Tractor test

Challenger MT765C rubber-tracked tractor:

It’s how they roll

The last time we looked at the Challenger MT700 line was as the subject of a used machinery guide in the September 2008 issue, where we focused on A- and B-series tractors. No surprises, then, that now it’s the turn of the ‘C’. Mervyn Bailey finds out how a 3,631-hour Challenger MT765C is faring on a large vegetable farm

Practical test

Cultivator drills compared part IV:

Combos at a glance

Here’s an overview of the six drill combos tested. By comparing the linked lines across the page, you can see how each outfit fares against the competition in term of its power harrow, press, hopper and metering, seed placement and use in the field. The grey bar in the background represents the average mark of all models tested

Six cultivator drills compared part III:

The happiest of combinations

For a combination drill to be a pleasure to use, its calibration should be simple and adjustments easy to make. So for the third and final part of this six-drill comparison, we put power harrow and drill together and work with them

Driving impression

MF 9407 telehandler:

Boom down, visibility up

Massey Ferguson recently switched its Bobcat-sourced 8900 telescopic materials handlers to a brand new 9000-series. We couldn’t resist the chance to sample the top-line MF 9407 model, and here’s what we discovered

Simba Great Plains Centurion 600 drill:

A new soldier in the field

It has been some time since we’ve seen a drill decked out in Simba yellow, with the last Free Flow shipped from the Sleaford factory in 2004. Much has happened in the interim, however. A buy-out by US manufacturer Great Plains, and former partner Horsch going its own way, have prompted the Lincs-based firm to develop the currently under evaluation Centurion seeder. Mervyn Bailey catches up with

Claas Axion 950

Heavy metal

Prepare for some new battle lines to be drawn in the 400hp+ conventional tractor sector as global manufacturers up the ante. Latest contender is Claas with its new Axion 900 line-up, which, for now, claims to be the world’s most powerful tractor family on a conventional rigid chassis. Topping out at 410hp and tipping the scales at 12.5t, the flagship Axion 950 model certainly comes with some

Livestock equipment

Wind and solar power on Norfolk pig farm:

Power from puff, plus help from the sun

On-farm electricity production is an attractive proposition for many livestock farmers — and it’s one now enhanced by the introduction of Feed-in Tariffs. Andy Collings takes a look at one Norfolk stock farmer’s experience in setting up a wind turbine

Used machinery

Zetor Proxima four-cylinder tractors:

Simple checks for a simple Czech

After a period that saw strong export sales seriously deplete stocks of its used tractors, Zetor has pushed hard to persuade its dealers to keep more units, such as the Proxima, back for the second-hand UK and Irish markets. James de Havilland reports on whether this policy is working for both suppliers and customers

Workshop

Winterise your sprayer:

Safely to bed

Don’t be caught out if this winter turns out to be another hard one. Keep your sprayer from Jack Frost’s nip with this easy routine from Mike Bywater, southern area support specialist for Househam Sprayers. Andrew Pearce acts as scribe

From the workshop:

Simple solutions to perennial problems

Mike Donovan fills your Christmas stocking with a feast of low-cost, workshop-generated ideas to make everyday farming life just that little bit easier. Our particular favourite this month is strap-on plastic protection for the hedger tractor, which not only reduces the risk of glass-shattering incidents but also preserves the tractor’s paintwork and, ultimately, its resale value. Read on for

Around the world

  • No pilot required for this chopper
  • New planters at Agri Mega Week Expo
  • Gas drilling in Pennsylvania
  • The ultimate chainsaw

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

Tractor guide 2012 update

Our tractor guide shows max engine hp for draft work and, if available, max hp with boost. Other columns: engine (T = turbo, capacity in litres, E = electronic fuel and/or engine mgt); shuttle (P/S = power shuttle, S/S = synchro shuttle); transmission; hydraulics (G = gear pump, P = piston pump, max output in litres/min, M = manual spools, E = electric spools); and linkage (capacity in tonnes, E =

Electronics

Four steering-assist systems:

More guidance on guidance

We serve up a second helping of GPS-based steering tech, as Andrew Pearce and Geert Hekkert explore individual brands