Tractor test
Tractor test: Fendt 211 Vario
CVT joins the little league
The Fendt Vario 200 may not hold the same mass market appeal of its larger stablemates, yet it is still packed with plenty of interesting features, including the firm’s established Vario CVT. For this test we concentrate on the 200 line’s flagship model, the 74kW/100hp 211 Vario
Practical test
Eight silage wagons compared – part I video
Eight silage wagons compared – part I:
32 wheels on our wagon(s)
There are plenty of points to compare on precision-chop forage wagons: pick-ups, rotors, chop lengths, capacities, operation and maintenance. Which means that with eight different machines to compare there’s a lot to talk about. We start in part I with a look at their different specs; part II follows in the June magazine
Driving impression
Amazone Pantera 4001 sprayer:
Pantera on the prowl
Amazone is looking for its slice of the UK self-propelled sprayer cake. The Pantera is aimed at the popular 4,000-litre sector with booms spanning up to 40m and technology that should play a major part in winning over customers. Mervyn Bailey reports
JCB skid-steer loader range:
On the skids
The arrival of JCB’s new wheeled and tracked skid-steer loaders sees the UK manufacturer extend its range and move into the heavy end of the market. Geoff Ashcroft reports from Savannah, USA, where the first models have already started to roll off the company’s production line
Livestock equipment
Robot milking on a greenfield site:
Leave the milking to a machine
Making the decision to switch over to robotic milking technology is not one to be taken lightly: it’s not just the herd’s cows that have to change; the farmer also has to get used to the robot, too. Andy Collings visits two dairy farms where robotic systems are now being installed – to discover the decision-making process
Used machinery
New Holland FR9000 forage harvesters:
To FR, with love
The first New Holland FR9000 forage harvesters came to the UK in 2008, with the middle output 537hp FR9060 subsequently going on to be the range’s top seller. Now that three-year-old FR9060 models are appearing on the ‘used’ market at around £130,000 plus, should you be tempted into splashing the cash? James de Havilland seeks some answers
Workshop
From the workshop:
Simple solutions to perennial problems
This month’s ‘simple solutions’ pages deliver the usual confectionary of tips and tricks – to make everyday farming life either easier, safer, or simply more efficient. Judge and jury, Mike Donovan, is always on the lookout for further additions to his extensive collection, so, if you’ve anything suitable stowed in your ideas locker, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the details at the
New Holland BB9070 baler
BB…ready for baling
Not so long now before balers, big and small, start to roll for another summer season. So here’s a timely two-part look at how to give New Holland’s BB9000-series machines the once-over, with guidance from Simon Wales, technician at Ernest Doe’s Big Baler Centre, Marlesford, Suffolk. Andrew Pearce delivers the words and pictures
Machine management
Growing celeriac and potatoes in the Netherlands:
Farmer Ted directs the in-field traffic
One of Europe’s largest celeriac growers is developing a one-of-a-kind controlled traffic system. Steven Vale paid several visits to Dutch farmer Ted Vaalburg, who relies on an unusual fleet of modified equipment to plant and harvest his high-value crops
Report
Grassland and Muck 2011 preview:
Sweet smell of grass and muck
The two-day national Grassland and Muck event is to be held at Stoneleigh on the 18th and 19th of May. Mervyn Bailey takes a look at a selection of the new machines likely to be in attendance
Contractor price guide 2011:
UK contractor charges
The UK-based National Association of Agricultural Contractors has put together this guide of contractor charges for 2011 based on information from its members. Charges are shown in both acres and hectares. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of kit used etc
