Tractor test

Hydraulic systems compared

Fluid power to the fore

For so long the preserve of top-end premium tractors, high-tech hydraulic systems with flow rate, time control, priority valves and load-sensing systems are now commonplace — to the extent that, today, they feature in many of the more mainstream four-cylinder models on the market. With this in mind, we focus on a selection of pump-packing four-potters for this test

Practical test

John Deere R962i trailed sprayer

‘R’ you on the techno trail?

John Deere introduced its R900 trailed sprayer in 2011. Last season we lifted the bigger model from what had become a two-machine range for an extended test. Here’s what we found

Driving impression

Claas Arion 500/600 Cmatic tractors

No steps to Arion

It’s no surprise that Claas’s new mid-range middleweights come with the option of a stepless CVT, but few could have predicted that the German firm would opt to build the gearbox in-house. We hop on board the tractor to find out how it performs

Four turbos, 12 cylinders, 637hp

Challenger MT700E and MT800E crawlers

Agritechnica 2013 saw the arrival of Challenger’s E-series crawlers. With either seven or 12 cylinders and from 378hp to 637hp on boost, these are some mighty bits of kit — and prior to the show we drove one. Check out our review of the latest MTs to hit the market

Sweeping new ideas

Lely Hibiscus 1515 CD Profi rake

Lely’s new four-rotor centre-swathing rake isn’t just its widest yet — it also opens up like an umbrella. Say hello to the Hibiscus 1515 CD Profi which, if it can also keep the rain off at harvest time, will be a surefire winner

Livestock equipment

Large-scale robot milking in Germany

Two sheds, 1,000 cows and 16 robots

Is there any limit to the number of robotic units that can be used on a dairy farm to milk cows? And if so, what is it? In Germany there’s a 1,000-cow herd that’s milked by 16 robots — an investment in automated technology that the farm is convinced makes sound economic sense

Lely Hibiscus 1515 CD Profi rake

Sweeping new ideas

Lely’s new four-rotor centre-swathing rake isn’t just its widest yet — it also opens up like an umbrella. Say hello to the Hibiscus 1515 CD Profi which, if it can also keep the rain off at harvest time, will be a surefire winner

Used machinery

Claas Tucano combines

Tucano is no toy

Introduced for harvest 2008, the Claas Tucano range originally comprised two five-walker models — the 320 and 430 APS — and two six-walker combines, the 440 APS and 450 APS. The two larger machines could be seen as replacements for the Mega series, the smaller ones for Medion models

Workshop

From the workshop

Simple solutions to perennial problems

How has your 2014 been so far? Lacking in inspiration? Struggling to shake off those early-year blues? Perhaps a bit of metal bashing time spent in the farm workshop will do the trick, prompted by one of the ideas from profi’s resident tipster Mike Donovan. Here is Mike’s April selection of ‘simple solutions’

Choose and use a pressure washer

One step from heaven

If cleanliness and Godliness do go hand in hand, then buying a new pressure washer might be a first step to redemption. We look at the options

Machine management

Mole draining

Old-fashioned remedy makes a comeback

Around the world

Väderstad joins the fray / Tractor range takes a stretch / Double planting speed with single component / Kelly’s Diamond impresses

Report

Contractor price guide 2014

UK contractor charges

This is the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ charge guide, based on information supplied by its members last spring. 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

Under the hammer

T W Kinsey Sale

Online bidding success for potato kit

A vast selection of arable and potato equipment was on offer on the 28th January, when the use of an i-bidder system allowed the kit to be sold as far away as Poland