Innehållsförteckning för February 2025 från Profi

As I type, there’s a glimmer of hope, or could that just be the flickering Christmas lights outside the window? As I've said before, I always try to look at the glass half full. It doesn’t always work out that way, but that’s the ambition: think positive, and positive things will happen. So, sticking with the mentally positive, the general feeling for now is the farm machinery business will start to recover towards the end of 2025. Or, at least, that’s the feedback from manufacturers. And for farmers to start spending again, that must mean things are going to improve. Fingers crossed, then. In the words of Donald Sutherland in Kelly’s Heroes: “I mean like so many positive waves maybe we can’t lose!”. Things can only get better; let’s hope…

The 9,400l triple tank on the 12.25 LC, a new model in the Avatar family, is split 50:15:35, and it can also carry a 400l MiniDrill, allowing it to deliver up to four separate products. Only available as a 12m model, the Avatar LC offers a 3,000l increase over the 12m Avatar SD. With its single-row design of SingleDisc coulters and a row spacing of 25cm, this latest Avatar is said to be ideal for mechanical population control and for different sowing methods, such as direct seed, mulch seed and into standing catch crops. The 12m drill folds to a transport width of 3.0m.…

A diet feeder should be able to do one thing above everything else — mix. And this is where Euromilk’s Rino FX1200 HD+ scored top marks, quickly mixing a variety of ingredients. Before we talk shop, let’s introduce you to Euromilk. The Polish Gama Group was formed in 1996, making milking systems from its factory in north-eastern Poland, situated 150km from Warsaw. The Euromilk name was introduced in 2007, and it built its first mixer in 2011. Today, the firm’s product line comprises horizontal mixers, tub feeders, manure spreaders and slurry tankers. Back to why we are here, our test machine was a single-auger Rino FX1200 HD+, though British distributor H F Evans and Son says 18 to 24m³ twin-auger machines are proving to be its bread and butter ……

The revised 6M line-up is more about conquest, than giving its current 6R users a less costly alternative. Or, at least, that is the sales pitch coming from the Deere mothership. It does concede that there will be some current owners who will take the opportunity to save a bit of dosh and opt for the 6M, now that it boasts a wider range of options, particularly in the transmission department, However, some operators may not be too thrilled about the prospect of going from the spacious office space of the 6R to the older M accommodation, even with its freshened-up furniture. As well as giving current ‘M’ people more choice, the new generation is there to lure in non-Deere purchasers with a more cost conscious offering. Very broadly speaking,…

Slope tractors are specialist bits of kits, but don’t think they are just for working steep fields on the side of a mountain — dykes, embankments and highway verges are also where you'll find these niche machines. One slope tractor maker is Sauerburger. This manufacturer has recently introduced its lightweight tool carrier — the Grip 4-140 — which tips the scales at just 4.2 tonnes, has a 142hp maximum output and a power-split transmission. It sticks with the low centre of gravity frame design that’s already used in the smaller Grip 4-70 and 4-75 models. The majority of the components sit below the central axle pivot at the front end, for a low centre of gravity and a reduced risk of tipping over. The engine is mounted on the right,…

The range of possible applications for a tractor are as varied as the tuning tips from profi readers to optimise their steeds. The many and diverse submissions are always interesting, making you wonder why the manufacturers haven’t yet come up with one or two of these ideas themselves. What we found particularly interesting in one of these reader submissions was how components from the furniture industry can be used in the cab. If you have some tractor modifications of your own, then please get in touch. Don't be put off by thinking your mod is too simple or basic. Not everyone will have thought of it. And it might inspire other ideas, too. LINK ARM PINNED UP This reader uses a cutaway pipe to fix the lift arms of his…

Capturing soil pressure distribution through measurement is a complex process. In addition, inserting any measurement tools into the soil may alter the soil’s condition, and results can vary significantly depending on the condition of the soil and the traffic history of the field. For these reasons, insights and experience from hundreds of field and lab tests have been integrated into various simulation programs. Check out the 'Two simulation programs' panel below. Simulation shows the difference To show the differences among tyres, this comparison uses the software tool from the Technical University of Dresden to simulate soil compaction effects at depth. This simulation effectively reveals the potential compaction damage and its long-term impacts on soil structure. Increased fuel consumption, due to higher rolling resistance, is just one outcome of incorrect tyre…

At first glance, the beautifully kept Ankerslund farm looks like your typical agricultural enterprise in the undulating countryside near the Danish Baltic Sea coast … if it wasn’t for the small grey Fergie and the sign at the entrance to the farm: “Danmarks Ferguson Museum, Verdens største Ferguson Samling”. The company confidently boasts itself as being the host of the “world’s largest Ferguson collection”. The company’s opening hours are also impressive: open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Ferguson days On the day of our visit, it was clear that everything here revolves around Massey Ferguson: the grey and red exhibits are scattered all over the place. Every year at the end of May, the museum organizes the Ferguson Days, when many of the tractors and implements that are normally on…

Founded in 2020, EasyTraktor wants to rethink the rental business. It is looking to make tractor hire more simple, more digital, more reliable … and with full cost transparency. The young company offers annual rental agreements with a minimum of 300 hours, but more on that in a moment. Meeting the demand for flexibility EasyTraktor reports there is growing demand for seasonal ag machinery, driven by the increasing need for flexible and on-demand solutions. Its customers value the reduced capital investment required and the ability to adapt to changing workloads. Nothing much new there with regards to the benefit of hiring. Keeping it simple The basic idea behind EasyTraktor is to keep the business simple for everyone involved. For the customer, this means that they can select what tractor they…

Out FEBRUARY 5th TRACTOR TEST CVT pulling power Is a CVT the right transmission for heavy draft work? For our next profi test, the test team takes a close look at the pulling performance of 15 tractors to find out. REPORT Dalbo factory Dalbo has a long history in the UK, where many arable/livestock farms use one of the comnpany’s rollers, or know of someone who does. We’ve been to the factory in Denmark to see where they're made. REPORT MB-Trac working day Last year, over 200 MB-Trac and Unimog models gathered at Dohren in Germany. Originally, there were only supposed to be 50 participants, but, once word got around, it was a case of …. "We want to come, too!" DRIVING IMPRESSION Sicma RK520 Rotary cultivators are enjoying a…

A three-year/3,000 hours extended warranty package is available with the Fendt 900 Vario, with a common upgrade to five-years/5,000 hours or eight-years/8,000 hours. Providing the selected original extended warranty is still in place, it may be extended on a used tractor by up to eight years/8,000 hours as a cost option at the discretion of the supplying dealer and Fendt. The few Fendt 900 Vario MT models that have entered the used market to date will typically have shown north of 4,500 hours on the clock and sold for upwards of £195,000. Dealers suggest these tractors were typically sold initially with a five-year warranty option and that it is worth purchasing an extended warranty for peace of mind. What is believed to be the highest hour Fendt MT in Europe…

The Somerset Vintage & Classic Tractor Show is staged at the Royal Bath & West Showground on Saturday and Sunday 25-26 January. It’s a great event for all agricultural enthusiasts particularly and makes a great day out for all the family. This year there will be about 300 tractors on display ranging from early models, built from about 1920 up to the latest models we see farmers use today. There is plenty of trade stands, with 1,000’s of spares, tools, autojumble, books and model tractors for sale. The special feature for 2025 is Ford and Fordson tractors and the feature hall will be just full of them including the Ford and Fordson Association who will have a stand here at the show. The 2024 show donated: £3,300 to Dorset &…

Still awaiting the arrival of your Grenadier 4x4? Good news. Ineos says delivery times for 2025 vehicle orders will soon be slashed from the previous average of six months plus, down to more like two to three months. Reasoning behind this dramatic improvement is that Ineos’s Hambach factory in France will reopen in early January, following on from a forced shut-down for the final quarter of 2024 due to ‘critical component shortage’ in its supply chain. This welcome news comes in tandem with wider availability of the latest Grenadier 4x4 variant, the farm-targeted Grenadier Commercial, which sells alongside Ineos’s other model ranges, the Station Wagon and Quartermaster. Starting at a price of around £52,000, the Commercial, which tows 3.5t, is only sold in the UK and is based on the…

CARR’S JOINS MERLO DEALER NETWORK Carr’s Billington has taken on the Merlo agricultural franchise in Cumbria and the North East, representing the brand from its depots in Carlisle, Hexham and Morpeth. Bringing the total of Merlo agricultural dealers to 36 with over 50 points of sale and service across the UK, Carr’s will handle sales and repairs and stock a wide range of fast-moving parts. “We are excited to add the Merlo product range to fill a gap and strengthen our portfolio,” comments machinery director Tom Jobling. STOLL CLOSES POLISH FACTORY German front loader manufacturer Stoll blames the weaker demand for agricultural machinery for the closure of its Polish plant in Slupsk. Production will be transferred to the locations in Germany and the Czech Republic. The closure of the facility…

Available with five to eight furrows, and designed for tractors up to 650hp, the Diamant 18 semi-reversible plough is said to provide optimum soil penetration even on dry soils. This is partly due to the updated wheel position behind the base frame. This makes the best possible use of the extra frame weight for optimum soil penetration. The new wheel position also lowers the plough’s centre of gravity so that it is subjected to less rotational forces. Despite its extended wheelbase, the hydraulic steering system for the transport wheel automatically adapts the steering angle to the turning manoeuvre and, in combination with the 90-degree steering angle on the plough headstock, enables the smallest possible turning radius on headlands. The transport wheel can also be actively controlled and manually steered. The…

Amazone has increased the hopper capacity of its well proven ZA-TS mounted spreader models, which can now hold up to 5,000 litres. However, this applies only to lightweight fertilisers such as urea, because the max payload is still 4,500kg — something to be aware of. To be certain of this, Amazone has included an automatic warning into the software that sounds when overloaded by more than 5%. The complete name is ZA-TS 5000 Hydro ProfisPro. Which means the following: ● ZA: Centrifugal broadcaster, mounted● TS: AutoTS boundary spreading system● 5000: Volume in litres● Hydro: ISObus with hydraulic drive● ProfisPro: Weighing technology and torque measurement. Straightforward attachment The fertiliser spreader couples via Cat. III linkage spacing. Next, there are the hydraulic connectors for the load-sensing system, which on this machine were…

Back in 2009, Claas introduced the V-Max drum fitted with distinctive curved knives. This drum design has proved its worth over the years, to the extent that the firm is now adding a new variation called the V-Flex. This new drum and knife layout is in response to a global customer demand, with initial development kicking off in 2014 and a main design focus on power input, wear and returns. As the heart of the forager, the drum not only has to cut the crop but also accelerate and throw the chopped material. Provided the knives are sharp, around 50% of power is used for cutting, whereas the other 50% accelerates the harvested material. Moreover, wear and tear doesn’t just impact the chopping capability; it also affects the material flow,…

The RK22 not only looks modern, but there has also been some serious freshening up of the electric and hydraulic systems — both for the Keiler 2 with four hedgehog webs and the Keiler 2 Classic with two separators. As previously, the lifting unit is available in different versions, with or without diablo rollers and in various depth wheel and coulter disc configurations. The lifting unit has hydraulic depth wheels now; and potato and onion growers can order an all-round lifting unit for harvesting tubers from the swath or ridges without swapping lifting units. A new feature on the left side of the RK22 is an unsprung concave disc with a serrated edge (510mm in diameter) for clearing haulm. The hydraulic control block on the lifting unit has also changed…

It’s only been in the last 15 to 20 years that the concept of using tub-grinders to process straw and forage has really taken off in the UK and Europe. An idea originally conceived in the US, the basic principle is simple – ground almost to dust, straw is more absorbent than when it is simply chopped. It also makes mucking out sheds a whole lot easier. For anaerobic digesters there’s a big benefit to feedstocks that are ground to a fine pulp yield more gas and are easier to stir. More and more Scandinavian biogas producers also like to mill wet grain straight from the field. By adding propionic acid, they can store the grain for a long time without incurring high drying costs. From an importer to a…

Fendt has a problem in the upper power class: the Favorit tractor series only goes up to 185hp. The designers and engineers in Marktoberdorf in the Allgäu region are thus developing new high-powered tractors to serve the growing demand for models over 200hp. That’s for sure. What’s also for sure is the new Favorit series will have up to 230hp. Because we have already driven a 230hp prototype: with new styling, new cab, new engine and new transmission. Although it’s hard to pinpoint all the details of a new tractor range in the field, the list of visible and noticeable innovations is impressive. Read on to find out more. The new Favorit will have a MAN engine. Our prototype was equipped with a six-cylinder engine with turbocharger and intercooler, delivering…

2024 was a milestone year for the CNH plant in Basildon, which not only produced the two-millionth tractor, but also celebrated its 60th anniversary. Opened in 1964 on a greenfield site, the skyline of the plant, which started out making Ford tractors and engines, is dominated by the lofty and listed ‘white onion’ water tower. For those of you that are old enough to remember, the 2000 to 5000 models (from 37-65hp) were the first blue and white Ford tractors assembled at Basildon. Popular Ford tractors from the 1970s included the 600-series (2600 to 7600, 37-97hp), then various 10-series tractors and later the 40 series (75-125hp) were made here in the 90s. So too were the New Holland 60 and Fiatagri M series (100-165hp). Indeed, there have been many more…

TRANSMISSION Vario with Tractor Management System, forward-reverse shuttle and stop. Multi-function joystick with cruise control, engine speed memory, automatic modes and controls for hydraulics. Varioterminal 10.4'' touchscreen and key control GUIDANCE AND PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE SYSTEM Standard Trimble/NovAtel Contour Assistant, Smart Connect, telemetry and agronomy packages to include ISObus machine control, Section Control and Variable Rate Control. Seek advice–a wide range of systems are available. CAB Mechanical cab suspension, air sprung Super Comfort and Instructor seats. Height and tilt-adjustable steering column. Stepless ventilation fans with automatic climate control. Window blinds. Parallel wipers front and window wash/wipe rear. Electrically adjustable heated rear view mirrors. Radar sensor CHASSIS SmartRide suspension with ContantGrip. Infinite track adjustment. Compressed air option. REAR LINKAGE AND DRAWBAR External lift controls. Capacity 11,500kg. Category 4 drawbar with Category 3…

13-14 January 2025 Cambridge Machinery Sale. The Saleground, Sutton, Ely, Cambridge CB6 2QT. Cheffins, tel: 01353 777767. 17 January 2025 Online Plant & Machinery Auction. Brightwells, www.brightwells.com 25 January 2025 Auction at Somerset Vintage & Classic Tractor Show. The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. H J Pugh, tel: 01531 631122. 30 January 2025 Online Plant, Machinery Sundry Items Auction. Brightwells, www.brightwells.com 1 February 2025 Monthly Live & Online Machinery Sale. Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. Kivells, tel: 01409 253253. 5-7 February 2025 Auction – Online, telephone & commission bids only. Mathewsons, tel: 01751 474455 www.mathewsons.co.uk 10-11 February 2025 Cambridge Machinery Sale. The Saleground, Sutton, Ely, Cambridge CB6 2QT. Cheffins, tel: 01353 777767. 14 February 2025 Online Plant & Machinery Auction. Brightwells, www.brightwells.com 22 February 2025 Spring Tractor World…

JANUARY 2024 COVER STORY Springham Farm INSIDE Vineyard & Winery Show, CLM, Farm Construction FEBRUARY 2024 COVER STORY Supply chain pressures INSIDE Farm Expo preview MARCH 2024 COVER STORY Lambing at Hadlow College INSIDE Wiltshires APRIL 2024 COVER STORY SOES INSIDE Farm Expo preview M&A Brown & Sons MAY 2024 COVER STORY Protest highlights challenges facing farmers INSIDE Southern Farmers JUNE 2024 COVER STORY South East Forestry INSIDE JD Richmond & Son JULY 2024 COVER STORY Fruit Focus preview INSIDE NP Seymour AUGUST 2024 COVER STORY FW Mansfield & Son INSIDE New Labour government. Fruit Focus review. Groundswell SEPTEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Incoming Government promises stability INSIDE Ploughing match fixtures OCTOBER 2024 COVER STORY Mousehall transforms into a sustainable distillery and winery INSIDE National Fruit Show preview NOVEMBER 2024 COVER…

Chinese manufacturer Lingong Agricultural Machinery (LCAG) recently previewed the X6004-9E, a 600hp (440.4kW) articulated tractor. Claimed as the most powerful hybrid on the market, the 16-litre Yuchai YCK16-400kW six-pot hybrid unit in the first 9E series model is mated to a generator, which supplies power to a battery or directly to an e-CVT-type electric transmission. The pto and hydraulic pumps are also driven electrically and the tractor recovers energy when braking. The Chinese manufacturer claims that this approach provides high torque across the entire speed range. Finished in the same grey sheet metal and light green chassis as the Chinese manufacturer’s construction and mining machines, the tractor stands on eight Lingong-branded 650/85 R38 tyres. It is hinted that a tracked version in on the way.…

The PowerDrive full powershift is now available in the Case IH Puma 240 as an alternative to the standard CVXDrive CVT. Available on models with electronic or mechanical remote valves, the new transmission option provides 18 or 19 forward speeds, depending on whether the tractor is ordered in 40km/hr or 50km/hr maximum speed configuration. The largest Puma model previously available with PowerDrive full powershift was the 220hp Puma 220 (260hp max with boost). Elsewhere in the Puma range, customers can now choose larger 2.05m tyres for the 185 and 200 with CVXDrive, previously only larger models in the range could have these. In addition, a beefier front axle is available on the full powershift Puma 185-240. Boosting load capacity by 13% (useful when operating front-mounted equipment or a loader), the…

Yes, we are very much aware that a radio isn't the most important of criteria when buying a new tractor. But then if you spend many, many hours on your main mover year after year, good entertainment can really make your work days much more enjoyable, listening to your favourite music or podcasts. Then there are the hands-free phone systems — they are only of use if they actually work well. Seven systems in comparison Reason enough for us to carry out an initial comparison. We contacted all the leading tractor makers and asked them to put their best foot forward and supply us with a tractor with their highest spec audio kit option that is available from the factory. Deutz-Fahr and McCormick were unable or unwilling to supply a…

People like the TM320S; in fact, JCB says it’s a best seller. However, for some, its physical stature means it is just that bit too big. Which is where the new TM280 and TM280S step in. As it turns out, these two 2.75t capacity handlers actually sit lower than the long-serving 2.2t capacity, 55kW/74hp TM220. More compact The two 280 models have been developed in a very short time — just over two years at the behest of Lord Bamford. To do this, the JCB engineering team has used some familiar components from the larger TM320 so it garners the same look and feel. For instance, the cab is from the bigger models, but due to a new chassis design it sits 20cm lower, the TM280 standing 2.59m tall on…

Back in 2018, we gathered a mixed range of seven ATVs together for a group test, with the 55hp 749cc V-twin Kawasaki Brute Force among them. Back then, this was the only Kawasaki ATV available. This is something the company will address this year with the introduction the all-new Brute Force 450, a 33hp four-stroke single that will no doubt please those who find a 750 V-twin a bit too much. Our aim was to try the smaller model together with its bigger brother, comparing the 450s 33Nm of torque against the 58Nm developed by the 750. But the 450 will not arrive in dealer showrooms until early 2025 and a test model had yet to reach the UK. This meant we had just the latest 750 to try. With…

Massey Ferguson could previously be accused of baffling non-red brand followers with its tractor model line-up, with two different tractor series, the 6700 Global and 6700S both having similar numbers on bonnets of these two tractors but targeting different users. By simply dropping the ‘700’ element of the ‘S’ series, there is now much clearer water between the 4.9 litre 6S models and the economy focussed 4.4 litre 120hp 6712 Global and the 130hp 6713 Global. In fairness, few would have been confused between these ranges for long, but what about a used buyer faced with the choice of a late 6700S and current 6S series? This is less easy. On paper these different tractor generations appear to offer much the same in terms of power and specification. Used prices…

Measuring pto speeds and torques directly on the shaft is not only an interesting prospect for our machine tests, but it should also be of potential interest to many implement manufacturers and workshops. True, this has been possible for some time, but the devices usually need a cable to provide a power supply and transmit the data. This is not only time-consuming, but it can also quickly lead to some significant problems – spinning driveshafts and wiring… Non-contact measuring The new measuring system developed by Melectric works on the fundamental principle of magnetoelasticity, which means that the magnetic field of ferromagnetic material changes when exposed to forces. The changes of the magnetic field are measured by non-contact sensors and then evaluated by the electronic system. According to Melectric, the basic…

The modern Massen shopping centre in Wemperhardt, Luxembourg, rates as 'well worth a visit'. Owned by Arsène Laplume, the centre spans a 12ha site and has its own bakery, an abattoir with meat processing facilities, a delicatessen, and a chocolate factory. Top quality and adding value are priorities for the 70-year-old, who gave us a behind-the-scenes tour during our visit. But we were not here to go shopping; we came to look at Arsène’s tractor collection. Turning a business into a hobby The Luxembourg entrepreneur started out in agriculture nearly 50 years ago. In 1977, he took over his father-in-law’s agricultural machinery dealership. “At the time, we were still trading Zetor, but I quickly switched to Steyr as all the other brands were already well represented in Luxembourg.” The site,…

MR and S A Morley farms 160ha of arable and 80ha of grass including SFI leys near Pickering in Yorkshire. Since Mike Morley joined the business alongside his mother and late father, he has expanded the livestock interests to 120 store cattle raised from 150-500kg, of which 90 are wagyu plus 2,000 ‘bed and breakfast’ pigs. “It keeps us busy,” he comments. “My wife also runs a glamping and group accommodation business on our own farm, and all told there’s not much time for sitting on a tractor.’ With soils varying from heavy clays to gravel, the farm has been min-tilled for some 25 years, Mike explains. “Some land will plough but just doesn’t work down. We use a Väderstad Carrier to chit, but as we don’t plough, any compaction…

Hot off the back of last month’s victory troubleshooting a Valtra with fuelling issues, my very own Valtra had obviously become jealous of the attention I had lavished on this newcomer. It decided to teach me a lesson by brandishing some angry looking warning lights and then stubbornly refusing to move. Now somewhat familiar with Valtra error codes, I knew that those I was being confronted with were indicating a fuel pressure problem. Solving this should be easy then. No sweat. Seen this before and bought the T-shirt. Unfortunately, no, as my particular Valtra sports an early adoption of an advancement in fuel injection brought on by the quest for reduced emissions and increased efficiency — the common rail. Instead of a mechanical pump delivering a pulse of high pressure…