Review
German mega-show continues to inspire Almost 3,000 exhibitors spread across 23 halls – for anyone with an interest in agricultural machinery and technology Agritechnica is the event to visit. David Williams was there. The biennial show in Hanover in early November, takes place over seven days and attracts exhibitors and buyers from around the world. Most stands feature something new, and many European manufacturers use the show to launch new products and innovations. With the growing use of computerisation and data
management by farm businesses, this year’s show theme was connectivity, and most stands featured tractors and machines with a spider’s web of lines symbolising data transfer. A large number of UK farmers attended the 2019 event, and those interviewed by Farmers Guide said they found it particularly useful,
featuring plenty of new products relevant to their farm businesses. There were many show highlights – a selection of which are featured in the following pages – but Krone’s latest innovation allowing forage harvester owners to ‘hire’ extra horsepower for their machines from an online shopping trolley is an example of what might be more widely possible in future (see page 32 for more information). The show’s huge attendance means that getting to and staying in Hanover for the event isn’t
UK-manufactured track system
Loaders updated
Sly Agriculture displayed its IMTS 2W-457 multi-use track system which is manufactured in the UK. “We supply OE and end users,” explained managing director George Sly who is pictured with the track assembly. “There is growing interest in solutions to reduce ground pressure and protect soils, and which also allow field operations such as harvesting to continue when conditions are too wet for tyres.”
New M-series mid-size Bobcat skid-steer loaders were displayed. Five models include three wheeled and two with tracks. The new loaders are the same size as current variants but have updated engines with 37 per cent extra torque, more power and offering quieter operation. Also displayed was a concept quad-tracked skid-steer loader. The track units are made by Bobcat and bolt on in place of the wheels, allowing easy swapping between wheel or track units to suit the application. There is potential for them to be available for any model in the range, depending on demand. Pictured next to the S70 with the new track units is product manager for loaders, Jiri Karmazin.
cheap, and entry tickets for the show itself are pricey. The biennial frequency seems to be part of the show’s success, where exhibitors and visitors are prepared to invest for the future. And, even though current uncertainty regarding the UK agricultural industry means potential buyers are cautious, those who attended will have seen concepts and products likely to become available during the next two years, which could increase profitability and efficiency of their farm operations. FG
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