Tractor test

Tractor test: Deutz-Fahr M420 ProfiLine versus M625 ProfiLine

Let’s talk a little double Deutz

Six-cylinder tractor horses are generally thought to have the performance lead on four-pot ponies. But, as we find out here, the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron M420 (113kW/154hp) and Agrotron M625 (120kW/163hp) question this traditional thinking and have much more in common than, at first, you might imagine

Practical test

Practical test: Grégoire Besson Combimix cultivator

Combimix keeps it compact

The mounted tine and disc cultivator market has been steadily growing in the UK for more than six years now, and one of the latest entrants is Grégoire Besson with its Combimix. To check out the ‘Combi’ action, Mervyn Bailey put a 3m model to work

Practical test: John Deere 7750i self-propelled forager

More than meets the technical eye

Styling of John Deere’s foragers has altered little over the years. The same can’t be said of their internals, which have seen a lot of changes. This field test of the firm’s next-to-top model 7750i confirms that the time has been well spent

Driving impression

Driving impression: Case IH Virtual Reference Station

Precision goes mobile

The advance of mobile phone technology means farmers can now have RTK precision without the hefty initial capital outlay. Case IH is one of the first agricultural firms to offer this Virtual Reference Station guidance technology and demonstrates it here to profi

Driving impression: MF Delta 9280 hybrid combine harvester

Walkers take a hike

It’s been several years since AGCO announced the coming of a hybrid combine. Now it’s finally arrived in the UK in the shape of MF’s Delta 9280 (Fendt 9470 X in some other markets), bringing rotors in place of walkers and introducing several innovations

Livestock equipment

Electricity consumption on dairy farms:

Keep the ‘leccy’ on the level

One of the largest invoices received by dairy farmers is for the electricity they use. While most will sigh and reach for the cheque book, a close look at where most of the power is being consumed could result in significant savings. Andy Collings discovers more

Used machinery

Case IH Axial-Flow 8010-8120 combines:

Go with the Flow

When launched in 2003/04, the Case IH AFX 8010 was the first of an all-new generation of Axial-Flow combines. It was later joined by the 7010 and 9010 in 2007 and 2008, prior to all three being replaced by the ‘20’ series in 2009. James de Havilland reports

Workshop

From the workshop:

Simple solutions to perennial problems

So, what does our ‘solution’ compiler, Mike Donovan, have in store for us this month? There’s the customary mixed bag, stuffed with items as diverse as an ATV hoist, an all-season seed drill, a set of wrapper steps and a part-flat, part-Cambridge roller combination. Fancy adding to Mike’s collection and showing off your idea to a wider audience? Then please get in touch using the details at the

Workshop products:

Get connected

Here’s a couple of products from Würth UK that could prove handy in the workshop or for field repairs. Andrew Pearce investigates the pros and cons of heat-shrink solder connectors for electric wiring and Nord-Lock anti-vibration washers

Machine management

Second-hand tractor policy for Gloucs contractor:

Plenty of life left in the old Deere yet

Buying new is the preferred replacement policy of many agri businesses, but, for one Gloucestershire contractor, the second-hand route to tractor ownership has proved far more rewarding. Geoff Ashcroft investigates

Around the world

  • Seed destructor’s date with destiny
  • Blue turns green
  • Tractor testing below sea level
  • Tough time for baler in KwaZulu-Natal

Report

FTMTA Farm Machinery Show:

Lend us some dosh – and we’ll buy the kit

The mood was certainly starting to sound more positive at the 2011 Irish Farm Machinery Show – and especially for those manufacturers offering some means of finance. Mervyn Bailey was at the three-day indoor event to capture the highlights

Contractor price guide 2011:

UK contractor charges

The UK-based National Association of Agricultural Contractors has put together this guide of contractor charges for 2011 based on information from its members. Charges are shown in both acres and hectares. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of kit used etc

Technical

Engine power rating standards:

The power game

Confused by the different standards listed alongside engine power in most new tractor brochures? We were – until Dr Paul Williams, Emission Regulation expert at Perkins, set Andrew Pearce straight