Machinery
Return of a live Cereals event Cereals 2021 at Boothby Graffoe, Lincs in late June provided the first opportunity for many farmers to inspect new and updated machinery launched last year. David Williams reports. The show was smaller than in recent years, with many large brand names missing from the machinery line-up. However, there was still plenty to see as Covid-19 restrictions
had prevented many public launches and demonstrations in 2020, so most stands had new machinery and innovations displayed for the first time.
The sprayer demonstration arena provided an opportunity for visitors to see crop application machinery in action throughout the two day-event.
Precision farming products
Pictured (l-r) are Trimble field applications engineer Lee Clarke, Paul Thompson and Vantage area sales manager for central England Richard Larke.
Vantage displayed the latest Trimble precision farming products and demonstrated Trimble’s Farmer Core software which is part of Trimble Connected Farm and which helps manage precision farming data. “Accurate record keeping is becoming essential, and our connected farm system uses AutoSync to transfer data wirelessly and safely without the need for USB sticks,” explained Vantage ASC area sales manager for the East Midlands, Paul Thompson. “Data flow is important, and the system synchronises information between the office and the machinery fleet including field boundaries and A-B lines. It’s easily shared with third parties too, such as contractors working in the same fields so it’s flexible and practical, and work data can be emailed to the farmer when the job is completed. Having reliable data helps users make informed decisions.”
New flagship model on display Pecks Agritrac Case IH brand manager Graeme Matthews (left) is pictured with Case IH demonstrator Ed Watson and two Case IH tractors which were both displayed in the UK for the first time. The Magnum 400 Rowtrac is the new flagship model in the Magnum line-up with extra power and a new 21x5 powershift transmission designed to cope with the high working load. Also displayed was the new Puma 240 long wheelbase which boasts fresh styling, extra power and a new front linkage shared with larger Optum models. There are new cab steps with an optional wash tank installed behind, and CVX models have upgraded transmission software. The rear linkage and hydraulic layout is improved for easier access.
Making the grade
Improved cab A new Claas cab is standard on Househam Air Ride and Harrier self-propelled sprayers. The Air Ride comes with tank capacities of 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 litres and the Harrier line-up includes 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 litre versions. Househam marketing manager Olivia Tant (left) and HR and office manager Danielle Pole are pictured with the Air Ride sprayer fitted with the new, improved cab.
A new optical grader for beet, onions and potatoes is being tested by Downs and is expected to be available next year. “UK customers have expressed considerable interest having seen details on the French website,” commented Miedema Mercer Machinery representative Russell Blight (pictured). “Many growers are experiencing staff shortages and the optical sorter reduces the number of people needed to run the grader.” August 2021 www.farmersguide.co.uk 67
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