Tractor test
Case IH Puma CVX 160:
Another prowling Puma
Nothing runs like a Deere when there’s a Puma snapping at its tail — a statement made in jest yet underlining the ferocity of the competition within the 130-180hp tractor category. We plucked a 118kW/160hp Puma CVX 160 from the Case IH stable and subjected it to our full tractor test
Driving impression
New Holland T6.160:
Simplified choice
New Holland certainly couldn’t be accused of hanging out the machine-launch bunting when its Stage IIIB-compliant T6 superseded the T6000 tractors earlier this year. Which, to be frank, is to the firm’s credit, as not that much has actually changed. To confirm what’s new — and what isn’t — we take a closer look at the four-pot 96kW/131hp T6.160 model
Foraging future is backwards
Lacotec LH II forager:
If you have the power, then Lacotec has the forager — the reverse-drive LH II. The German newcomer put in an appearance at this year’s UK Grassland event at Shepton Mallet. Here we tuck the machine into maize
Cleaner Arion boasts new cab and features
Claas Arion 650:
In equipping its Arion line with Stage IIIB (Tier 4i) engines, Claas has done more than just lower its tractor emissions. For starters there’s a new cab and, in addition, the family has a new range-topper in the 169hp (rated, ECE R24) 650
Livestock equipment
Zero grazing:
Waste not, want not
Zero grazing — the technique of bringing grass to cows rather than cows to grass — is the only way to manage the grazing period, reasons one Cumbria-based farm manager. Andy Collings studies the machinery, the cows and the advantages that such a system purports to offer
Used machinery
Kverneland pneumatic drills:
Knowing the drill
If the once ubiquitous Massey MF30 dominated UK drill sales in the 1970s, then the 1980s Accord DA, perched atop a power harrow, was its nemesis. The power harrow drill went on to see its popularity wane in the ‘noughties’, but the combo is now enjoying a renaissance as a valuable back-up option in wet and difficult autumns. James de Havilland reports
Workshop
From the workshop:
Simple solutions to perennial problems
Autumn may be here, yet there’s no sign of any shrinkage to the Mike Donovan post bag. This month Mike’s batch of low-cost, labour-saving tips features a couple of ideas for the tractor front end along with a nifty extendable yard gate. Please contact Mike via the details in the box at the bottom of page 39 with your suggestions for future items
Welding gases: Regulators
Safe under pressure
Have you checked your gas equipment lately? In the first leg of a two-parter Andrew Pearce explains why you should, and then shows what to look for around mobile cylinder sets used for cutting and welding
Machine management
Drill conundrum for Sewell Farms revisit:
More change on the way
It’s more than five years since we last paid a visit to Sewell Farms — to look at how the Kent-based contracting firm was making the move to liquid fertiliser application and increasing the workload on its sprayer in the process. Mervyn Bailey finds out if all has gone according to plan and how the business is now investigating other ways of improving overall efficiency
Around the world
Rhino meets quick response callA planter built to order Inject dry manureClever toolbox thinking
Report
Combine world record:
Combine record returns to Ireland
Visitors to the ‘Combines 4 Charity’ Guinness world record event in July were treated to the sight of 211 combines all cutting in the one field. Of these, 208 harvesters made it to the end of their designated strips, bringing the world record back to Ireland in the process
Contractor price guide 2012/2013:
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agric.Contractors’ charge guide, based on info supplied by its members this 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
Postcard from the USA — part II
Rise of the smart machines
As well as reflecting on the past and present, John Deere is looking to the future and the sort of machines farmers will need, not just in five to ten years, but even two decades from now. In the second instalment of his three-part report from the US, Steven Vale provides an insight into the direction the company is taking
Technical
Pto output and fuel consumption
profi’s monthly tractor tests carry graphs detailing engine performance. These sum-up engine torque, power and fuel consumption, and hint at how you should operate the tractor for the lowest fuel consumption
