Tractor test
Massey Ferguson 6616 Dyna-6 tractor
Frugal four-potter
With the introduction of the 6600 range in 2013, Massey Ferguson made its mid-range model numbering more intuitive, with the heavier duty four-cylinders falling under the one umbrella. The options list meant the new family could be relatively basic or high spec depending on the customer’s pockets. We catch up with a 6616 to see how it has performed
Case IH, Claas, Deutz-Fahr, Fendt, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, McCormick, New Holland, Valtra
Home from home
A tractor cab is an operator’s office, where many will spend more time than they do back at home. So we decided to compare nine different makes and models — to see what they are like for access, if there is enough room for a coolbox, how the air con performs . . . and so on
Practical test
Grimme GL 430 and GB 430 potato planters — part II
Cups or belts — which wins in the field?
Last time we saw how two Grimme potato planters compared in terms of technology and accuracy. Now we’ll see what the pair is like to work with
Driving impression
Gehl and Mustang R-Series skid-steer loaders
Cleaner engines are just part of this mid-frame makeover
Subject to a complete refresh, the latest mid-frame Gehl and Mustang R-Series skid-steer loaders have new cleaner engines, with both brands now adopting easier to understand model numbering. It’s a small change, however, that’s the most welcome development of all. Read on
Claas Lexion 780TT combine
The fourth dimension
For the coming season a new generation of Lexion combines will be taking to the fields with more powerful Stage IV engines, larger grain tanks, an improved chaff and straw spreader as well as 4D cleaning. We tucked the Lexion 780TT into a crop of wheat to see if the new cleaning system can conjure harvesting gains
Livestock equipment
Milkrite Impulse Air IP10 liner
The liner is only half the story
Milkrite’s triangular liner promises to gently massage the teat from three sides, while the mouthpiece vent is reckoned to reduce mastitis. Intriguing claims. To find out more we gave the IP10 liner to a 1,200-cow dairy herd, to see how it performed. One year on, here’s just a flavour of the results
Used machinery
John Deere AMS GreenStar system
Buying into satellite city
John Deere Agricultural Management Solutions, AMS, was introduced back in 2001. Some 15 years on, AMS has matured to the point where it is more likely than not that new mid-range and up tractors, combines, foragers and sprayers from the company will be supplied new as at least GreenStar-ready. So how does this all pan out if you’re looking at buying used Deere equipment?
Workshop
Grease gun coupler locks home with no leaks
Nipple gripper
When it comes to whipping round a machine with a grease gun there are two things that really get the goat. The first has to be those nipples that kit makers hide away in hard to reach places, and the second is a leaky coupler — grease goes everywhere other than where it’s wanted. Enter South African firm Gurtech, whose nipple-grasping G-Coupler is reckoned to be the answer
Machine management
No-till delivers machinery minimalism
Roots, not iron
The last time we caught up with Sewell Farms, the Kent-based contract farming business was seeking efficiency from liquid fertilisers. Now it has progressed to no-till with a New Zealand-style Cross Slot drill, streamlining the firm’s entire fleet in the process
Around the world
Strip-till gains in popularity / Combine sales improve, but not by much / Acquisition news from North American short-liners / Winter clean for valuable kit
Report
Trikes in Holland
Reliant Robin goes farming
Some Dutch farmers are prepared to go to great lengths to keep compaction to an absolute minimum as is evident by the conversion of two spectacular John Deere tractors
Under the hammer
Spencer Farms & Greens Farming sale
Demand is there for top quality kit
A vast selection of well-maintained arable kit impressed at the recent Brown & Co sale near Thetford. The machines had been worked extensively but looked after to a high standard, and many of them were still covered by a manufacturer warranty
Helical forestry plough combs the Scottish Highlands
Making mounds
It may currently be the only one in existence in the world, but a rotary mounder plough is turning up excellent results in the Scottish Highlands. Used to plough up land ready for the planting of trees, the R200/T40 rotary plough was developed by Clark Engineering from Dumfries and local forestry contractor Simon Richardson
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 60p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of equipment used etc
