a navigation encoder, allows key settings and adjustments to be made.

All models are now AFS Connectready and supplied with a one-year AFS Connect telematics subscription, for machine data monitoring and alert provision.

On machines with the new rearview camera, the LCD screen displays images when reverse is engaged. Next to the screen, a new load indicator with stable risk level warns if maximum load capability is approaching.

The new adjustable seat-mounted operating armrest incorporates an integrated keypad for easy access to key functions, plus a new joystick with integral hydraulic, transmission and shuttle controls.

In the cab

Functions include an active bucket shake and back to position button. The crowd, dump speed and shaking frequency can be adjusted to suit.

A new semi-automatic back-to-position feature allows operators to set two pre-determined boom target positions for raising and lowering, dumping and crowding, and boom extension and retraction cycles.

A new membrane keypad includes screen display buttons. New features include an improved continuous flow function for fine adjustment of engine speed or auxiliary flow rate operated via a joystick button to power an attachment such as a rotary brush.

Start-up companies and engineering teams will presen their offers in the DLG Prototype.Club area.

For full details and tickets, visit www.agritechnica.com.

An engine speed control button means a set engine speed can be stored for operating a specific attachment, while a power shuttle sensitivity button allows adjustment of acceleration after a direction change.

Further buttons can be selected to manage steering, transmission and material handling. Other keypad features include rear camera activation, auxiliary service pressure release and boom ride control engagement.

The 24-hall event attracts visitors from across Europe and beyond

Handling facilities on the new machine have been improved.

TRITON... ADVANCED DIRECT DRILLING

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

Seed depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed 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

Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. 6 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... several manufacturers are now also claiming all weather capability... if these are false claims then the farmer’s new approach will be thwarted.

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

SOIL SURFACE

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

seed bed and

Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance

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

Drilling at 40mm

Downward facing upper blade 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

Buying a blade drill is now an open and shut case. Why?

Because only the Triton drill has a slot closer

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

The ‘must have’ seed drill for exacting maximum returns from SFI without losing crop output

Ultra-precise spreader has ‘greatest accuracy’

• Innovative twin-shutter system

• No overlapping with headland

• High and accurate application

Maschio Gaspardo has unveiled its flagship twin-disc Primo fertiliser spreader, following the launch of its new product range earlier this year.

Part of a line-up of machines with working widths from 12m to 36m and hopper capacities from 1270-litres to 4450-litres, the range-topping Primo EW Isotronic claims to be one of the

most precise, high output machines on the market.

To ensure the greatest possible accuracy while maintaining high workrates, Maschio’s engineering team developed a twin shutter system (TSS) with one pair of sliders to deal with rate control and another to shut off the flow of fertiliser at the headlands.

This means the on/off shutters can work independently of the rate control sliders making for rapid shut-offs without influencing application rates. As the spreader reaches the headland, it shuts off quickly so there’s no overlapping with the headland bout.

Control sliders

When spreading restarts, the on/off shutters open instantly and the rate control sliders are already in the right position to meter the exact amount of material according to ground speed – so there is no under-dosing as the spreader comes back into work.

Primo spreaders also have an 8- or 32-section headland shut-off facility. This is achieved by altering the drop point onto the disc via a three-lobe

hopper aperture – aiding uniform distribution across the full working width even at very low application rates.

It also means Primo spreaders can handle exceptionally high application rates. Flow rates of up to 640kg/minute combined with hopper capacities of up to 4450-litres (4500kg max. payload) make the machines some of the highest output spreaders on the market.

Fully compliant

Isotronic-badged machines have the benefit of being fully Isobus-compliant which means they can be connected directly to the tractor terminal or alternatively to a separate compatible control box.

As well as handling GPS-manged section control, this means variable rate application is possible with the addition of weigh cells. Different rates can be applied either side of the machine, with left and right discs independently adjusted.

An even higher level of precision is achievable with a hydraulic disc drive. With the Primo EWH model, each disc is driven by its own hydraulic motor which means their speed can be controlled independently, making for yet greater section control accuracy.

In addition, disc RPM is maintained irrespective of tractor engine speed or forward speed offering the potential for significant fuel savings.

The new machine (above and below) is designed to be more efficient

From single machines through to complete turnkey installations, Haith has unrivalled experience and expertise in designing and installing vegetable handling solutions.

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Bobcat dealer Versatile Equipment celebrates further expansion

Machinery dealer Versatile Equipment has been appointed to represent Bobcat in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The company has opened a brand new depot at Willow Grove Farm in Lakenheath – two and a half years after being appointed authorised Bobcat dealer for Greater London, Essex, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Versatile Equipment managing director and co-owner Lee Chater said: “It is a happy coincidence that the expansion of our area on behalf of Bobcat has happened as we mark our 20th anniversary as a company.

Huge experience

“Back in 2003, we were established with a dedicated focus on the supply of compact loaders and attachments and over the intervening period, we have gained huge experience in the Compact

Equipment Market in the UK.”

Sales director Barry Gass, who co-owns Versatile Equipment with Mr Chater, added: “Over the last 30 months, the strong investments we have made as Bobcat dealer in our team and facilities have really paid off.

“We are delighted to take on a larger area, with our appointment by Bobcat to handle Norfolk and Suffolk – our new depot at Lakenheath will allow us to offer a premium service for customers in the new area.”

Two open days were held to celebrate the opening of the depot earlier this summer. Alongside demonstrations of Bobcat equipment, visitors were able to try the latest mini-excavators, compact loaders, telehandlers and compact tractors..

Bobcat district manager Andrew Wolton said: “Based on their accomplishments as a Bobcat dealer, it was the obvious choice to award the addi-

tional responsibility for Suffolk and Norfolk to Versatile Equipment.”

He added: “We are very impressed with the facilities at the new branch in Lakenheath, which offer excellent storage, service and showroom space as well as ample external areas.”

Versatile Equipment offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed by a substantial stock of brand new, certified used and second hand machines for sale.

Versatile marked its expansion with two open days earlier in the summer

Haith appoints first non-executive director

Vegetable and materials handling equipment Haith Group has added 40 years of manufacturing experience to its board with the appointment of Mark Lloyd as the company’s first non-executive director.

Haith Group appointed Mr Lloyd to support the company’s senior management team, led by managing director Duane Hill. It follows a long and sustained of growth period – with futher expansion in the pipeline.

Established in 1947 and incorporated as a limited company in 1964, Tickhill Engineering, which trades as Haith, is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of vegetable handling equipment and materials handling machinery.

Strategic plan

Haith’s range of vegetable handling machines includes grading, washing, bulk handling, weighing, pre-pack and water treatment systems. It has an an-

nual turnover in excess of £19m and employs more than 120 people in Armthorpe, near Doncaster.

Mr Hill said: “The Haith family, myself and our current senior management team have developed a strategic plan for the short, medium and long term. We are very much looking forward to working with Mark – and we are confident that with his input, we will achieve our strategic objectives both in the UK and globally.”

Mr Lloyd has a strong track record of delivering business growth and increased efficiency. His experience includes working across production operations for several manufacturing businesses – and developing his own successful business.

With three decades in director roles for several furniture manufacturers, Dunlop Slazenger and kitchen manufacturer Omega, Mr Lloyd described Haith as an extremely well-known and highly respected company

“I was keen to be involved and help

the business achieve its goals. The plan Duane and his team have developed is exciting, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead as we seek to move Haith to the next level both here in the UK and overseas.”

New appointment: Mark Lloyd (right) with Haith managing director Duane Hill

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