Tractor test
Tractor test: Deutz-Fahr 6160.4 TTV
Too Fahr?
Externally, Deutz-Fahr’s semi-powershift Agrotron models may look similar to their TTV counterparts, but then the CVT-equipped tractors benefit from a completely new cab layout, bringing them bang up to date. To see how well it all gels, we put the 6160.4 TTV through the profi test
Practical test
Kverneland, Lemken, Pöttinger, Rabe and Vogel & Noot Part II
Big ploughs, big differences
Last month we found that all five semi-mounted, eight-furrow ploughs we tested rated well for work quality. But we can’t say the same for working with them…
Driving impression
Beast of Bavaria packs 500 ponies
Fendt 1050 Vario
At a recent Fendt press conference there was no opportunity to drive the firm’s new 500hp 1050 range flagship. What we did get, however, were some intriguing facts and figures ahead of the Bavarian beast’s prduction start date at the end of next year
A cereal drill with precision
Pöttinger Aerosem 3002 ADD drill
This year Pöttinger has been working its Aerosem 1002 series drill in the UK. Big deal, you say. Well it could be, because this cereal drill has some intriguing features that allow it to precision plant maize and also include individual coulter shut-off for cereal work. We take a closer look at this clever combi
Fendt 1050 Vario tractor
Beast of Bavaria packs 500 ponies
At a recent Fendt press conference there was no opportunity to drive the firm’s new 500hp 1050 range flagship. What we did get, however, were some intriguing facts and figures ahead of the Bavarian beast’s production start date at the end of next year
JCB Fastrac 4220
Fresh-faced Freddie
Ever since the Fastrac 4000 was unveiled at last year’s Agritechnica we have been patiently waiting to get behind the wheel and see how it performs. Well, one year on it was certainly worth the wait for what really could be a game-changer for JCB
Pöttinger Aerosem 3002 ADD drill
A cereal drill with precision
This year Pöttinger has been working its Aerosem 1002 series drill in the UK. Big deal, you say. Well it could be, because this cereal drill has some intriguing features that allow it to precision plant maize and also include individual coulter shut-off for cereal work. We take a closer look at this clever combi
Four 80hp tractors compared
Small size, large choice
Despite sub-100hp tractor sales in the UK having declined year on year, there remains a demand for tractors in the 80hp bracket — models that match yard-friendly dimensions with the power for duties such as mowing, top dressing, topping and even light cultivation. Here we take a look at four nominal 80hp models, all with something different to offer
Livestock equipment
Trioliet automatic feeders
24-hour dining
In an industry that strives continually to reduce costs, increase outputs and maximise efficiency through the use of automated ‘hands-free’ operation, we should not perhaps be too surprised to learn that the feeding of livestock by computer-controlled robots is now beginning to gain ground in the UK
Used machinery
Claas Axion 800 series tractors, 2006-2013
Subtle development improved the breed
At the launch of the Axion 800 tractor series in late-2006, much was made of the fact that these models were the first to be developed by Claas as opposed to being heavily dependent on the Renault heritage of other models at the time. More important, however, is that the nominal 163 to 225hp Axion series was designed to meet the demand for a ‘lighter’ prime mover, with non-ballasted tractors
Workshop
From the workshop
Simple solutions to perennial problems
Giving a post driver more features, to speed up the fencing job, is just one of the subjects tackled in this month’s Simple Solutions, compiled by profi’s regular tipster, Mike Donovan
Machine management
Fix the costs and make it pay
To buy or hire?
Essex contractor Tom Coxall sees machinery hire as a useful mechanism to boost fleet numbers when additional tractors and equipment are required. Accepting the slightly higher rental figures compared to outright ownership, it is a process that puts a lid on kit costs
Around the world
Mechanical sugar cane planter/New sales are slow/Xerion ready for prairies/Let the engine talk
Report
Giving slurry a boost
Powerful potion
Dutch farmers and contractors have pioneered methods of making better use of slurry. Take the Groot Zevert family, for instance, which has developed a method of mixing liquid fertiliser with slurry for a more potent kick to plant growth. It might still be early days, but it’s worth a look all the same
Honda lawn tractor clocks 130mph
Mean mower
Making a lawn mower capable of speeds in excess of 130mph is no mean feat, but Honda has managed it with its Mean Mower. We take this super-rapid grass razor for a spin and talk to the guy who built it
Contractor price guide 2014
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ (www.naac.co.uk) 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
Technical
How it works…
ABS… in tractors?
Speed is of the essence in today’s highly pressurised world of Formula One farming. Which, of course, makes the ability to be able to come to a stop quickly and safely all the more important
TUNING
Väderstad Rapid drill
Refining a pioneer
On the market for over 20 years and still a bread and butter product for Väderstad, the Rapid drill has been subjected to several tweaks by the Swedish manufacturer. But that’s not to say the machine is perfect. Here’s a selection of reader-suggested tips to make the drill man’s life a little easier
Väderstad Rapid drill
Refining a pioneer
On the market for over 20 years and still a bread and butter product for Väderstad, the Rapid drill has been subjected to several tweaks by the Swedish manufacturer. But that’s not to say the machine is perfect. Here’s a selection of reader-suggested tips to make the drill man’s life a little easier
Vehicles
SsangYong Korando vs Skoda Yeti
No laughing matter
SsangYong has just relaunched the Korando, a small/medium-sized five-seater SUV. The market’s current darling is the Skoda Yeti — how do the two stack up?
Under the hammer
Upper Wolverton farm sale
Small sale achieves promising prices
Despite only having around 120 lots on offer, Upper Wolverton Farm attracted a number of keen bidders, with tractors selling extremely well
