Kramer-Werke GmbH has unveiled a new, fully-hydraulic and patented quickhitch system, offering complete flexibility with continued maximum performance.
According to Kramer, the fully- hydraulic quickhitch system ‘Smart Attach’ will ensure greater productivity, efficiency and safety. The dimensions of both the original Kramer quick change plate and the new quickhitch systems are identical, so existing attachments can continue to be used.
Hydraulically-driven attachments can be coupled without getting in and out of the vehicle, as connection with the hydraulic circuit is automatic. The attachment is locked and hydraulically coupled, with automatic pressure release, by a simple touch of a button with a secure two-hand operation. With the coupling unit’s integrated locking display, the operator can always see that the attachment is connected to the machine successfully and securely.
For all machines already fitted with the new quickchange plate, the display also features a corresponding illuminated indicator. What makes the new Smart Attach system so special, therefore, is its total flexibility. On the one hand, attachments without the hydraulic function and attachments with the conventional hydraulic coupling system can still be used. And on the other, customers also have the option of retrofitting older attachments or using new attachments that are customised ex- works to the Smart Attach quickhitch system, with the tried-and-trusted quick change plate. This flexible solution is unique on the market.
The patented system, with floating coupling storage, also ensures that there is no wear on the quick coupler.
Consequently, not only is there no need for constant interruption to the scheduled work process, operators are also able to make quick and safe use of the appropriate attachment for the relevant application.
Smart Attach is a boon for the ubiquitous silage bucket not always achieving optimal results, enabling it to be re-coupled quickly and easily as required on a gentle bale spike. This total compatibility with maximum performance ensures a targeted increase in efficiency.
Initially, the system will be offered as an option in the large 5-Series as well as for some machines in Kramer’s premium 8-Series range.
As well as the attachments already factory-fitted for these machines, corresponding retrofit kits will also be provided ex-works to enable existing attachments to be fitted with the system.
The latest product to come to market in the ScanStone range is the lightweight and nimble ScanStone Panther Onion and Bulb Harvester, equipped with a specially designed front lifting unit.
The configuration comprises of an onion lifting unit at the front end, complete with a square bar and paddles for gently conveying the crop into the machine. The USP of the ScanStone Panther is the individual hydraulic control of each of the lifting unit’s functions; independently controlled square bar; independently controlled intake web and independently controlled flappy paddle. The square bar is driven with a sturdy belt, meaning that in dusty conditions there is no abrasive effects with an oil and greasy chain mixing with dust, sand or earth. The belt allows the square bar to drive at the optimum height without having a hydraulic motor too close to the ground. Manual depth wheels carry the lifting unit to a set height.
The crop is then conveyed to a longer main web. This web has a rocker agitator to help separate any last bits of soil or root balls. This long web then passes onto another mechanically driven web before going onto the hydraulically controlled transfer web and then into the cart elevator. The new cart elevator from ScanStone comes with higher and stronger active fingers on the sides to keep all the crop safely inside the elevator before it reaches the trailer.
A self-centring lane adjuster ram is at the operator’s finger tips on a joystick control. This ensures the crop is always loading exactly into the middle of the lifting unit without missing anything at either side. Once the joystick is released, the machine will automatically recentre itself for smooth continuous harvesting. This feature can be switched on or off from the comfort of the cab.
The robust turret style steering system is fully controlled from a proportional joystick on the control box, this allows precise steering control if the machine is being controlled manually.
The steering gear on the Panther machine, like all ScanStone trailed machines, comes GPS ready.
The turret system has eight stud axles, which are simply adjusted to various track widths.
The Panther is fitted with the usual ScanStone premium features such as LED road lights, working lights and centralised grease banks for bearings as part of the standard equipment.
The colour screen control box features an auto levelling system, full headland management system and simple joystick controls.
To find out more about this product visit the company’s website or speak to one of its five depots; Forfar, Brigg, Lakenheath, Kilkeel (Northern Ireland) or Chepy, Northern France.
ScanStone is constantly building a stock portfolio in all the depots to make sure the correct parts are on the shelves for both the long-established and new customers in the respective areas.
Precision Ag at Ben Burgess is a key factor in delivering premium customer support. Fine tuning of machines and implements by Precision Ag consultants operating across East Anglia and beyond, provides the foundation for getting the best performance out of customers’ John Deere products.
Each machine receives a tailored set up specific to individual customers and their way of farming. Years of comprehensive data analysis empowers the Precision Ag team with a skillset that can save customers both time and money, Ben Burgess reckons. In addition, training is provided to ensure confidence with the technology amongst operators and farm managers.
As soon as any ‘Connected Machine’ (a machine with JDLink ) is set off, with the owner’s permission, Ben Burgess can continually monitor its performance using unique reports which allow the team to consult on functional adjustments.
JDLink also provides a conduit to a platform called Expert Alerts, which combines intelligent algorithms with a smart prioritising system, which can predict a possible machine failure. Having consent switched on for Expert Alerts means that when Ben Burgess receives a ‘Critical Expert Alert’, a member of the team can offer support immediately. Using JDLink to remotely access the machine means they are often able to gather enough information before attending the machine to enable a first-time fix.
More recently, John Deere has launched an industry-leading ‘Performance Alerts’ system which focuses on optimising machine performance, allowing Ben
Burgess to assist its customers with enhancing machine operation, as they are working.
Data created by machines as they operate has become an important part of the agricultural world. It is one of Ben Burgess’s priorities to assist in the collection and interpretation of this valuable commodity, then present the opportunities it highlights to customers. However, data needs to be stored safely, accessed easily, worked with and of course utilised. This is where the John Deere MyOperations
Center comes in. It can collect all data generated by JDLink-enabled machines (not just John Deere), store field boundaries, A-B lines, produce application prescriptions and store all historical field data. All of which enables farm owners and managers to make informed decisions for the following year’s cropping season.
Ben Burgess’ seven-strong Precision Ag team pride themselves on their knowledge and expertise, built up over a combined total of 70 years’ experience. With the increased demands and difficulties faced in farming over the last two years due to weather pressures and the pandemic, it is more important to Ben Burgess than ever before to ensure customers maintain access to its wealth of Precision Ag knowledge. This prompted the introduction of a ground-breaking centralised communication system called Expert Connect, which ensures customers always have access to a consultant when they need it most through one centralised mobile phone app.
Combining these elements and building data-based partnerships allows the Ben Burgess Precision Ag team to provide solutions that really make a difference to farmers and their operations.
For many, the optimum time for drilling cereals is mid-October but growers can be torn between later drilling to aid weed control and getting the seed drilled early in warmer soil for uniform establishment. Mzuri reckons you can have both.
Direct drilling specialists Mzuri claims its Pro-Til system offers users the best of both worlds – an ability to control grass weeds pre-drilling, alongside the flexibility of establishing consistent and competitive crops later in the season.
By adopting a whole system approach, the manufacturer suggests that growers can capitalise on timings by choosing a weatherproof establishment method. The design of its landmark Pro-Til drill aims to provide just that by working directly into uncultivated stubbles, which by their very nature are well-structured and stable. When comparing this against working with pre-cultivated soils which can be prone to slumping through a loss of structure, growers have little leeway for extending their drilling season whilst still guaranteeing rapid establishment.
The Mzuri system allows users to maximise the benefits of cultivations whilst still retaining the structural integrity of the soil for better travelling and high germination rates later in the season. The one-pass drill delivers seed accurately into a strip of friable tilth, before being reconsolidated for excellent seed to soil contact, providing the perfect environment for successful germination. This targeted cultivation mineralises nitrogen which, coupled with band- placed fertiliser, yields rapid, early growth. The resulting seedlings are competitive to emerging weeds, and better able to grow away from pest pressures.
By having this assurance that crops will establish quickly and evenly, Mzuri suggests growers can afford to pick their timings to suit weed control techniques such as stale seedbeds – something the manufacturer advocates. The Mzuri Rezult stubble rake is one such tool that was developed on the manufacturer’s trial farm to effectively reduce weed populations prior to drilling. By delaying drilling, with a system that allows the flexibility to do so and not run the risk of poor establishment, growers can achieve a broad chit of grass weeds by stimulating the surface with the Rezult rake. By taking the pressure off and widening the cereal drilling window, it is possible to achieve several flushes from multiple passes with the rake, allowing for the best control possible prior to drilling. This, combined with a strong healthy plant that establishes well, even late into the year, means the Mzuri system offers growers the versatility and flexibility they need in unpredictable seasons, the company reckons.
Elliot Haines, of ERH Services Ltd, first came across the FJ Dynamics AutoSteering Kit when he was looking for a system for his own compact tractor, and was so impressed with it, he became the official UK dealer earlier this year.
Since becoming an authorised dealer of the FJD AutoSteering Kit, Mr Haines says 25 kits have been sold and are working very well. Described as the ‘new brain’ of agri- robots, the kit can be fitted to any make of tractor and offers smart and efficient operations for a wide range of farm machines. Information provided by sensor modules and GNSS ensures that agricultural machines operate accurately in various working environments.
Mr Haines initially studied Agriculture at Writtle College but after a year’s travelling became a commercial helicopter pilot, spending 20 years mainly flying offshore to gas rigs in the North Sea, before working for JCB, the East Anglian Air Ambulance and finally flying from Beccles to wind turbines in the North Sea in support of wind energy.
During this time, Mr Haines was also running his own paddock maintenance contracting business and stumbled upon the FJD Autosteer earlier in 2021, as he was looking for a system for his compact tractor for spraying. He was so impressed with it he began importing it and so far it has been very well received by customers.
The system works day and night, without fear of rain or dust, and no matter how bad the working environment is. FJ Dynamics has also developed a ‘Running Mode’ function for situations in which the RTK signal is disconnected, in order to meet farmers’ needs in certain specific conditions.
The kit consists of a control terminal, electric steering wheel, sensor module and GNSS antenna. The control terminal is a combination of a display and a controller. The 10.1in HD high brightness screen is clearly visible even when there is strong sunlight. The self-developed electric steering wheel with highly-integrated torque can be used in any kind of environment, says Mr Haines.
The sensor module is integrated with multiple sensors to ensure high-precision operations and working stability when the vehicle is running. The GNSS antenna is capable of positioning with high accuracy and able to receive data on longitude, latitude and direction. The signal is relatively strong and stable.
It can automatically adjust the direction in which the vehicle is travelling with operational accuracy up to 2.5cm, using GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and GALILEO satellite signals, combined with a self-developed high-torque water- proof and dust-proof motor. This kit also uses sensor fusion, consisting of satellite navigation, inertial navigation and computer vision to control the steering wheel, so that the vehicle can drive automatically in a straight line.
Yorkshire-based manufacturer of mixed flow crop dryers, Kentra, has introduced two new moisture measurement and recording systems for growers, and an automated moisture monitoring system ideal for use at the grain intake.
Kentra says the new grain moisture management systems will help growers manage crop drying operations. The high-accuracy products come from Canadian manufacturer Dryer Master, whose long-established DM510 control system fully automates the grain drying process with minimal manual intervention.
The new DM100 is a lower cost, less sophisticated version that still provides an element of control to relieve the workload of whoever is managing the dryer. Grain moisture is measured at the discharge point and adjustments to the discharge rate are made automatically when operator-set high, low and target moisture levels for each of three discharge speeds are hit.
Unlike the fully automatic DM510, the DM100 requires the speed set points and moisture targets to be adjusted periodically to maintain optimum performance.
The new Moisture Monitor Pro records grain moisture and temperature at the discharge – with the option to add an intake sensor as well – to help operators achieve consistent results from fully manual control. As with the DM510 fully-automatic and DM100 semi- automatic systems, values are shown on a colour display, are accessible remotely using a mobile phone and can be downloaded to farm computer records.
These features are also common to Load Monitor, a system that records the average moisture of entire lorry or trailer loads of grain at the intake. The sensor is fitted in the grain flow line – for example in a duct where grain passes from the intake pit to an elevator – and Load Monitor automatically starts logging as soon as the sensor detects grain flowing across it.
The finished record includes a consignment identifier and time stamp, and compared with sampling, using Load Monitor means there is no delay to tipping incoming consignments and the moisture reading will be fully representative of the bulk.
Kentra Grain Systems was formed in 1989 to design and manufacture grain dryers that meet the challenging requirements of British farmers. Today, the range of mixed flow dryers produced from heavy-duty galvanised steel features a unique column design for effective drying of all free-flowing combinable crops and control systems, axial flow fans are designed, developed and manufactured in-house. The modular construction of the dryer allows for maximum flexibility in model selection.
So, if you need a throughput of 10t, or in excess of 100t/hour, Kentra says its range of dryers and user- friendly management software gives you complete, real time control over your harvest.
For Derbyshire arable and dairy farmer Rob Holmes, a new sprayer should be a 10–15 year investment, so the decision on a new make and model was not to be taken lightly.
In fact, it was an 18-month quest, which finally ended following a trip to the Cereals Event when Rob settled on the machine that offered the necessary build quality, and sufficiently advanced technology, to give over a decade of good service.
That was back in 2014, so six seasons later – or approximately halfway through the sprayer’s life expectancy at Park Style Farm – is the Kuhn Metris fulfilling its promise?
“My initial impression when I saw the machine at Cereals was that it looked right,” recalls Rob. “It was well- proportioned and balanced, whereas so many of the other options looked top heavy.
“Other key requirements were aluminium booms and a steering axle, and I wanted auto shut-off, automatic boom height adjustment and auto wash-out. The Metris was the only trailed 24m sprayer available at that time that offered all these options.
“Other considerations were the reputation and likely longevity of the manufacturer. When you are buying a machine that you expect to still have many years later you want to be sure about long term parts and servicing back-up. Kuhn is a company with a long history and a strong reputation for quality. They have a UK headquarters that is relatively local to me and they’ve shown their commitment to the future with their investment in people and technology. Everything down to the quality of the paintwork gave me the confidence that the Metris was the right machine for me.”
Rob bought his Metris to replace a 24m trailed machine that had done long service across the 1,100-acres that he farms near Ashbourne. Whilst boom width remained the same, he did opt for the increased capacity of a 3,200-litre tank (up from 2,500 litres on his old machine). This extra tank capacity, plus the auto wash-out facility that completes three cycles for a thorough clean in 15 minutes, have all helped to increase the efficiency of spraying operations.
“We’re growing around 530-acres of winter wheat and 200-acres of winter barley, in addition to about 50-acres each of spring rape and spring beans,” says Rob, “so a lot of the cropping will have four or five passes with the sprayer in a typical season. We’ll also spray the grassland for weed control. It’s a lot of work, often under time pressure, so having a machine that’s efficient and reliable provides great peace of mind.”
Advanced technology
As well as reliability and longevity, Rob wanted a step forward in technology when investing in his new sprayer, so opted for GPS section control to give levels of precision application he’d not experienced before.
“I went for the nine section shut- off, with the smaller end sections, which offered greater control and precision than the standard factory fitting,” says Rob. “It’s been worthwhile investing to get the machine that we want, given the length of service we’re expecting.”
Other features that were specified and have proven their worth are the steering axle, which helps manoeuvrability and cuts down on any deviation from the tramlines, and the automatic boom height control.
Rob also opted for the Equilibra boom suspension on his Metris – a system that helps to minimise the stresses and strains on the structure during work and in transport.
The combination of build quality, design and no doubt care by the operator has meant no major repairs have been required over six full seasons of use so far. Apart from replacing consumable components such as pump valves and diaphragms, the only repair needed has been to solder a broken wire – and the problem was solved.
“We have routine servicing carried out by a local dealer and an annual sprayer test carried out by Flowgrow at Burton-on-Trent,” concludes Rob. “Knowing that Kuhn has technical specialists available through the dealer is also very reassuring.”
Many farmers are looking for a versatile drill which will perform well in direct and min-till situations and Keith Rennie Machinery (KRM) claims to offer a range of tine drills which do just that.
Having built a reputation with the Ares 2713 and SM 1909 tine drills, the latest Ares-P and SM-P variants from KRM feature a new hopper and metering unit, improving the operator experience and accuracy.
The recently introduced ‘Electra’ metering system allows the operator to quickly set the desired rate from a single calibration. The system uses the drill’s hydraulic fan to deliver metered seed to a conveniently located container to be weighed. The weight is then entered into the Isobus control system and the rate set. The Isobus system can also be used for variable rate drilling, auto on/off and sectional control where half width shut off is fitted, as well as managing all the usual drill functions such as tramlining, hopper level and alarms.
Another feature of this system is the pressurised hopper which ensures consistent, even seed flow to the metering unit and external distribution heads, which leave the hopper unobstructed for ease of filling and cleaning between different seed types or varieties.
The narrow Tungsten carbide tipped tine coulters run at an attacking angle to pull the tip in to work. Each coulter creates a tilth as it pulls through the soil and loosens the soil below the coulter tip, creating ideal conditions for germination and strong root development. Straw and other residues are moved away from the row ensuring seeds are placed in clear moist soil. The undisturbed soil between the rows minimises the risk of weeds germinating and leaves a firm surface for following operations.
These lightweight, high output models are available in 4, 4.8, 5, 6 and 7m working widths to suit available horsepower and tramline width.
Preparing the ideal stale seedbed ahead of a direct drill is an exacting task and like many farmers, Richard Budd has tried a number of approaches at Stevens Farm, near Hawkhurst, Kent.
With 900ha of combinable crops on land varying from Weald clay to Tunbridge Wells sand, the focus is on winter cereals – but juggling the rotation can mean that volunteers are an issue, as well as black-grass.
“We need to create an effective stale seedbed post-harvest so that we can go in and spray off ahead of a Sumo DTS direct drill,” RIchard explains. “We looked at other disc systems but we don’t need to work at depth and risk pulling up weeds from below the surface, just to move soil evenly across the working width.”
The solution came in the form of a 6.5m Vaderstad Carrier fitted with CrossCutter discs, chosen to work in the farm’s 30m CTF system.
“The CrossCutter disturbs the surface and chits weed seeds to encourage a green flush,” he explains. “It works to just 10mm deep but the two gangs of discs ensure that it moves soil and mixes across the whole surface.”
Designed as a high-speed operation, Mr Budd reckons to travel at 16–18kph with the Carrier pulled by a Challenger tracklayer, and can cover more than 60ha a day in the right conditions.
“It’s a quick, easy operation that also produces a slight tilth to drill into; the packer roll crushes any clods effectively leaving a fine, level surface and we rarely need the levelling boards.”
Described as simple to set up and operate, the Carrier is set at its highest working depth and does not dig in.
“With the Carrier and CrossCutter, it’s one operation and we can close the gate on it until we are ready to spray off for the drill.”
A first Vaderstad machine for Stevens Farm, Mr Budd comments that he has been impressed with the durability and build quality of the Carrier.
Amazone has extended its UX trailed sprayer range with the UX 7601 Super and UX 8601 Super high-performance models, with an actual volume of 8,000- and 9,000-litres respectively.
The compact Amazone machine design means that the new models combine tank capacities of up to 9,000-litres and boom widths of up to 42m, yet keep the excellent manoeuvrability and high stability of a single-axle sprayer.
The newly developed chassis of the UX 7601 Super and UX 8601 Super directly links the axle to the standard lower hitch drawbar. The forward- sloping chassis design maintains an ideal weight distribution of the sprayer, and thus permissible drawbar and axle loads are optimally utilised.
The centre of gravity is particularly low in the new chassis concept and so ensures high stability, even on hilly terrain and when negotiating bends. The chassis also enjoys particularly good ground clearance, Amazone says.
The narrow profile of the spray agent tank, with the fresh water tanks mounted on either side of the chassis, contributes to its safe handling, especially when the tank is partially filled. Another advantage of the tank shape, which is made of polyethylene, is the extremely rounded design and the exceptionally smooth inner and outer walls, which make overall cleaning very easy, the company reckons.
Designed for high outputs, the Super-L3 boom now encompasses working widths of 39, 40 or 42m. One-sided independent folding up to the inner boom section for negotiating obstacles is also a major advantage, and ContourControl active boom guidance system and the SwingStop active vibration damping system are fitted as standard.
The new larger tank capacities come hand-in-hand with two newly- designed, high-capacity piston diaphragm pumps with an output of 250-litres/min (spray pump) and 350-litres/min (agitation pump). These highly reliable piston diaphragm pumps enable consistently high delivery capacities, regardless of the spray pressure. Consistently high agitation outputs and application rates are always available, even at high system pressures. In addition, the piston diaphragm pumps are self-priming, which means that the complete spray agent circuit is set up very simply and with short hose routing.
The spray and agitation pumps can be driven either by a PTO shaft or hydraulically. The hydraulic pump drive, which is fully integrated in the Isobus control, regulates the required pump speed fully automatically depending on the operating status.
In addition to the enormous work rates, the two new UX Super models also focus on reducing the driver’s workload. The SmartCenter settings centre and complete operator station are securely protected under the access cover to the left-hand side of the sprayer. The high-capacity 60-litre induction bowl is also located here.
The SmartCenter offers the ideal solution for every customer requirement with the high-end Comfort-Pack plus offering maximum convenience with the pressure- sensitive touch terminal for machine operation with fully automated filling and cleaning processes.
