Tractor test
New Holland T7.230 AC:
The small big one
Blue fans have a choice when it comes to purchasing a ‘200hp’ New Holland: the T7.225 or T7.230. Both are rated at 132kW/180hp, but, after stoking their fires, maximum power climbs to a claimed 165kW/225hp. So what exactly sets the T7.230 ‘small but big’ and ‘big but small’ T7.225 tractors apart? Read on to find out
Practical test
Väderstad Tempo V 12 precision drill
One high speed Swede
Tempo suggests speed, and Väderstad’s Tempo precision drills are designed to work quickly. But as you go faster, what happens to accuracy?
Driving impression
Kubota M5111 tractor:
M is for Mechanical…
Kubota has introduced its M5001 series tractors, complete with a Stage IV compliant engine, all-new cab with more internal space, revised instrumentation and fingertip control for the forward/reverse shuttle
Case IH RB 545 Silage Pack baler wrapper:
Snappy wrapper
Following CNH’s acquisition of the Orkel baler design a number of years ago, the Italian-based machinery giant has continued to work on the machine, marking it with CNH’s design thumbprint in the process. We try out a pre-production fixed-chamber Case IH RB 545 — to assess just where this baler wrapper is at in terms of its development
Blaney L1 10-27 wheeled loader:
Little lifter
At the Balmoral Show last year, Blaney Motor Company introduced a new pivot loader and compact telehandler — the starting point for a new range of machines. We take a look at the L1 10-27
Kawasaki Mule Pro-DX diesel UTV:
Farm-friendly Mule
It’s been several years since we last drove a Kawasaki Mule diesel, partly due to the fact that the steady evolution of the predecessor 4010 Diesel models adhered closely to the original Mule template, which first appeared back in the early 90s. So, why does the new-for-2016-model-year Pro-DX warrant renewed attention?
John Deere 6250R:
Keeping up
According to Deere research, European contractors want a lightweight, high-hp tractor — something like the Case IH Puma 240, Fendt 828, New Holland T7.270 … So to get in on this act the Mannheim engineers have come up with the ‘lightweight, high-hp’ 6230R and 6250R
Livestock equipment
Dealing with sand in slurry:
Sand solution
While cows may love lying on sand, it remains a tricky substance to handle, particularly when mixed in with muck. A Somerset dairy farm reckons it has now, at long last, happened upon the best machines for tackling the sand-in-slurry challenge
Used machinery
Quicke loaders:
A helping hand
The last time we looked at buying a used tractor loader was over a decade ago, so a revisit is long overdue. On this occasion we concentrate on Quicke units, albeit with a few pointers to cover loaders in general, and it’ll probably come as no surprise to learn that much has changed on the loader market over the past 10 years. But don’t panic. Today there’s plenty of support out there — to make
Workshop
Two-stroke engine development:
The injection of pace
Big engines get the glamour when talk turns to new technologies. Yet revolution also rustles the undergrowth in the small powerplant world, and it’s likely to come soon to a chainsaw near you…
Safe hitches:
The hitch with the ball hitch
Ball and spoon hitches have been on the UK and Irish markets for over 10 years now and their popularity is increasing, parti-cularly in Ireland where they allow an increase in train weight on public roads. But, just like hook and drawbar couplings, the ball and spoon set-up is prone to wear
Machine management
Digestate spreading:
Big on muck
The growing number of AD plants in the UK has created an additional source of crop nutrition. Taylors Agricultural has invested in a self-propelled applicator and fleet of ferry tankers to make best use of digestate
Around the world
A cut above the best / Sales hold steady / Mixed-mood messages from US farmers / Bright future for the front pto
Technical
CVT efficiency in comparison:
Stepless draft on tap
All leading tractor manufacturers offer stepless transmission options, which they have either developed themselves or sourced from outside suppliers. Each transmission has its own unique design that can lead to differences in efficiency. This was found to be true from a comparison of six tractors that had previously been assessed at the DLG test station
Tractor/trailer brakes:
A question of balance …
… and of efficiency. A recent event run by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and BAGMA revisited the business of tractor and trailer brakes, posted a warning and gave a demo of how you might boost trailer braking for free
Under the hammer
Paul Rackham sale, Norfolk:
Further reductions for Norfolk business
Following a previous event where cattle numbers were reduced, Paul Rackham Ltd’s remaining livestock equipment, selected tractors and machinery were auctioned to a good crowd. The wide variety of kit on display meant there was something of interest for all, and the majority of lots found new homes on the day
Bringing in the hemp harvest:
Cut ‘n’ blow
Dutch hemp grower HempFlax has transformed three of John Deere’s W660 combines into something rather special. And there has been even more workshop fettling carried out since we first looked at the innovative Double Cut Combine in our 03/2015 issue
Contractor price guide 2017
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ (www.naac.co.uk) charge guide, based on info supplied by its members last spring. The figures are only a guide and assume a red diesel price of 40p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of equipment used etc
