Tractor test
Fendt 939 Vario
No replacement for displacement
Following on the heels of the Fendt 828 test (04/2015) we take a look at what is new on the Marktoberdorf ringleader, the 939. Can the Stage IV twin-turbo engine put in a better performance than its Stage IIIB predecessor? Read on for our test reveal
Practical test
Amazone Cirrus 3003 Compact drill
The Matrix loaded
Recently revised, the Amazone Cirrus seeder range sports (amongst other things) new, apparently easy-pulling Matrix soil consolidation tyres. Here we see how they, plus the various other updates, fare in the field
Driving impression
Polaris Sportsman 570 and Polaris Sportsman 570 UTE
Subtle differences
Polaris has a wide selection of products within its Sportsman range, but for the working models the critical choice is between the three 567cc siblings. All share pretty much the same chassis and running gear, so logic suggests they should behave in much the same way, too. Logically, yes. The reality? A few surprises lie in store
New Holland Dual Stream header
Double chop
As combine harvester attachments go, New Holland’s Dual Stream stubble cutting mechanism is not perhaps that aesthetically pleasing. But if the company’s claim for increased outputs and reduced costs holds up, it could be an interesting option to consider for those farmers seeking maximum harvesting efficiency
Vicon iXdrive 5240 self-propelled sprayer
Tried and tested, sort of
It was back in summer 2014 that we first reported on Kverneland’s intention to re-enter the self-propelled sprayer market, and now that’s come to fruition with the firm’s spraying gear mated with a Mazzotti skid unit. The iXdrive has some interesting technology on board
Kuhn FB 3135 round baler
More refinement
It seems no time at all since Kuhn acquired its baler business from the Kverneland Group. In fact, it was as long ago as 2008, and over the intervening years the French maker has been busy tweaking the many product lines it inherited. Come next season there will be new fixed-chamber models — the FB 3130 and FB 3135
Livestock equipment
Safe handling of beef cattle
Handling at the Harmans’
Life is never dull at Grove Farm, Chesham, the Buckinghamshire home of the long-established Chesham herd of Charolais beef cattle. When it comes to livestock handling, however, the last thing herd owner Ben Harman wants is excitement, hence his investment in a new race and crush — to provide calm and safe handling for both man and beast
Used machinery
DeLaval VMS milking system
Reduced cost entry to robot milking
DeLaval launched its VMS voluntary milking system in 1998, although it was not until 2008 that the first systems were installed in the UK. Hardly a surprise, then, that used VMS units have been thin on the ground up until more recently. So are these now increasing numbers of second-hand robots worth considering?
Workshop
From the workshop
Simple solutions to everyday problems
This month’s Simple Solutions from Mike Donovan includes two ideas for potato growers — a cushioning chute for handling chitted seed and better visibility into a trailer during harvest. For stockmen there’s a cow tipping crush constructed from an old bale transporter and, for more general use, a simple way of taking your bike to the field so you can pedal home for lunch
Comparing hydraulic couplers
Getting the right connection
Telling which oil pipe is which when coupling up implements can be a frustrating task unless someone has taken the time to mark them with the trusty coloured cable tie. But for those wanting a more durable and professional looking approach, see what you make of these two coupler offerings, which we bought and trialled during a profi semi-mounted plough test
Machine management
Mixed weather challenges
Keep on moving
With heavy rain on and off at the flick of a switch this season, life for Ballycastle contractor Seamus McClements has been quite a challenge. We visit the young contractor on a wet day to see how he is getting on
Around the world
Fifty tractors in one shot / Big guns for Oz / Case IH targets hay producers with tractor series / All the spraying bases covered
Report
Agritechnica Preview
Agritechnica — fully booked
It is 30 years since the doors opened for the first Agritechnica, and the 2015 show is going to be bigger than ever before; if the early signs are anything to go by, it’ll possibly be the best yet. For the first time, tractors will be located at each of the four corners of the vast site following the completion of the new Hall 20, which US giant AGCO will occupy.
Vehicles
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback
The same — but different
An ‘alternative’ fuel comes your way this month, as the Siren call of a brace of Subaru petrols lures us away from diesel power. Will it be the longer, lower Outback or the shorter, taller Forester that drives off with the honours?
News
profi Tablet
Discover the new profi Tablet edition
Packed with existing new features, special photo galeries, and videos. Interactive graphics and extra info. For iPad and Android tablets 11 issues per year: £54.99 / €74.99 Try it for free! Download the profi Tablet App from the APP Store or Android Store free of charge and enjoy your free trial copy. Available from 7th November
Under the hammer
Common Farm sale
Keen prices for tidy kit
The Common Farm sale was the first of four sales being held by Brown & Co and featured some well-kept kit. Telephone bidding was fierce, as many buyers, faced with the prospect of falling incomes, were opting for used machinery rather than investing in new
Dutch-modified self-propelled sprayers
Sitting up front
A number of Dutch bulb growers spray their valuable crops with a tractor and trailed sprayer all rolled into the one intriguing-looking outfit
UK contractor charges
This is the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ (www.naac.co.uk) charge guide, based on info supplied by its members this spring. The figures are only a guide and assume a red diesel price of 60p/litre. Prices will vary according to UK region, size of job, type of equipment used etc
