Innehållsförteckning för January 2023 från Profi

It is often said “good things come to those who wait,” and I have a sneaky suspicion that it was a web developer who uttered these words, because after months of behind the scenes work (it has almost felt like years) we have a new look website, whoop, whoop. Now this is not just change for the sake of change, there are still a few little bits to iron out but it should be a much slicker setup than we had before. In particular the search function should help you find exactly what you are looking for as we are going back through our test centre archive, all 3,600 or so articles from nearly 27 years of profi international. That’s a lot of content and if you are a subscriber,…

HYUNDAI ENGINES IN GOLDONI TRACTORS Hyundai Doosan Infrastructure (HDI) will supply Italian agricultural machinery manufacturer Goldoni Keestrack with 8,000 small-sized DG diesel engines during the next five years. The new blocks will be installed to agricultural machines in Europe including tractors. HDI has also agreed to hold a strategic discussion with the Italian manufacturer to supply it with battery packs for electric tractors. NEW OWNER FOR DALBO Danish cultivator, roller, stubble and disc harrow manufacturer Dalbo has been sold to Persefone, which is owned by the Italian capital fund Alcedo. The acquisition does not affect the Dalbo organisation, which will remain independent with head office and production in Denmark. It is business as usual, is the message. The change of ownership does not affect Dalbo’s existing collaboration agreements and customers…

The John Deere system is available on a limited basis for the European-built R900i series trailed sprayers (36m and 39m booms) this year. It will then be offered as an option for various John Deere sprayers made at Dutch facility in Horst, in the future. Based on a similar system already available for self-propelled sprayers in North America, the European version uses camera technology to detect colour differences in the field. Integrated directly into the boom or chassis, one camera is mounted/m of working width. Processors handle the images and the nozzles are triggered individually for spot treatment of weeds pre-crop emergence. The technique can also be used post-emergence in row crops until the canopy closes. The system can document herbicide application using the in-cab Gen 4 display. This creates…

Available in working widths of 6.0, 9.0 and 12m, the hydraulically powered blades on the Biocutter slice off blackgrass and wild oats heads protruding above the top of the crop. Also suitable for topping bolters in sugar beet, a self-levelling system is standard, and the weight of the three models is a low 610kg, 720kg and 930kg respectively. Price of the 6.0m model at EIMA is around €23,000. All three models fold to a transport width of 2.5m. Made by the Cavalleretti Group, a handful of machines have already been ordered for next year. The company is keen to appoint a UK importer.…

At first glance you won’t see much difference when a new T7 HD pulls up. However, if you take a closer look, there are some subtle changes on the outside: for instance, the more spacious steps; or the new roof line with up to 14 work lights; and the windscreen wiper, which is now located at the bottom. But we’ll get to these items later. Under the bonnet of the HD-frame T7 lurks the same FPT six-cylinder, 6.7-litre motor. The big difference is that it now complies with Stage V exhaust emissions thanks to its new Hi-ESCR2 technology; there's no EGR and the particulate filter is maintenance-free. All good stuff, yet most users will be more concerned with what power the new flagship T7.315 HD produces and how much fuel…

Cab (3.3 out of 5.0 points) Controls are scattered and not always clearly identifiable Takes a while to get familiar with the terminal Not a lot of storage space Plenty of room in the footwell Good ergonomics despite nonadjustable instrument console Comfortable seat with good adjustment Entry/Exit (3.6 out of 5.0 points) Access is fine thanks to adjustable cab steps An additional handle on the left-hand side would be helpful Perfectly adjustable steering column makes it easier to get in and out Visibility (3.5 out of 5.0 points) Good all-round visibility was confirmed in use Rear visibility could be improved (mirror available on request) Good mirrors overall, but protrude outwards Windscreen with good wiper; right window doesn’t have a wiper In work (3.5 out of 5 points) Felt very agile…

Cab (3.7 out of 5.0 points) Screen with plain test shown for button confirmation Scattered controls Thanks to the CANbus system, the colour-coded buttons can be repositioned to where you want them The otherwise good terminal sits in the line of sight to the right Entry/Exit (3.5 out of 5.0 points) Cut-away in the floor makes it safe and easy to hop on and off Door opens wide enough; taller drivers bump into the outside mirror Limited legroom Visibility (3.9 out of 5.0 points) Wide, dark A-posts impede all-round visibility High bonnet restricts visibility Excellent rear visibility thanks to integrated rear-view camera In work (3.6 out of 5 points) Ergonomic JSM joystick is very comfortable to use Hand must rest on the stick to enable hydraulic functions (sensor now allows…

Whether doing the final livestock checks at the end of a busy day or a spot of maintenance in the workshop, with a lamp on your forehead you have both hands free to work and the light always illuminates shadow-free exactly where you're looking. The latest generation of LEDs have yet again pushed the bar for the humble head torch. For example, Ledlenser specifies the luminous flux of the H15R Work headlamp in ‘boost’ mode as a staggering 2,500lm (lumens). That's more than many agricultural machinery work lights have to offer. We measured 11,000 lux from the 170 60W bulbs in the H15R Work. Bright enough to get the job done. Our tip: regardless of the manufacturer, do not let yourself be blinded by the information in the brochures, because…

First out of the block update wise are the premium Stubble Master series. The company has now dropped the Stubble Master 500, 730 and 930 and replaced them with completely re-engineered models. These comprise the 530, 750 and 930. The model number indicates the overall width, the 530 spanning 5.30m, the 730 7.30m and the 930 9.30m. These models are finished in Spearhead green. The existing Multicut 460 and 620 are now replaced by the Multicut 480 and 650, with the model numbers again relating to respective overall widths of 4.80m and 6.50m. These models are finished in a dark grey and are available in Ecoline and Proline versions denoting spec. The Stubble Master is also completely revamped, with a number of key changes when compared to the outgoing range.…

Rather than just put up with all of those little annoyances, profi readers are a resourceful lot, as this selection of self-made, problem-solving tips goes to show. There's everything here: cameras to give a better view; the old chestnut of extra tool storage; more lights to turn night into day; and ways of keeping the mobile office clean and tidy. Have a read to see if any of the tips are applicable on your farm. Also, if you have any of your own mods, please drop us an email so we can share the knowledge. BOX WITH ADDED STORAGE SELF-BUILT CONTROL SYSTEM NOT SO LOUD BALL EYE EXTRA SECURE WIDER STEP HAND THROTTLE BOX WITH EXTINGUISHER AIR ACT PERFECT SPADE HOLDER FINDING SPACE SPRING-LOADED TABLET HOLDER ROOM TO WORK CUP…

When it comes to the building of cow barns, there are generally just two roof covering options: metal cladding or fibre cement. For the vast majority of Irish dairy farms, tin is the go-to material, compared to Big 6 fibre in the UK. But the Butler family has taken a completely different path — a polycarbonate sheeting that allows masses of light into the barn that dominates the yard at Kilmacanearla in County Limerick. Yet this is just part of the business's dairy story. “We had 40 cows and were milking in a six-abreast parlour,” says Simon Butler. “We knew we had to make a decision — to put in a new parlour or get a robot. The first VMS arrived in 2014, and we added a second in 2017.…

As we head into 2023, there’s little sign of an easing in the value of second-hand kit. And Cheffins auctioneer Oliver Godfrey doesn’t foresee this situation changing any time soon. “Big price rises for new machines are being introduced by manufacturers on what seems like a monthly basis,” says Mr Godfrey. “And these increases continue to drag up the value of second-hand kit. On top of that, the supply chain issues remain, with buyers often being quoted a wait of many months for the delivery of new machines. For some, it’s better to have a good quality, second-hand piece of kit in the yard and ready for work, rather than have the uncertainty of waiting on ‘new’.” Also of note is that overseas importers/buyers have reappeared on the UK's second-hand…

Best known in its homeland as a manufacturer of cattle feeding systems and hydraulically-powered trailer axles, Swiss company ARB-Tec has now turned its attention to the Cutaro, the firm’s first self-propelled mower. Suitable for working in both small fields and on hilly land, the manufacturer reckons that the wide low-pressure tyres and light weight of the Cutaro SR1100 of just 8.5t allows it to knock down 11m of grass with the minimum footprint. Powered by a 350hp 7.7-litre MTU engine, there is an active radiator cleaning system and the spec includes an air-suspended cab. Top speed is 40km/hr. The front tyres are 710/50 R26.5 and 560/45 R22.5 on the back. The mowing height is hydraulically adjustable, the central mower is an eight disc unit while the wings have nine discs.…

The old habit of ballasting tyres with water could soon be a thing of the past. BKT reckons that filling its latest-generation VF tyres with liquid can seriously compromise equipment and operator safety and should be avoided. This is because the basis for all test calculations are with air-inflated tyres, and when the boots of high-powered tractors traveling at speeds of 50-60km/hr are filled with water, all safety parameters regarding driving dynamics and the transmission of vibrations are no longer valid, which can cause ‘serious problems’. The Indian tyre manufacturer reckons that ballasting VF (very high flexion) tyres with water is unnecessary. Not only does it make them much stiffer, which compromises performance, water ballasting also nullifies the flotation properties, the main advantage of a VF tyre.…

We almost had a tie-breaker on our hands with the results of last month’s profi Twitter poll. We asked: ‘Would you pay a contractor more for using a NIR sensor to determine the value of your liquid manures?’. However, there was a majority winner with 56.3% of you saying ‘no’ you wouldn’t pay anything extra, while 43.8% said you would. We will be sharing another poll on our Twitter page in the coming weeks, so make sure you head over to @profitractors (or scan the QR code) where we’ll ask: ‘If fitted, how often do you take the front loader off your tractor(s)?’ · At least once a month, once or twice a year or never? Our polls only last seven days so make sure you keep an eye out…

One out of every four high horsepower tractor sold in North America, so that is anything over 120hp, is a Case IH and it is the same ratio for combines, while sprayers it is one in five. Head to Europe and the figures are less favourable, one in every eleven for tractors and one in eight combines. “We are not shy to say these numbers,” says Mirco Romagnoli, VP of Case IH and Steyr for Europe. “I can tell you our objective, what we want to believe, we want to be on the podium of the top three European brands, this is what we are looking to become, we have done it in other places, basically the rest of the world. We are looking to concentrate on tractors, combines and…

ELECTRIC FEEDER Strautmann brought an electrically powered self-propelled mixer wagon to the German show. Called the EPrimus 413, and developed in conjunction with a New Zealand company, the high-voltage battery on the 400V system powers four electric motors: one each for the milling head, mixing auger, drive and hydraulic systems. The battery provides up to two hours of continuous operation. Tub capacity on the 10.7t machine is 13m³. A number of pre-production units will be tested in Germany in 2023. The general release is planned from the next EuroTier in November 2024. A twin vertical auger electric machine is in the pipeline. YARD CLEANER Dutch firm Hanskamp reckons that sand can be used as a bedding material in loose barns. The system envisaged by the company sees liquid seep through…

When buying a telehandler, it is usually not that extra centimetre of lift or deci-newton of lifting force that breaks or makes a deal. In day-to-day use, operating and driving comfort are much more important to the user. Here it's often the little things that prove to be a joy or simply annoying. One such detail is the step up to the cab. After all, how many times in a day do you hop on and off the machine? The recess in the cab floor on the Kramer and Manitou handlers is a real boon, making clambering in and out that bit more comfortable. Other examples are the seat and steering wheel adjustment, ergonomics of the joystick and other cab controls, service and maintenance, the space and position of the…

From our Trion driving impression (profi Harvest Special 2021) we know the cab that now also sits on the Lexion is more spacious, sports narrower pillars and gains extra storage. There are also new seating options: not with a massage function, but with ventilation and a 30° swivel angle. Steering wheel stays, LaserPilot goes We can argue about the merits of not having a steering column, especially since the seat behind it is still slightly offset to the right. But joystick-controlled steering is not on the Claas engineer’s agenda right now. However, there is dynamic steering, so spinning the wheel two-thirds is sufficient for achieving full steering lock. On the subject of Lexion steering, the optional FieldScanner returns to the roof with its own wiper and automatic detection of the…

Cultivator tines, an old iron pipe or a protruding piece of timber, there's a plethora of ways to pierce a tractor tyre. While still annoying with a worn tyre, damaging a newer tyre is bound to test the blood pressure of any tractor owner. There's a ray of hope, however, as it's possible to repair a spiked tyre. “Around 80% of scrapped tyres could still be usable if they were reconditioned or repaired,” reckons Irek Dombrowski. The qualified vulcaniser/tyre mechanic is head of the training department at Tip Top Automotive, the world’s largest manufacturer of tyre repair kits and associated tools. Good for your wallet and the environment It takes up to 150 litres of crude oil to produce a tyre, depending on its size. So it's hardly surprising that…

Tillers Turf Co was founded in 1987 and has been recognised as a leading grower of golf, landscape and wildflower turf products, for many years, supplying homeowners, landscapers and high profile sports facilities throughout the UK and, pre-Brexit, Northern Europe. Back then the turf was grown on an area covering just three hectares……. the company now produces in excess of 26 different turf products on a site approaching 1,000ha. To put the scale of the operation into perspective, there are currently around 100 fields in production, which if put side by side would equate to around 1,100 football pitches. Originally established in North Lincolnshire, the Tillers Turf production site has now moved to the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border. “It is located on some of the best free draining sandy loam soils in…

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In addition to reducing spillages and leaks, Knight Farm Machinery’s Active Rinse system supplies fresh water to key parts of the machine, eliminating spray solution in certain parts of the sprayer and actively cleaning other parts during spraying. Operating independently of the chemical system, and available as an option on all the company’s sprayers, Active Rinse automatically tops up the sprayer’s on-board clean water tank during main tank filling. It can also be used to reduce filling time of the main chemical tank by diverting excess clean water to it. It can also be used to rinse the tank, even when the sprayer is working. This is said to be particularly useful at the end of a job when the sprayer is close to empty, as a measured flow can…

Precision planters was one of the appeals of the Italian implement maker for Pöttinger who completed the purchase prior to the Italian EIMA show. MaterMacc was of course part of the Chinese owned Lovol Arbos Group who back in 2016 set out to increase and modernise the range of implements. The Pöttinger deal includes the plant at San Vito al Tagliamento in Northern Italy and the 80 staff based there. For now the brand, sales, dealer network and spare parts supply will remain the same, however the new owners say they will contribute their know how to help achieve success in new segments. “With this acquisition we have taken another step towards a successful future. The innovative products for modern agriculture and the passion of the people at MaterMacc fit…

Indian manufacturer Preet reckons to make around 2,000 combine harvesters and 10,000 tractors a year. The engines in its tractors are still at Stage IIIa emissions level, but the company confidently expects to have inhouse built Stage V engines in both 50hp and 75hp models in Europe within the next four months, followed by 90hp and 100hp tractors ready to drive onto the stand at Agritechnica next November. The transmission in the current A-series models comes from Carraro, but Preet is developing an in-house version. The axles are also from Carraro and Fritzmeier supplies the cab.…

It remains to be seen whether we will ever see a full size electrically-powered round baler, but a prototype for small 25kg bales for feeding to horses was on the Caeb International stand. Consuming just 5kW, the single electric motor on the baler powers the belts and a hydraulic ram to open the bale chamber door. No hydraulic supply from the tractor is required, just an electric power supply. If it makes it to the commercial stage then it is likely to cost a third more than the current pto-powered baler.…

HOE DEPTH CONTROL The intelligent electro-hydraulic depth control system developed by CMN Maskintec uses an ultrasonic sensor on each row unit to automatically maintain the pre-set working depth on its interrow hoes. Once the required depth has been programmed, the system continuously adjusts the depth of individual row units. Available on new machines from 3.0m to 9.0m (two to 36 rows), benefits of maintaining the correct working depth of 1-2cm include less risk of covering the plants with soil and reduced evaporation. The company has also developed a steering frame for its hoes. HIGH-RISE TIPPER ACJ Maskiner’s Greenloader chaser trailer empties 27m³ of grass and maize silage in just 60 seconds. Also suitable for root crops, maximum unloading height is 4.5m and the tyres are of the size 710/70 R42.…

Two farmers were stood gazing out on a field, when one turns to the other and says: “there's not a single stone in that field; they're all married and come from big families”. Anyone dealing with a large amount of in-field aggregate will know exactly what he means. To help break up some of these large families, the Scandinavians have become quite adept at building stone harvesting machinery. Pel Tuote from Finland is one such manufacturer, and its machines, better known as Kivi-Pekka, are able to pick stones up to 50cm in diameter from the topsoil down to 10cm deep, although most owners will just work the upper 5-7cm. These stone collectors come in working widths between 3.3m and 7.0m. We field-tested the second largest model with a 6.0m working…

Tempo F drills became available in the UK from early 2012, these six-and eight-row planters having the row units spaced at 750mm. Targeting those sowing maize, the combination of being able to run at speeds of up to 17km/hr and place fertilizer at the same time has made the trailed Tempo F a sought after used buy. Taking a sidestep, other Tempo models with more row units and a toolbar offering variable spacings of between 450mm and 800mm clearly increase the potential of the Väderstad’s fast paced planter and can drill a wider range of crops. A good number of early Tempo F users have since moved to other models such as the increasingly popular and versatile Tempo V. Regardless of model, the problem a used buyer will face is…

I converted a Steyr Hamster forage wagon into a self-loading trailer for round bales. The guide rails on the side and the loading arm are made from 100mm tube and 80mm box steel. The loading fork hinges at the front, right under the trailer floor, and it's operated by a double-acting ram. On the left-hand side I attached the mounting for the upper loading arm. This is also double-acting. The floor chain sprockets are powered by a hydro motor. To run everything, an electromagnetic valve block with three double-acting functions plus an adjustable throttle in the pressure line is installed on the loader wagon. The valves are operated by a radio-controlled relay, which is housed in a waterproof casing. The remote control lives in the tractor and doesn’t require a…

With potatoes and turnips in the mix, Doyle Produce wanted a drill that was capable of working in wet conditions at the back end of the year. The Kilkenny-based business has a good area of rented ground that still needs to turn a profit when growing cereals, and this is part of the reason the farm has taken operations entirely back in house. Previously, small grains were established by a contractor with a 3.0m power harrow drill combination; however, the time pressure with organising staff and tractors for cultivations was stretching the working day. Having staff waiting is something Eddie Doyle wants to avoid, as it increases costs. “This is a family farm, but we need to be efficient, as all staff want to get through work quickly, accurately and…

Thanks to the criminally exponential nature of our electricity bills I have already threatened my family with unscrewing every light bulb, force feeding them all carrots and painting the bog seats with radium. In the fields, however, light isn't as hard to come by, owing to a recent campaign of swapping halogen work lights for LEDs. The quantity of light now produced for a similar power input is staggering. Fantastic, wins all round and a big pat on the back…erm, no. As brilliant as the light output may be, it is the literal brilliance of it that has caused me a few issues. It all stems from the high colour temperature of the LEDs and the white, almost blue, light that seems to wash the colour and contrast from whatever…