Tractor test
Valtra N163 Direct
Four pots and 170 horses
If you need proof to see just how far four-cylinder engine technology has come in recent times, then it’s worth looking at Valtra’s N163. Its maximum output? A whopping 126kW/171hp. But could this be a power step too far for shorter wheelbase tractors? We find out with a test of Valtra’s Direct CVT model
Practical test
Cultivators compared — Lemken Heliodor 8/600 KA and Rubin 9/600 KUA:
Horses for courses
Lemken offers two disc-based compact stubble cultivation tools, both named after gemstones — the Heliodor (beryl) and the Rubin (ruby). We used 6m versions of both machines to see which best suits different soil-working applications
Amazone, Hardi, Lemken, Vicon, Vogel & Noot
Sprayers on parade
Last month we looked at the spec of five mounted sprayers from five different European manufacturers. Now to see how the machines behave in the field…
Driving impression
John Deere F440R round baler
Fixed and variable tech on green baler
For the 2014 season John Deere is revamping its fixed-chamber round balers with the introduction of the 440-series — a mix of proven fixed-chamber tech with new features from the 900-series variable-chamber models. We catch up with a top-spec F440R
Livestock equipment
Sheep handling equipment
Counted them all out, counted them all back
When it came to sheep handling, the norm used to be wooden hurdles, yards of baler twine and a couple of dogs. Of course, those trusty canines remain invaluable members of the team, yet the modern shepherd now enjoys the luxury of mobile ‘yards’ to help with the rest of the penning job, as Andy Collings reports
Used machinery
John Deere 5020-series tractors
Roughty, toughty tractors for stock farmers
Tractors competing in the sub-100hp livestock tractor sector traditionally featured a pared-back specification. Not always, though. With its 2003 launch of the 5020-series, John Deere offered a tractor with a comprehensive standard spec for its class. A decade on, how do these models stack up as a used buy? James de Havilland reports
Workshop
From the workshop
Simple solutions to perennial problems
Mike Donovan embarks on his regular magical, made-it-myself mystery tour. This month he invites you to savour the assorted delights of more efficient fencing material transport, DD ring care, securing farm gates and faster foot block attachment. Read on for further details of Mike’s tips and tricks
Machine management
Diversification for Norfolk contractor
Fingers in many agricultural pies
Looking in from the outside, Norfolk contractor Oliver Arnold’s investment in men and machinery does appear to be bordering on the excessive. Yet closer inspection reveals that, while there’s an undeniable ambition to expand, there’s also an underlying, structured approach to this impressive level of growth. Andy Collings reports from the Eastern Counties
Around the world
Little blue tractor arrives in Australia JCB ute dresses for work Multiple sowing with a single planter Getting rid of the bugs
Report
Contractor price guide 2013/2014
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agric.Contractors’ charge guide, based on info supplied by its members this spring. The figures are ONLY A GUIDE and assume a red diesel price of 70p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of equipment used etc
Technical
The tractor and the field
Sorting out the tug
A second slice of tips on reversible plough set-up comes from tillage firm Lemken UK. Andrew Pearce does the rest, providing both words and pictures
Choosing a chainsaw for farm use
A cut above…
We gathered together 17 saws from Makita, Husqvarna and Stihl and, working with the respective demo teams, tried to come up with some suggested farm buys. In this initial instalment we look at saws that could be a sensible one-saw choice, along with PPE protective equipment, oils and sharpening systems
Vehicles
Mercedes Vito vs VW Transporter crewbuses
Fifty two shades of grey
Something unusual this month — we compare a pair of leading vans. Andrew Pearce figures out the differences between two of the sector’s leading contenders, Volkswagen and Mercedes
