Tractor test
Tractor test: Deutz-Fahr 6180 P
Going Fahr
Deutz-Fahr has never been one to follow the crowd when it comes to tractor styling. If further proof were needed, it appears this month in the shape of the latest 6 Series — the fruit of working with Italian designer Giugiaro, who has breathed fresh life into Deutz’s mid-range Agrotron. But is it a case of function following form? We find out by testing the 123kW/165hp 6180 P, to see whether its
Practical test
JCB 541-70 Agri Xtra telehandler
The Cheadle hornet
What’s big, yellow and black, and hails from Staffordshire? JCB’s 541-70. We see how it delivers on capability, driveability and efficiency when presented with a variety of farm tasks
Driving impression
McCormick X50.20 Power Plus
Generation ‘X’
After McCormick opted not to attend Agritechnica 2011, some may have thought the Argo Group was going out of business. But in 2013 the Italians not only introduced new models, they also returned to Hanover. Our colleagues from the Dutch ‘trekker’ magazine had a chance to get their hands on the X50
Mitas PneuTrac
It’s a tyre, Jim…
…But not as we know it. It’s early days yet, but the PneuTrac concept — a name that mixes tyre and track — shows considerable promise. Don’t expect to see these intriguing-looking boots at your local supplier anytime soon, though, because production isn’t due to start until at least 2015
Versatile DeltaTrack 500DT
It’s a big ‘un
With the introduction of Versatile’s DeltraTrack to the UK market, growers now have a new choice for a high horsepower prime mover. Not only is there plenty of drawbar muscle on offer, but the mighty Canadian also comes on tracks
It’s a tyre, Jim…
Mitas PneuTrac
…But not as we know it. It’s early days yet, but the PneuTrac concept — a name that mixes tyre and track — shows considerable promise. Don’t expect to see these intriguing-looking boots at your local supplier anytime soon, though, because production isn’t due to start until at least 2015
Livestock equipment
Calf feeding by computer
Milk on tap
As dairy herds become ever larger it follows that the number of calves that need to be fed increases accordingly – as does the time required to mix up milk replacer powder. We take a look at the computerised option for calf milk feeding and visit a Cumbrian user (p41)
Used machinery
McConnel Shakaerator and Discaerator
Good vibrations
When McConnel launched its Shakaerator back in 1977, the unique selling feature was its vibrating ‘Shaker’ system — that, and the design of the cultivator’s soil-loosening legs. Indeed while the Shakaerator itself has evolved, the shape of the original leg has proved so successful that it has remained pretty much unchanged. So, does this mean that buying a used model is straightforward? Read on
Workshop
From the workshop
Simple solutions to perennial problems
Grassland rejuvenation is one of the topics touched on by Mike Donovan in this month’s ‘Simple Solutions’. And those with an eye for engineering surely cannot be anything other than impressed by the ingenuity behind Ian Sinclair’s one-pass 6m seeding combination. Read on for further details
Simple vehicle electrics: Make the connections
No bright sparks, thanks
Rounding off this two-parter on how to add a pair of work lights to farm equipment, here we look at the use of relays and ways to join all the bits together. The mechanical side — mounting the switch and lamps — isn’t covered
Machine management
Cheshire hoof trimmer moves into silage
Decision made — off the hoof
Starting any contracting business is risky enough — let alone leaping into an already crowded marketplace and making a million pound investment in the requisite kit. Yet that’s how Cheshire contractor Steve Jones kick-started his dream
Around the world
The class of 2014 meets new Claas distributor / The route to destruction / More rubber at the ground / High-hp tractors from Challenger
Report
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ charge guide, based on information supplied by its members this month. The figures are only a guide and assume a red diesel price of 70p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of equipment used etc
Vehicles
VW Amarok vs Toyota Hilux doublecab pick-ups
New boy does good
Truck time again this month, as we see how VW’s 2011-launched Amarok stacks up against Toyota’s latest Hilux
Under the hammer
Bronymaen Sale
Barely used kit impresses in Powys
McCartneys Auctioneers of Ludlow was in charge of dispersing the comprehensive range of grassland machinery from Bronymaen Farm. The kit was in superb condition and attracted a large crowd of potential purchasers
