Tractor test

Tractor test: Fendt 828 Vario ‘Profi Plus’

Running on fumes

Big things are being expected of Stage IIIB-compliant tractors, namely substantial savings in fuel consumption. This month we test the first of a new breed of emission-friendly prime movers, the 191kW/260hp (ECE R24) Fendt Vario 828

Practical test

Practical test: Claas Quadrant 3200 FineCut

Many cuts make short baling work

It’s reckoned that short-chopped straw mixes easily and takes up animal waste very effectively. If you’d like your livestock or poultry operation literally to draw the short straw (or would like to offer it to your customers) then Claas’s 49-knife FineCut big baler system could fit the crop-packaging bill

Driving impression

McCormick X60.50 tractor:

Here come the ‘X’ men

Heading up the McCormick X60 series – the firm’s CX replacement – is the range-topping X60.50. Rated at 112hp, the tractor produces 121hp in pto and transport applications and is capable of hitting 40km/hr at a modest 1,830rpm. But what else does this compact ‘Mc’ model have to offer? James de Havilland climbs on board

Driving impression: Köckerling Ultima CS 400

Small can be beautiful

The ‘CS’ tag on Köckerling’s bonny blue drill shows this is a compact version of the firm’s Ultima. Last autumn we took a look at the 4m wide CS 400 model, towed behind a 110kW/140hp Claas Arion 640. This drive sets out how we fared

‘R’ all the way

Exclusive driving impression: John Deere 6R tractors

Having been on the market for nearly 20 years, the various generation 6000-series tractors have done John Deere proud. Now, though, it’s time for something a little different as the US farm equipment giant takes the wraps off its new 6R-series. Here we take a close look at the three long-wheelbase 6R models

Livestock equipment

Mixed livestock/arable organic unit:

Grass and stock make the arable job work

Farming organically – and profitably – without dependence on fertilisers and chemicals is not without its considerable challenges. Andy Collings visits an organic livestock and arable farm in Northumberland to see how the job is done

Used machinery

Case IH MX Magnum and Magnum tractors:

Heavyweight power at an affordable price

From its first 1988 Magnum, through Magnum Pro, MX Magnum, Magnum and current Stage IIIB-compliant Magnum, Case IH is firmly established as one of the major high-horsepower players. James de Havilland investigates what has changed since he last took a look at buying a used example over seven years ago

Workshop

From the workshop:

Simple solutions to perennial problems

Another batch of labour-saving ideas heads your way via the Pembrokeshire-based filter that is Mike Donovan. If you make use of any similarly low-cost, home-devised items, or you know of any on other farms, that might top up Mike’s collection, please contact him via the details at the bottom of page 51

Service: JCB 536-60 telehandler

Happy handler

Adrian Cooper, technician at the Uckfield, Sussex branch of Haynes Agritec, takes Andrew Pearce through a 500-hour service on JCB’s side-engined 536-60 handler, passing on tips that should make the job go smoother

Machine management

Ensuring a full contractor workload:

Never a dull moment for the Doyles

One of the major challenges faced by contractors is to ensure there is work throughout the year – and Galway-based Doyle Agri seems to have achieved exactly this. Andy Collings spends a busy day with the Doyles and their forage harvesting gang

Around the world

Merlin proves a wizard investment Spoilt for tractor choice Line-pivot irrigator crosses the canal When the mowing gets tough…

Report

Contractor price guide 2011:

UK contractor charges

This is the National Association of Agric.Contractors’ charge guide for 2011, based on info supplied by its members in the early summer. The figures are ONLY A GUIDE and assume a red diesel price of 66p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of kit used etc

Telehandler guide 2011

Our guide to agricultural telehandlers on offer in the UK. Note: max lift = max load; full ht lift = max load to max height; max ht = max lift height. Hydraulics: F = fixed flow pump; V = variable flow demand response pump and valving; litres/min. Engine: Power and engine make. Drive: no. of speeds; H = hydrostatic; MG = manual gearbox with torque converter; PS = powershift with torque converter

Hobby

Home-built Penfo tractor:

It’s a… No, wait. It’s a…

When Sussex-based agricultural engineer David Linch thought about building his own tractor, he wanted something different — something to keep people guessing. The Penfo is the result

Vehicles

Nissan Navara V6:

Six pots in a pick-up

Last autumn Nissan revitalised the Navara with a V6 diesel and new automatic box. Andrew Pearce drives the firm’s flagship – to see whether there’s sufficient motor muscle and interior spec to justify the substantial extra cost