Tractor test
Claas Axion 820 Cmatic
Claas apart
We have waited nearly five years to get our hands on a Claas Axion Cmatic with its ZF-sourced CVT. So, time now to sit back and see just how the 135kW/183hp Axion 820 Cmatic performed in our full tractor test
Practical test
Resurgence of the compact combo
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
With autumn planting still fresh in the mind we compare 3m combo units from Amazone, Kuhn, Kverneland, Lemken, Pöttinger and Rabe. This is the first instalment in a three-part series and focuses on the power harrow element of the package. Next month we redirect attention on to the drills
Amazone KE3000 Super
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Kuhn HR 304 D
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Kverneland NG-H 301
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Pöttinger Lion 301
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Lemken Zirkon 8/300
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Rabe Toucan SL 3000
Six power harrow/drill combos compared part I:
Driving impression
Fendt Vario 724 video
Fendt Vario 724
A worthy successor?
For a few years Fendt 820 operators have had to look on in envy at the spacious cab fitted on the 900s and, more recently, the 800 SCR models. But now it’s the mid-sized tractors’ turn to enjoy a complete accommodation refurbishment along with several other new features, as we find out here while making a closer inspection of the new-generation 700s
Livestock equipment
Anaerobic digester at Severn Trent Water:
Severn’s up for maize power generation
Last time we reported on Severn Trent Water’s anaerobic digester unit – the UK’s largest to run on energy crops alone – it was still under construction (profi 03/10). Now up and operational, Andy Collings takes a look at the plant’s commissioning and how the resulting digestate is handled
Used machinery
JCB Fastrac 2000-series tractors:
Go small, fast and manoeuvrable
When JCB replaced its ‘small’ 1000-series tractors with the 2000-series in 1998, there weren’t many differences. Bonnet number aside, the new models were really no more than an upgrade on the outgoing ones, the latter having previously benefited from a raft of developments as late as 1997
Workshop
From the workshop:
Simple solutions to perennial problems
As the days draw in, Mike Donovan’s latest collection of low-cost ideas should provide inspiration on how to spend those winter workshop hours. So, what’s in store in this batch? There’s a couple of items for the shepherd, and, to keep the arable guys happy, we also feature a particularly beefy pre-em marker system for the farm’s drill. Please get in touch with Mike via the details at the bottom
Welding PPE — ESAB Globe Arc and Origo Air:
Breathe easy from behind the mask
Sound good? Combining eye- and lung protection into the one neat package? Well, that’s just what we have here. An unusual welding helmet and a powered respirator are subjected to a workshop once-over from Andrew Pearce
Machine management
Field-to-clamp silage in County Sligo:
The sweet taste of silage in County Sligo
If you think your farming business causes you stress, there may be some solace in knowing that it doesn’t even begin to compare with the stresses of being a contractor offering a field-to-clamp silage service in the west of Ireland. Andy Collings reports
Around the world
Chaser bin floats on eight wheels More kit aimed at small scale farmers Science wins over courts Slurry injector spreads its wings
Report
Tillage Live 2011
More of the same at Tillage
Moving to only one date per year, combined with some educational demonstrations, seems to have paid off for Tillage Live. Mervyn Bailey was at the 2011 event to see the latest cultivation and drilling kit in action on strong ground at Landmead Farm near Abingdon, Oxfordshire
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
Dairy Event and Livestock Show 2011:
Fresh metal for the milk job
The Dairy Event and Livestock Show once again graced the halls of Birmingham’s NEC with more visitors through the doors. Though the dairy sector remains under pressure in terms of milk price and input costs, there was still a determination among showgoers to move on. Andy Collings and Mervyn Bailey report
Potato Europe 2011
Record year for four-row harvesters
The market for four-row self-propelled potato harvesters in Europe has almost doubled to around 60 machines in 2011. Emphasising the point, these machines took centre stage at Potato Europe 2011 in Belgium. Steven Vale was there
Technical
Fuel quality issues:
New engines, new fuel, new problems?
Recent changes to red diesel may upset the latest engines. Andrew Pearce talks to fuel treatment specialist Neil Ryding to find out what’s afoot and what you might do about it. Fuel after-treatment is one of the options open to farmers – and is one that Mr Ryding thinks farmers should consider
