Practical test: Grégoire Besson SPMLW9 semi-mounted plough Grégoire Besson is best known for its centre-carriage ploughs, designed to be pulled by the likes of the Challenger MT crawler or Case IH Quadtrac. Yet the firm is also keen to point out that it builds a vast range of different reversible models so should be able to cater for all ploughing demands. Here we try out an in-furrow/on-land version of the seven-furrow semi-mounted SP
Think semi-mounted. Think seven or eight furrows. Think 400hp-rated headstock. Getting the picture? Most operators will now be pondering seriously heavy metal – and a suitably sized ploughing tractor to match.
First inspections of our test Grégoire Besson SPMLW9 unit, which was supplied with the full electronic control package, didn’t disappoint. Scaling a hefty 5,250kg, the French company’s on-land/in-furrow single-wheel reversible plough design has plenty of ‘rosbif’ about it, from its giant headstock all the way back to the robust rubber depth wheel. Critical build dimensions measure 180mm by 180mm for the main beam, while the secondary beam comes in at 150mm by 150mm.
Our particular unit is, in fact, the smallest clearance version in the range, with an inter-body figure of 100cm and underbeam stat of 72cm; max offering is 114cm and 82cm respectively. Distance between hitch and first body runs to a staggering 3m – well, almost. Yet, despite this length, the plough is surprisingly manoeuvrable, largely courtesy of the headstock’s 110° steering angle. The outfit may measure 10m long, but the headstock and clever guidable rear wheel – the operator can adjust rear wheel direction by tweaking the plough turnover – mean that it ‘drives’ a lot shorter than it actually is. Tip here: Besson recommends having the plough in its butterfly position when manoeuvring because, if the plough is turned at 45°, it is possible to hit the tyre or mudguard.
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