Higher work rates and reduced costs of production the focus at LAMMA

There was plenty to see at LAMMA 2023, even though the previous event was only seven months before. David Williams reports from the machinery lines.

Increased automation featured strongly at the show – but most was included within practical improvements to machine speci cations rather than revolutionary new products. Achieving more with less was the general theme, as awareness grows that there is no quick solution available to the agricultural labour shortages, and that reducing costs of production while maintaining or increasing outputs is a priority for livestock and arable farms.

Feedback from farmers who attended the event was generally positive, with most con rming that their visits had been worthwhile. Machinery shortages remain, so even if visits result in orders being placed –the appearance of the new products on farms might not be for a while. FG

More power

Updated Merlo

Multifarmer telehandlers were displayed.

Multifarmer models combine features of farm telehandlers with a rear threepoint linkage and PTO so that conventional tractor implements to be used.

There are four new models. Multifarmer 44.7 and 44.9 models lift 4.4t to 7m and 9m respectively, and a 170hp FPT engine provides the power. Multifarmer 34.7 and 34.9 models have a shorter wheelbase, power from a Deutz 136hp engine and lift 3.4t to 7m and 9m respectively.

Larger models have a CVT transmission, but Multifarmer 34.7 and 34.9 machines can be speci ed with CVT or traditional hydrostatic transmissions.

Merlo attachments were also featured on the stand. Marketing coordinator James Knight explained that these o er advantages over aftermarket versions, including automatic attachment recognition when used with Merlo machines. “Relevant load charts are automatically installed, and characteristics of operation are activated – such as making maximum break-out force available for digging,” said James. “Recent investment in the factory has almost doubled production capacity for Merlo implements, helping owners achieve maximum output and e ciency from our handlers.”

Pictured are Merlo team members at the show, (l-r) regional sales manager Henry Nash; area service manager, Graham Watkins; marketing coordinator James Knight; regional sales manager Jim Chapman; national sales manager Owen Buttle; national aftersales manager Robin Cooch; marketing assistant Ellie Avery; product support specialist Matt Gledhill; regional sales manager Gavin Smith and general manager Shaun Groom.

Seed cleaning

McArthur Agriculture featured a vibrating seed cleaner from JK Machinery, available on its own or installed ready for use within a mobile unit. Scott McArthur explained that interest in the machine was primarily from farmers with home-saved seed to prepare, or with companion crops to separate grown within regenerative farming regimes. The unit displayed separates 3-4t of seed per hour, depending on the crop. A vibramotor provides movement for the spring-mounted cleaning unit.

“Using vibramotors produces a more e cient cleaning action than traditional reciprocating versions, so higher work rates are available from more compact machines,” stressed Scott.

Pictured are members of the McArthur team at the show (l-r) JK Machinery representative, Karel Bednar, with McArthur team members Scott McArthur, Sarah Williams, Terry Royston, John McArthur and Andrew Smith.

Low-cost heating

CB Biomass manufactures biomass boilers from 30–106kW. “They are extremely e cient and need wood fuel added only once or twice per day during the winter,” explained technical installation specialist, Tyler Sutton (pictured). “During summer, when they are ‘ticking over’ just heating water, then they usually operate for two to three days without attention.

“Our most popular model is the 30kW version which heats typical farmhouses easily and costs just under £13,000, but for very large, older houses, the 106kW model has plenty of capacity. Installation is simple and customers either do this themselves or we recommend that they employ a plumber, but we always attend to commission the units and provide initial instruction. Demand has been especially high recently as homeowners and businesses invest in coste ective alternatives to conventional fuels.”

Extra capacity

Manitou displayed its new MLT850 high-capacity telehandler for the rst time in the UK, following its launch at the German Agritechnica show in November. The MLT850-145V+ is the latest model to join the NewAg XL range with a load capacity of 5t and 7.5m maximum lift height. Manitou claims work rates are the best in the handler’s size class –and up to 18% higher than competitors. The engine produces more than 600Nm of torque and break-out forces are up to 9,160 daN. Cycle times are fast from a 200 litres/min load-sensing hydraulic pump. M-Vario Plus CVT transmission allows operating characteristics to be matched to the task, and innovative joystick steering reduces operator fatigue.

The new model is available from late spring.

Members of the Manitou team (l-r): Richard Felton, Jason Davis, Neil Johnson, Matthew Campbell, Craig Dicker, David Clark, Anthony Hogben, Chloe Tapp, George Stanhope, Therese Hayward, Gavin Neate, Glyn Wallace, James Hood, Colin D'Arcy Burt, Richard Brocksopp, Arnaud Sochas and James Hulme.

Seeding accuracy

The busy Vaderstad stand featured several new products announced late last year, including Carrier XT and Cultus HD cultivators. However, the star attraction was the Pro Seed precision drill with proven Tempo drill technology and o ering exible seed row spacing of 250, 500 or 750mm, making it suitable for a wide range of crops. “Obvious applications include maize and beet,” suggested marketing manager Andy Gamble, “but the seed row spacing options mean corn growers can bene t too.

“Seed are accurately spaced within the rows, and precision planted with the surrounding soil consolidated ensuring e ective seed to soil contact. Planting this way gives the best chance of germination and growth, so seed rates can be reduced by up to 30% without yield loss.

“Seed row spacing is adjusted from the cab at the ick of a switch. The drill o ers high work rates and great exibility, and the wide seed rows can reduce reliance on chemical weed control by using mechanical solutions instead.”

Andy is pictured with Vaderstad marketing director Maria Cornelius.

E ective cultivation

New products from Weaving Machinery included the Energiser shallow cultivator. “We received customer requests for a cultivator less aggressive than our ShortDisc compact disc cultivator, but which achieves more soil movement than a straw rake,” explained sales director Simon Weaving (pictured).

The Energiser has four rows of heavy-duty coil tines quipped with 40mm points. Weaving’s unique cast V-rim roller packer – the same as used on the ShortDisc and Low Disturbance Subsoiler, is at the rear. The cultivator, in a 6m working width, is priced at £22,800.

Versatile transport

Krone displayed four new products. These included a BigX 980 forage harvester – lling a gap between the BigX 880, powered by a V8 engine producing up to 898hp and the BigX 1180 with a 1,156hp V12 power unit. The new BigX 980 shares all the features of the larger model, but has a de-rated V12 engine producing 980hp, although up to 200 additional hp can be ‘rented’ for use when required.

A new GX-series multi-purpose trailer was shown for the rst time. There are two versions with 44m3, and 52m3 capacity. The sides can be raised and lowered hydraulically. A conveyor load bed allows unloading without tipping, and rubber seals allow transport of small seeds such as oilseed rape. The bed conveyor can be reversed for loading large items such as pallets through the rear tailgate, and a unique unloading feature allows the user to set a bed speed to match the required travel distance. A hydraulic rear underride guard deploys and folds up automatically. Options include a remote-controlled grain hatch allowing adjustment from outside the tractor cab. Krone territory sales manager for the north of England, Craig Bryson (pictured) explained that the new GX trailers will allow Krone access to potential new markets, including transporting products such as woodchip for biomass, and their versatility allows year-around use by larger farms and contractors.

Other new products included a baler wrapper and a rear mower. “Krone is currently the market leader in terms of UK market share for mowers, tedders and rakes,” explained managing director Marcus Oliver. “Our aim is to increase sales and become number one for additional products too.”

Weather data always available

Sencrop customers bene t from access to current and historical weather data from a network of connected stations across Europe, including many on farms across the UK. Customers can install any number of Sencrop weather stations on their own land and access the data through the Sencrop smartphone app. Farming operations with multiple work sites report considerable bene ts, including the ability to con rm whether conditions are suitable for working at locations away from the yard without having to travel to check. Customers pay subscriptions based on the number of weather stations on their network, as well as the number of sta needing access. Information is available from anywhere with a network connection.

Pictured are Sencrop team members at the show (l-r): Back row – Thomas Lemaire, Tom Ostheimer, Anais Deveseleer, Kelly Stevens, Leon Gardener, Mark Heriman. Front row – Romain Knockaert and Julian Taylor.

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More sizes and types of tyre

Despite being relatively new, the Ascenso tyre brand is enjoying great success in the UK. Early users are reporting excellent performance and impressive wear characteristics. UK importer, Bush Tyres, displayed the agricultural tyres for the rst time at LAMMA last year.

“We have 462 product codes already available, and the range is growing rapidly,” explained Bush Tyres director, Tom Bush. “We have high speci cation VF tyres joining the line-up this spring.”

Part of the company’s success is due to its ability to respond quickly to demand. Ascenso is one of only a few brands which manufactures its own moulds in-house, and that makes it easy to create just what customers need. “From our point of view, as a UK supplier, it seems very strange not being restricted to a list of tyres determined by users in other countries. Instead, we have an input into what is produced, and if there is enough demand for a particular pattern or size, then it can be available just a few months later. Ascenso recognises the advantage of working closely with dealers and customers.”

Bush has established a network of partner dealers around the UK which o er and support the Ascenso range, and a seven-year manufacturer warranty on all radial tyres is particularly attractive and gives new users the con dence to try the brand. “After trying the tyres and being impressed by the performance and low wear rates, one very large vegetable grower went on to t Ascenso tyres to a eet of more than 200 tractors,” continued Tom. “The use is intensive and quickly highlighted advantages over the previous brand. The performance is similar, but the cost is signi cantly less. For them, Ascenso tyres make a lot of sense.”

New VF tyres will soon be available in popular sizes such as 600/60R30, 710/55R30 and 420/85R24 along with a host of other sizes including 560/60R22.5 trailer tyres which are expected to be particularly soughtafter. Rowcrop tyres with VF technology will also be available soon, including 380/90R46.

Additional tyres in the range include earthmover, industrial, forestry and turf. “From our perspective, Ascenso o ers the complete package,” stressed Tom. “The growing product line-up already includes tyres with load ratings and wear characteristics equivalent to or exceeding the most popular tyres in many size and type classes, including some premium brands. Warranty claims are extremely low compared to the industry average, and prices are very competitive. We’ve had situations when a pair of Ascenso rear tractor tyres have cost less than a single rear tyre of a premium brand, and when farmers are trying to save money while maintaining machine performance, the Ascenso option becomes especially attractive.

“When we started importing Ascenso tyres the shipping costs were at an all-time high, but these have fallen in the past year, and we’ve been able to reduce our prices twice as a result.”

Tom said that Ascenso has opened up additional markets to Bush Tyres. “It’s a very forward-looking company and that creates interesting opportunities. We didn’t do much with earthmover tyres previously, but with a great range to o er in the right sizes at the right prices, we are receiving more enquiries and gaining sales.”

 Tom Bush with the popular 560/60R22.5 trailer tyre, which proved an immediate success as soon as it was launched last year.

Growing reputation

Kymco o ers utility ATVs from 300cc to 700cc, although smaller models for leisure use are also available. Recent strategies to increase the range’s appeal for farm applications have proved successful, and the Kymco UK team has received many additional enquiries from dealers keen to represent the brand.

Those buying Kymco ATVs this spring will bene t from industry approved EASI operator training included free of charge, as well as theft protection through the addition of the Datatool tracking system.

“We have good availability across the range – including the latest models, and back-up through a growing network of excellent dealers,” explained Kymco UK national sales manager Neil Keeble, who is pictured with members of the Kymco UK team. (l-r) Neil Keeble, Northern area sales manager Pat Bevan, and managing director Mark Hermolle.

Ready-made pump

Bauer exhibited a ready-made slurry pump for the rst time. The unit is three-point linkage mounted and has a PTO drive. Six-inch suction ttings are standard. Bauer UK area sales manager Adrian Tindall said that the new pump was added to the range in response to requests from dealers for a convenient, ready-made solution.

Bauer also displayed its liquid separators. Demand is growing for models with higher capacities and whereas only a handful of the largest current models was sold each year a few years ago, now these account for the highest number of sales. Adrian said that up to half of sales are to farmers replacing other brands, and Bauer separators more than 20 years old continue performing with no problems, after having only the screen and other wearing parts replaced.

“There is strong demand from farmers needing to reduce their liquid storage, and separators are a cost-e ective option,” continued Adrian. “Also, for farmers and contractors applying slurry through dribble bars, the bres are a common cause of blockages. Using separators removes these bres, simplifying the operation.

“Green bedding separators remain very popular, providing green matter removed from slurry to use in preference to sand or sawdust. Availability of traditional bedding materials is often unreliable, and prices are volatile. Green bedding is more comfortable than sawdust or sand and reducing numbers of lorries transporting supplies into the yard from other areas reduces the likelihood of importing infections and diseases.”

On-farm grain preparation

A new Kongskilde rotary grain cleaner was displayed by BDC. The KDC 4000 Plus has a large outer rotor, a smaller internal rotor, and a built-in aspirator, allowing two-stage separation from a compact machine. The KDC 4000 Plus has a rated output up to 40t/hour, and there is also a larger 8000 model with outputs up to 80t/hour.

“Having supplied individual Kongskilde products previously, we recently became the main UK distributor. These rotary cleaners are in demand from cereal growers for pre-cleaning, grading and dressing as it reduces reliance on others to provide the service,” explained area sales manager for Scotland and northern England, John Wilson. BDC also displayed its new Grain Balance device, which measures the amount of grain coming into stores through intake elevators. “As well as knowing how much grain is in store, advantages include being able to record performance of di erent varieties, crops and elds,” continued John. “The unit attaches to the belt and bucket elevator and monitors the working load. It’s accurate to within 3% and just needs calibrating with a known weight and product each season.”

Pictured with the grain cleaner are (l-r) technical director Andrew Lee, John Wilson and sales director Andrew Head.

Reduced downtime

Franz Hauer displayed its high speci cation front loaders, and a new, optional central lubrication system. Sales director Franz Reisner (pictured) said that the system is the only one of its type available as a factory tted option. Bene ts include reduced downtime for intensive applications on large farms and within contracting operations, especially where multiple users mean recommended lubrication intervals might otherwise be missed. Central lubrication is available only for XB Bionic series loaders with lift capacities up to 3.1t and maximum lift height up to 4.8m. The option is available only for new loaders and can’t be retro tted. It costs approximately £5,000.

Simple speci cation

New higher horsepower tractors in the Farmtrac line-up will arrive in the UK this spring, with Perkins engines up to 120hp meeting Stage 5 emissions standards. “They retain the simple and reliable design that our customers value,” explained importer Reesink area sales manager for the north, Andy Hayhurst. “Electronics are minimal, and they can be repaired and serviced using traditional tools.”

Andy is pictured with the Farmtrac battery-powered tractor which has proved popular for a wide range of applications since its launch three years ago.”

Direct drills

Members of the Claydon Drills team reported a very busy and successful show.

Pictured (l-r) are Mike Bywater, Denis Stoica, Oli Claydon, Je Claydon, Spencer Claydon, James Owen and Taig Norman.

Additional model

Agriweld displayed its Multi-Till 5T 4m cultivator for the rst time. Available initially only in 3m working widths, the new 4m version was recently added to the range. The Multi-Till 5T has ve functions, allowing quick selection of tines only, discs only, discs and tines, and with the rear packer up or down. The trailed 4m version folds for transport and comes with the Agri-Packer rear press standard, to leave a weather-proof nish. The machine displayed was ordered by a farmer who trialled the 3m version last year.

Pictured with the new 4m Multi-Till 5T are director Dawn Foster and marketing manager Brett Johnson.

Interest growing in grain maize

Increased interest in grain maize resulted in a very busy show for the Abrey Agricultural team. Harvested by conventional combines equipped with a maize header, it o ers an alternative to traditional break crops, and there is a growing market for the maize kernels in the UK. New varieties are being bred, for earlier autumn harvesting.

Advantages compared to maize grown for energy include most of the plant remaining in the eld. Stems are chopped by knives below the combine header creating a thick mat of organic matter, and this is easily incorporated during subsequent cultivations. Only the cob enters the combine, and kernels are easily separated. Abrey Agricultural is the o cial importer for Ziegler headers and header trailers, and o ers headers up to 12 rows harvesting width, for the largest modern combines.

Pictured (l-r) are Abrey Agricultural representatives, Lewis Thake, director Toby Abrey and Kevin Lock.

Grass repair and maintenance

Bullock Tillage showed its new Grass-Plus grass harrow for the rst time. Available in 3m and 6m working widths, it is available with a mounted 200-litre seed hopper capable of handling a range of seed sizes and types through exchangeable metering rollers, and there is also a new control box. The 3m version comes with a rear packer and costs £8,000, the 6m version has no packer and costs £10,995. The seeder and fan distributor are compatible with both versions and the unit costs approximately £3,500.

Bespoke steel solutions

Barrett Steel is a family-owned national steel supplier. The company supplies steel products for a range of applications including laser-cut components for leading machinery manufacturers and into the construction sector. It also o ers a wide range of Safety and Access products including GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) options. The business operates from over 30 locations, delivering daily across the UK and Ireland. As well a as supplying major customers, bespoke components are fabricated for smaller businesses, including farmers. “We have invested in advanced processing equipment in recent years, including a laser cutter capable of cutting tube up to 600mm diameter,” explained commercial development manager Nik Baines. “Demand for laser cut components has increased recently due to labour shortages, as these are semi- nished, and less time is needed for nal preparation. We carry 120,000t of stock, and most of our steel is British sourced. We know the UK agricultural industry prefers to buy UK-made products when possible.”

Fast stacking

David Harrisons specialises in palletisers and weighers, and supplies new, rebuilt and secondhand products to agricultural and industrial users.

“Since 2000, we have sold 110 palletisers,” commented sales representative Gary Palmer (pictured). “Labour shortages have greatly increased demand.”

Two sizes of new palletiser are supplied. Smaller units handle sacks from 10–50kg and will stack 25kg bags at the rate of 9.5t/hr, and the larger model handles sacks from 5–50kg, and stacks 48 sacks per minute of any size.

Crop storage solutions

Formerly known as Gibbons

Agricultural, Plug&Cool specialises in the manufacture and supply of aluminium grain cooling fans, grain cooling pedestals, as well as grain spears and control panels. “Everything is assembled in-house, including the electronic control panels,” explained marketing manager Rael Bearman. “Our latest generation fans use highly e cient motors, and the fans are designed to create air ow e ciently without wasting power. Energy costs are signi cant for UK businesses, and testing is completed in-house to ensure the best design is achieved.”

Temperature probes are also supplied, and axial fans for installation in buildings are being added to the range later this year. “We supply direct in the UK and Ireland, and demand for our products overseas is growing too,” con rmed Rael.

Retro- t slurry solution

New franchise

The Pro table Farming Company (PFC) was recently appointed as a distributor by seeder and spreader manufacturer, APV. The APV implement range includes the Tined Weeder Pro with sprung tines with adjustable operating intensity which remove weeds from growing crops. “The harrow provides opportunities to tackle resistant black-grass and we have rotary tine as well as the spring tine options allowing users to select the system which will perform best in their soils and crops,” explained director, Andrew Snell (pictured).

“The seeders complement our current Awemak cultivator line-up, and provide opportunities for one-pass grass, cover crop and cash crop establishment.”

Mastek promoted its new trailing shoe slurry applicators, available in 7.5m or 9.2m working widths. “We don’t supply tankers but specialise in manufacturing applicators for retrotting to almost any make and model of tanker,” explained UK technical sales representative Mark Roberts. “Most demand is from farmers replacing splash-plate applicators, and as well as meeting environmental requirements there is increasing awareness that e cient applications make better use of the valuable nutrients in the slurry.

“Fibres in the slurry can become hooked on leaves when the liquid is sprayed from above, then ingested by livestock during grazing, or when they eat bales or silage made from the grass. Using trailing shoes ensures slurry is placed at ground level, between the blades of grass. It’s more quickly incorporated, and livestock bene t from cleaner feed.”

The Micro-Shoe 7.5m working width model costs approximately £16,500, and the 9.2m Eco-Shoe version costs £23,000.

Mark is pictured (left) with sales representative Ben Willcox.

Potato and onion harvesting solutions

Lincolnshire-based Scotts Precision Manufacturing specialises in potato eld machinery. The family business manufactures the Evolution Separator cleaning system, as well as windrowers, harvesters, haulm toppers and a tractor-mounted mower-collector for commercial grass maintenance.

The Trinity 6000 front- and rear-mounted folding topper is one of the company’s best-selling products, but managing director, Derek Scott, said: “There is also increasing demand for a more a ordable, rigid 6-row option, so we are launching an additional model. It retains most features from the agship machine but there is a rm focus on weight saving and mass centralisation.”

The new Trinity 54B, shown for the rst time at LAMMA, is designed to be front- or rear-mounted. The gearbox is mounted centrally at the top making it easy to adapt for use in front of, or behind, the tractor. An uprated (and heavier) gearbox option is available for operators wishing to run higher power tractors up to 250hp. The Trinity 6000 ve-belt drive is retained, and a new compact belt guard opens without tools. Inspection hoods across the width can be secured in the open position for easy access to the rotor and blades. The two-section rotor has T blades in the centre to minimise the uncut gap. Remote greasing ensures e ective lubrication and takes little time. For transport, the rigid machine has a tow hitch at one end and wheels at the other. Hydraulic depth wheels are an option. The list price is £25,000.

Also displayed for the rst time – the Micro Lift Pro addresses growing demand for a single bed onion lifter. “The trend has been to have wider multibed lifters, but work rates are slow and problems are common,” explained Derek. “Our single row machine has a high working speed, and operating two of them 50% faster than a three-row unit achieves similar work rates with greater reliability and exibility. Wear plates are standard and there are large full-size potato disc coulters on both sides of the lifter. A oating ba e ensures even ow up the cleaning webs. The rear cross conveyor can discharge to either side, allowing the lifted crop from two machines to be deposited in one windrow.

“There has been massive interest from potential users in the UK and overseas.”

Pictured are service technicians Lukasz Kaniowski and Casey Lambley, Derek Scott, and his daughter Trinity who provides sales support.

Keeping drains in good order

Contract managers Colin Webb (left) and Andrew Wright are pictured on the Miles Drainage stand. The company o ers drainage services across East Anglia, Rutland, Bedfordshire and the southern counties. “In spite of last year’s drought, our teams remain busy as there are many farms and estates which look after their drainage systems on a rotation, and budget to complete di erent areas each year,” explained Andrew. “Fen land is constantly moving, and we install new drains between existing pipe networks to ensure that soil moisture levels are maintained.

“We also o er a mole draining service, but dry weather last year meant that conditions weren’t suitable for channel creation. We expect to receive enquiries when wetter conditions return. For forward thinking farmers, looking after the land and particularly the drainage systems is always a priority, and we carry out inspections and provide advice as to the best strategies to ensure good results.”

Simple control

Several sprayers were displayed by Chafer. Sales and marketing manager, Joe Allen said that the company’s team at LAMMA were kept busy dealing with enquiries from customers considering sprayer purchases within the next two to three years. “People are clearly planning ahead and optimistic for the future,” he observed. “A lot of people we spoke with were at the early stages of the decision-making process as to what sort of sprayer they will need and which one to buy. There was equal interest in trailed and self-propelled models, although two thirds of our sales are now for 36m spray widths.”

Joe is pictured with Chafer’s Horstine Farmery products, including a new control unit. “Previously, many applicators we supplied had a simple but reliable control box that had to be mounted in the tractor cab and controlled independently,” he explained. “Now many tractors have Isobus, and we’ve developed a controller which can be retro tted to any Horstine product previously controlled by an RDS Wizard control box, allowing operation through the tractor’s Isobus connection. It’s still just a simple controller, but there is no need for the extra box and cables, and operation through controls on the armrest or joystick is more convenient.”

The Walrus Pump was added to the product list by Wox Agri Services a few years ago, and the latest version features improvements suggested by early users. The redesigned unit is shorter and more compact. Valves operate using the tractor’s air system, and pump units from di erent manufacturers are available to suit operator preference – without a ecting general machine operation. Flow rates up to 300m3/hr are easily obtained, with power from tractors of 200hp+. An integral hydraulic pump drives the charge pump and macerator. The unit weighs 3.2t and an articulated arm with up to 9.5m reach, can extend over the sides of a tank or into the depths of a slurry lagoon.

Barnstaple, Devon-based contractor, Rickie Stevens specialises in slurry handling. Trading as RAS Contracting, he invested in a Walrus Pump which he operates behind a New Holland T7.270. “My previous slurry machinery was due for updating, and I wanted something that would last. The Walrus Pump wasn’t cheap, but it’s well made and has reduced what I spend on maintenance and repairs.

“For anyone involved in slurry handling, once you have had a Wox Walrus Pump, you wouldn’t have anything else.” Rickie is pictured with managing director Geo rey Wox.

New load carrier

Can-Am celebrated the launch of a new Traxter 6x6 UTV at the show. This is the only 6x6 model in the Traxter line-up, and demand is expected from many market sectors, especially where heavy loads are carried or towed across challenging ground. The rear load bed can carry 450kg, and towing capacity is 1,360kg. Power is from a Rotax 976cc, 82hp, twin-cylinder petrol engine. Users can select 4wd or 6wd and there is an automatic locking front di erential. Pictured with the new model, which is priced at £20,082, are (l-r) district commercial manager for the northern area, Richard Gregg; district commercial manager for eastern Ireland, Mike Loach, and district commercial manager for west of the UK, James Dalke.

Strip-till cultivator

A Strip-Till Preparator was displayed for the rst time by Grange Machinery. Trials of the UK-built machine have been progressing for two to three years, and demand is expected from growers of maize and cover crops. The design objective was achieving one-pass ground preparation for seeding, and the company is o ering 3m, 4m and 6m working widths, with 0.45m, 0.5m or 0.75m row spacing. Liquid or granular fertiliser application is an option allowing nutrients to be incorporated without needing an additional pass.

A wide range of adjustments ensures best results, including hydraulic front disc depth, and the cultivation discs are available with shear-bolt or auto-reset hydraulic protection. An exclusive feature is hydraulic linear adjustment of the catcher discs either side of the cultivation leg, keeping loosened soil within the row width, while also adjusting for the volume of trash to prevent blocking. Two o set discs with adjustable working depth run behind the legs, and ensure soil is well tilled within the narrow strips. The rear packer breaks up clods and leaves a weatherproof nish.

“We are very pleased with the design, and the performance is just what customers tell us they need,” explained managing director Rhun Jones. The 3m version is priced from only £24,000.

Professional slurry solutions

The Kaweco display featured high-capacity slurry applicators. The company manufactures silage trailers, small wheeled loaders up to 3.5t, as well as the slurry injection and application equipment. Mounted 16,000-litre tanks for tting to Claas Xerions, and gooseneck coupled trailed tankers with twin or tri axles and capacity up to 30,000 litres are manufactured. The macerators are made in-house, and most pumps for the UK market are Vogelsang.

Pictured on the stand are (l-r) Claas UK tractor and material handlers product manager Michael Ives, Kaweco sales support UK specialist Wilfried Buiel, and sales manager for the UK and Ireland Nick Selmen.

Mid-size tractors feature

Farmers Guide attended the Deutz-Fahr launch of new 6.4-series models in Germany in early autumn, and the tractors were displayed in the UK for the rst time at the show. The three new models are the 6130.4, the 6140.4 and the 6150.4 with up to 136, 147 and 156hp, respectively. Transmission options include the RVshift – based on the Deutz TTV in nitely variable transmission – with virtual steps representing powershift gear ratios. The fully functioning TTV CVT stepless transmission is the higher speci cation option.

Star attraction

Fendt UK retail manager, Richard Miller said that the new Fendt 700 Vario Gen 7 models attracted considerable interest as they were displayed in the UK for the rst time. The ve-model line-up includes the agship 728 Vario, with up to 303hp. VarioDrive transmission is standard, which automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels to achieve maximum grip and operating e ciency.

The examples displayed were both pre-production machines, but many UK dealers have already taken orders for rst deliveries due to start later this year.

Increased safety

On the Valtra stand, the recently launched Q-series tractors were the star attraction, but an optional camera-based safety system also generated considerable interest. The cameras sense movement and highlight moving objects on the in-cab display. The cameras can be attached anywhere on the tractor or on implements, and they o er signi cant safety bene ts when positioned on front-mounted implements, where they can detect and warn of oncoming vehicles including cyclists when the tractor is pulling out of eld gateways onto the road. Dana Ann Whittaker demonstrated the system on the Valtra stand. She works within AGCO’s SmartAG division and was involved with customer clinics where tractor users suggested that a device warning of approaching vehicles would o er signi cant bene ts. She is pictured explaining the system to Valtra UK product specialist Seth Bradford.

Shallow rotary cultivator

Opico displayed a new Maschio rotary cultivator for the rst time. The SC Pro Bio is designed to achieve thorough mixing of soil and crop residues, cover crops and green manures while working at a controlled shallow depth. Plant debris is thoroughly mulched and mixed with ne soil in the top few centimetres, for rapid decomposition and the creation of compost-like material.

Four control wheels ensure accurate results even when working to just a few centimetres depth and allow operating speeds up to 10kph.

Balers for intensive use

The rst LAMMA appearance by Austria-based manufacturer, Goweil attracted considerable interest. Goweil manufactures high speci cation round balers, wrappers and baler-wrapper combinations for intensive use, and the company is keen to recruit UK dealers to represent the brand in the UK. Static balers for baling chopped material are also manufactured, and applications include forage, bedding and waste products.

“We manufactured wrappers rst, and in 2015 produced our rst round balers,” explained Goweil sales manager, Reinhard Leimhofer. “Our chopping units have 30 reversible knives for exceptional chop quality, and the baler-wrappers come with a double binding system with lm binding standard. Users can switch between net and lm binding from the cab.

The bale chamber has 18 reinforced rollers and for us the priority is cost-e ective operation and low cost per bale through reliability and a long working life, rather than producing cheap balers.”

Reinhard said that combination machines have independently mounted bale wrapping platforms, and the operating angle constantly adapts while working on slopes to ensure performance remains reliable.

“We have customers who have made up to 60,000 bales without any breakdowns or failures and believe that our products will appeal to professional users in the UK.”

Ideal conditions for growth

A strip-till cultivation leg featured for the rst time on the Edwards Farm Machinery stand. A at, notched cutting disc creates a slot, then a pair of disc row cleaners move trash from either side. A wa e disc creates a tilth in the cleared strip, and a subsoiler leg at the rear works between 8–11in depth, with hydraulic auto-reset overload protection. Spring-loaded discs run either side of the leg to keep loosened soil within the narrow strips and ensure an even seedbed.

Pictured is Edwards Farm Machinery director, Rob Edwards with the new strip-till unit. Rob said that a 10-row version has already been sold to a grower who tested a pre-production version. “Most demand will be for maize production, but the 10-row unit we have sold is for preparing land before transplanting vegetables,” he explained. “A key point of our design is having the leading disc ahead of the row cleaner. The cultivated strip remains free of trash, resulting in ideal conditions for seed germination and plant growth.”

Theft prevention

The Vantage ASC display featured a new security device. The S5 Deadlock can be retro tted to any powered vehicle and uses coded key fobs to identify users. As well as immobilising machines to prevent unauthorised use, the device also allows tracking, and a geo-fence can be set through which the owner receives alerts when boundaries are exceeded. The device is available exclusively through Vantage ASC at £449 – which includes a three-year subscription.

Pictured are Vantage ASC area sales manager Paul Thompson with Meta Trak representative Tony Rook.