Tractor test
130hp Massey Ferguson triple test:
Like many of its competitors, Massey Ferguson offers a huge choice of tractor models. For example, buyers of a 130hp steed must select from three different ranges before then wading through an almost endless list of options. Our test highlights the MF diversity within this sector, as well as suggesting which of the red-brand models is best suited to a particular application.
Practical test
Hardi Navigator 4000:
Sitting smack-bang in the middle of Hardi’s trailed sprayer line-up, the middleweight Navigator is a real mix of simple spec and top-end tech. To obtain a true picture of how it performs we ran a 4,000-litre model with 27m booms for a full season last year.
Driving impression
New Holland Intelligent Trailer Braking System:
Generally speaking, slowing down a CVT-equipped tractor is as easy as taking your foot off the drive pedal. But this might not be such a good idea when pulling a heavy trailer, because if things go pear-shaped it could lead to jackknifing. CNH Industrial has looked into the issue and come up with an intriguing solution, which the New Holland brand dubs Intelligent Trailer Braking System.
SpreadPoint SP600:
Keeping skilled full-time staff busy in quieter months is a challenge for many farming operations. In order to retain its valued team, the Kane family is leaning on its engineering know-how to manufacture a lime spreader range under the SpreadPoint banner. We take an exclusive look at the SP600.
Claas Disco Move:
Claas already has a plethora of front mowers but still felt there was room for one more variant. Hugging the ground like a stealthy snail is the Disco Move. So how does it maintain such close contact?
Livestock equipment
Rosendale Dairy, Wisconsin
With around 9,000 cows, Rosendale is the largest dairy farm in the North American state of Wisconsin.
Used machinery
Strautmann Giga Vitesse:
Although Strautmann Giga Vitesse forage wagons may look pretty much the same today as they did when we considered these models as a pre-owned buy nearly a decade ago (profi 02/10), they have evolved. The most obvious change? The company’s CFS Continuous Flow System pick-up.
Technical
Smart Ag AutoCart chaser bin:
North American firm Smart Ag is believed to be the first to market a system that allows a combine driver to control a driverless chaser bin tractor.
Workshop
How it works: Powder coating
You’ve probably heard that a powder coat finish is more durable than spray paint. Here’s a look at the job and its potential benefits.
Machine management
Grain drying and storage on mixed Yorkshire farm:
With grain drying and handling something of a bottleneck at harvest time, one Yorkshire grower went back to the drawing board to seek a costeffective way to improve his storage logistics.
Report
Shelbourne Reynolds XCV 42 stripper header:
The potential to improve performance from no-till drills, which can work into standing straw rather than a mat of chopped residue, could see a resurgence in stripper header popularity. With this partly in mind, Shelbourne Reynolds has refined operation on its latest version
Vehicles:
Mitsubishi L200 vs SsangYong Musso pick-ups::
Back to mundane work transport for this vehicle test, with a look at double-cab pick-ups at the more affordable end of the market. On the menu: offerings from Mitsubishi and SsangYong.
