Tractors are the backbone of any farm and in Farmtrac’s 75hp FT6075E model you get power, precision, technology and economy to make sure your farm runs like a well-oiled machine, the company reckons.
When it comes to the tough jobs such as plowing, tilling, disking, harrowing and planting, only a higher horsepower tractor will do and that’s where Farmtrac’s FT6075E comes into its own.
The 75hp four-cylinder CRDI diesel engine combined with the 12×12 speed Carraro transmission offers more torque, better fuel economy and multiple speed choices. With a selectable 4WD, independent dual-speed rear PTO, position and draft control, rear hydraulic spool valves and trailer brakes, moving materials and towing equipment will become a breeze.
The heavy-duty three-point linkage system allows the attachment of multiple items such as fertiliser spreaders and harrows, a must-have for anyone looking for convenience as well as efficiency. The external 2,500kg capacity with smart lift lower controls paired with the optional powerful front loader will become indispensable for mucking out cattle sheds and carrying hay bales securely, all in record time.
The FT6075E comes equipped with a spacious and sir-conditioned cabin and an easy to operate instrument panel, providing a hassle-free, comfortable ride under even the most strenuous conditions. The interior materials make it easy to keep clean, while the roof headlights and taillights ensure night-time work is as safe and smooth as possible.
Steven Haynes, sales manager at Farmtrac distributor Reesink Agriculture, says it’s an excellent asset to any farm: “It’s a simple and easy to use tractor which focuses on power, performance and economy. It has a highly competitive price point and a long list of features designed to make life around the farm easier. In addition, Reesink offers a superb warranty up to three years for peace of mind.”
The unusually coloured trailer has been commissioned for a good cause, raising money for Willen Hospice, in memory of Peter Cook who passed in 2011.
Peter was a well respected and much loved member of the local farming community, and his family wanted to help raise funds for the hospice who cared for them. Willen Hospice gets less then a quarter of it’s funding from the NHS, so rely on external support to be able to continue offering high quality care. Each year they need to raise approximately £4.7million in order to continue operating. Peter’s family, who run the family business Cook Farms Ltd, will be using their new bright pink trailer for various fundraising activities to help the hospice in the future.
When the Cook’s decided they were going to do some bold fundraising they went to their agricultural dealer Olivers, who were immediately keen to get involved. Cook Farms Ltd, alongside Olivers Agriculture, purchased the bright pink Richard Western trailer, which has been fittingly dubbed “Peter’s pink trailer”. The trailer will be used to raise awareness, and funds for the hospice.
The trailer has managed to grab attention and has helped the family already raise more than their target. The family set up a JustGiving page to start spreading word of the Peter’s pink trailer with an initial target of £2000. This was reached in less than a week thanks to the trailers bold look.
With the help of their local and farming communities the family hope to be able to keep raising money, so others can receive care from the hospice. Willen Hospice is the only adult care facility in Luton and the fundraising will be vital in helping them continue to offer end of life care for patients and their families.
The trailer will also be used on the family farm and they are hoping that those living nearby will donate to the charity when they see the trailer out and about, delivering food from field to fork.
The Cook’s will be working alongside Olivers for future fundraising activities involving the trailer.
Their JustGiving page is open for any donations, and will be kept updated with information about the trailers activities and fundraising; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peterspinktrailer
Always remember, the most important asset on your farm is probably your land. Soil health and drainage are essential to safeguard against adverse weather and constant changes on the farming landscape.
After a succession of wet winters, causing further crop damage, compaction and reducing yields, there is now a cost-effective mounted mole drainer that works – the Ceres UniMole Mole Drainer is the perfect machine for the task, the manufacturer says. The UniMole brings you the best of both worlds, combining a traditional trailed beam mole drainer with the speed, manoeuvrability and convenience of a mounted machine.
The Ceres UniMole creates minimal surface disturbance with its unique hydraulic entry and withdrawal system, which allows its leg to run smoothly in and out of the ground. The hydraulic ram automatically extends and contracts, which reduces ground heave, as well as lessening the pressure exerted on the tractor. This prevents the unsightly exposed crater at the end of each run, which is normally associated with mole ploughing, making this machine perfect for zero till, minimum till and pastureland, Ceres says.
The wide beam creates a high pressure point over the foot and bullet, to prevent premature lift and shatter and reduce ground disturbance, and allow the ceramic expander to create an even force to consolidate the subsoil. The leg creates an open slit, which allows circulating air to dry out the consolidated substrate and create an even longer-lasting drain. The risk of debris and trash build up is greatly reduced not only by the angle of the leading edge, but also by the large 560mm diameter serrated disc which has ample clearance within the frame to prevent congesting and aid free rotation.
The UniMole is built with longevity in mind, not only for long-lasting land drains, but also the lifespan of its components. These include the Hardox 450 full-length skid, leg and headstock pin inserts, which offers up to four times greater life expectancy than mild steel. The leg is also protected by a choice of two sizes of shear link, which provides a safeguard when using the UniMole in unfamiliar ground. Both main pivots have greaseable sprung steel bushes with EN24 pins. The hard-wearing ceramic expander, which comes as standard, maintains its shape throughout wear by rotating freely on its axis, and it has a convenient stowing position when out of work.
The Ceres team believes that the UniMole offers the best all-round performance, whether on grassland, stubble, pre-worked or in-crop conditions, bringing an over 100-year- old design up-to-date and making it suitable for efficient, modern farming and contracting applications.
Merlo UK has announced it is further extending its green network of agricultural dealers in the East of England by appointing long established dealer Collings Brothers of Abbotsely Ltd.
A long standing part of the agricultural community, Collings Brothers have been dealing since 1930. Over their 91 years of trading they have been supporting their local agricultural community, whilst expanding into an impressive range of machinery. Today they are a main dealer for Deutz Fahr tractors and several other high quality manufacturers, ranging from trailers and attachments, to ATVs and wheels. The signature green Merlo telehandler line will be joining their line up from September.
Their tag line is “Supporting our Farmers” and they aim to always keep farmers at the core of the business. They say they ‘pride ourselves on offering the best products, and the best service’
Speaking on the new appointment Collings Brothers said; “We have built our business over the passed 91 years on the basis of our core morals which have been and always will be, to support our farmers with the best back up and support in the business, made possible only by our dedicated and experienced teams of service, parts and sales.
“We are delighted to announce that we have joined partnership, once again, with Merlo and will be a full dealer from September 1st 2021 from both our Abbotsley and Brigstock depots and look forward to working with existing and new Merlo users now and in the future offering our exemplary levels of support and service we are renowned for.”
Collings Brothers ltd will be representing the full Merlo agricultural range across the counties of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire.
Pay Collings Brothers a visit to see how the Merlo telehandler range can add to your agricultural operations today. You can find them online here
Fuel is the driving force behind every business that operates a fleet of vehicles and for many it will be within their top three operational costs. With the cost of fuel an increasing concern, it is essential to have a well-proven data reporting system in place to monitor fuel usage and give the fleet operator complete control.
FuelWorks, Merridale’s fuel management reporting solution, is a low-cost subscription service that can be accessed through any standard web browser across multiple platforms. This eliminates the need for software installation on office computers and avoids training, security and backup issues. Users can also access the vital data they require from anywhere and at any time.
Using the data captured in FuelWorks, fleet operators will have a much better understanding of all aspects of their fleet and workforce, Merridale says. The ability to measure and report on fuel consumption and performance by vehicle and driver offers vital statistics needed to help shape decisions, such as best routes to take, which vehicle to use for specific jobs, and whether drivers need extra training on efficient driving.
FuelWorks can also monitor tank levels and predict low stock, sending email alerts as needed and SMS texts in the event of severe leak or theft. Other features of FuelWorks include secure encrypted https connections, multiple users across multiple sites, real-time capabilities, a range of reporting features (including fuel, cost, vehicle and driver performance, and environmental impact) and tank stock reconciliation and costing.
With over 1,500 sites taking advantage of the service, approximately 14 million litres of fuel during 150,000 fuelling transactions are accounted for each week using FuelWorks software.
Merridale is responsible for hosting and maintaining FuelWorks, without any third-party input. It also offers support and training, with initial telephone training for each customer, and a dedicated helpdesk for ongoing support.
Linburg Coaches fleet manager John Hadaway, who has used FuelWorks since 2013 said: “I can’t think of a time I’ve looked at our reports and wished FuelWorks could tell me something more. It seems to cover everything. It’s great having access on any device too, rather than being limited to a single computer.”
Fleet operators who wish to upgrade existing Merridale equipment to use FuelWorks do not need to replace existing hardware as Merridale can upgrade most existing systems to make them compatible with FuelWorks, no matter how old the system.
To find out how FuelWorks could benefit your company, contact Merridale directly.
Investment in new building technology holds the key to reduced emissions, increased productivity and greater livestock welfare.
Inefficient ventilation is detrimental to pig performance. Variable ventilation systems can help to provide optimum living conditions for animals. An efficient ventilation system draws fresh air into a building and removes stale air containing microbes, dust, harmful gases and water vapour.
A well-ventilated building can significantly reduce the spread of disease among livestock. Systems that can react dynamically to key internal and external indicators, to optimise conditions, will provide the best possible environment for growth and welfare.
Optimum ventilation in higher welfare pig units is the key to minimising the impact of seasonal temperature changes throughout the growth and finishing stages. Both low and high temperatures just 2 or 3 degrees outside of the LCT/UCT can compromise daily liveweight gain and feed efficiency. Keeping growing pigs within guideline temp ranges will lead to better feed intake, more efficient FCR (feed conversion ratio), fewer incidences of respiratory disease, and therefore a more productive finishing cycle.
Modern side curtain systems, such as the Galebreaker Variable Ventilation System (VVS), make use of high tech, engineered fabrics to allow maximum weather protection whilst allowing natural ventilation and light transmission into the building. Fully automated control systems allow the building to constantly
adapt to provide optimum conditions within. The flexible, modular design of Galebreaker VVS makes it ideal for both new-build, and converted rearing and finishing units.
The latest Galebreaker iSeries technology allows for the remote control of building systems, giving users the ability to monitor and tweak building conditions from their smartphone or tablet device. Multiple buildings and devices including VVS side curtains, fans and lighting can be monitored and controlled remotely for maximum productivity wherever you are. Crucially, R&D budget has been dedicated to iSeries development to ensure the continued ‘plug and play’ nature of the system – futureproofing customers’ investment in years to come.
One farmer, who is already seeing the combined benefits of the iSeries and VVS, says: “The new VentLogic iSeries app controller is extremely precise. It allows for the fine-tuning of temperatures and everything can be tailored to suit how we want the building to work. The flexibility of having ventilation control in your pocket is essential when away from the farm – even before getting out of bed you can see exactly what the weather is doing and what actions you need to take to provide a comfortable, productive environment for the pigs.”
As government regulations regarding ammonia levels grow nearer, and scrutiny of farm conditions and animal welfare increase, smart technology-enabled ventilation systems are a crucial component of sustainable livestock management.
Contact Galebreaker directly to learn more about optimising your pig buildings
Beyond one of the largest capacities of a spreader of its type, the Shelbourne Reynolds Powerspread Pro range of side-delivery spreaders is attracting increasing interest from contractors and large farms for its option of a tandem axle with rear steering, according to the Suffolk-based manufacturer.
The option is available on the Long Wheelbase 2400 and 3200 models, with the 14,500-litre maximum capacity and tandem axle offering making the flagship Powerspread 3200 LWB a viable alternative to rear discharge spreaders for most contracting jobs, suggests Shelbourne.
Fitted in lieu of the 650/65 R30.5-shod single axle, three tandem axle options are available, all with passive rear steering that enables the rear axle to self-steer, with hydraulic locking to allow for reversing. The base option includes hydraulic brakes and 560/60 R22.5 tyres, while there are then two commercial tandem sprung axle with rear steering options, both featuring air brakes with commercial ‘S’ cam activation and either 560 or 600/55 R26.5 tyres. All tandem axle options use an overslung bogie arrangement. Where maximum flotation is required the Powerspread 3200 can be specified on a fixed (non-steering) sprung tandem axle with 745/45 R22.5 tyres.
The contour-following of the tandem axle arrangement means smoother and quieter travel on the road, minimal shock transfer to the tractor for swift movement on rough tracks between fields, and a longer, narrower footprint, resulting in reduced trafficked ground and easier handling in narrow lanes and gateways.
A further benefit, courtesy of the steering rear axle and the narrower tyre footprint, is that these Powerspread Pro models are easier to manoeuvre around and between yard buildings, says Shelbourne.
It suggests this combination of features means tandem-axle Powerspread Pro models are capable of minimising unproductive time and significantly raising daily outputs. In addition, tyre scrub on concrete is eliminated and scuffing of the field surface is minimised.
The side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) alternative, with its full load bed, conventional seating for more than just the driver, and either a cab frame or a full cab, offers many advantages. But with a number of machines on the market from which to choose, selecting the right UTV for farm use can be difficult.
Separating out the models with design features clearly built to withstand the rigours of agriculture is a worthwhile exercise before purchasing.
A diesel engine that offers both power and economy is a given on most lists of ‘wants’, saving trips to the fuel station for petrol and providing the torque needed to climb hills and clamber over tough going. With Kioti’s K9, the successor to the popular Mechron, a three-cylinder powerplant, built by the same manufacturer as the machine itself, provides efficiency and energy in equal measure, along with the reliability for which South Korean engineering has become synonymous. Minimal fuel stops are another prerequisite for any agricultural vehicle, and with 37 litres of diesel capacity, the K9 is capable of long days without refuelling.
Surefooted traction and a decent turn of speed with a comfortable ride are also on the agricultural ‘wants’ list, and the K9 meets the bill here with a twin-range CVT transmission that provides smooth take-off and slow-down. There is also quickly-selectable 2/4wd and a locking rear diff, plus a helical spring/stabiliser arm suspension arrangement that cushions the driver/passengers and the load in rough going. And for smoother terrain, the K9’s top speed is a rapid 40km/hr (25mph).
A UTV engine also needs to provide the guts to shift a full payload with ease, and the K9 doesn’t disappoint here. The 1.0-litre powerplant produces 24hp, more than enough to shift the machine’s 0.5-tonne load capacity with ease, meaning it is competent and capable of handling typical agricultural loads of fencing stakes, spare parts, slug pellet bags and more. A urethane coating ensures long-term bed protection, while options include hydraulic tipping – mechanical tipping is standard. For additional items there’s an optional storage box under the hood.
Of course, one of the most important features of a UTV is its ability to carry more than one person legally, safely and in comfort. The Kioti K9 features two full seats with an optional smaller mid-seat, all with safety belts. A full roll-over frame with roof is standard, while options include a windscreen, half-doors, and a full cab package with heating for maximum weather protection. Full road lighting and mirrors are standard, as is front bull-bar protection to guard against the knocks and scrapes that are unavoidable in agriculture.
A vehicle aimed at satisfying the demands of agricultural buyers needs to be universal in what it can carry, and to this end, the K9 is available with a wide range of rear fitments, such as a galvanised livestock canopy ideal for transporting lambs. There are also hitch hooks at both the rear and the front of the machine, making it possible to not only pull a variety of trailed implements, but also manoeuvre equipment around the yard. Meanwhile, on the options list is an external hydraulic outlet, for even greater versatility – powering a tipping trailer, for example. The K9 has a maximum towing load of 590kg, helping to more than double its carrying capacity.
Stability and manoeuvrability are also essential factors for an agriculturally-targeted UTV. With a width of 1,590mm, the K9 can squeeze through tight door-, passage- and gateways, while ground clearance of 304mm ensures it rides over rough terrain with ease.
For all their uses off-road, UTVs are often also called upon to travel on the road between tasks in different fields, and for this, of course, road homologation is a must. With the Kioti K9, that’s not an issue, as the machine is fully homologated for road use.
And like every machine on the farm, reliability is critical to ensure uninterrupted work. Along with a specification that more than matches agricultural needs, that’s another factor in favour of the K9 on many farmers’ UTV ‘wants’ lists.
Kioti UK, which recently moved to brand new premises in a central and accessible location close to Huntingdon, and has a dealer network of more than 80 outlets, now provides a full two years’ warranty for the K9, with unlimited hours.
MORE INFORMATION HERE
With the launch of 20 new combine harvesters in the Trion model series, Claas is taking another step in its harvesting machinery model initiative which began in 2019. This means that the company has renewed almost its entire combine harvester range in the space of just two years.
The newly announced Trion model series comprises not only 5 and 6-walker machines, but also hybrid combine harvesters with single or twin rotors. True to the Trion “Fits your farm” motto, the resulting line-up of machines offers a choice of variants and features like no other in this combine harvester class.
Initiated as a result of numerous in-depth discussions with customers, developed hand-in-hand with farmers, contractors and distributors in the world’s key agricultural regions, perfected with the expertise of the Claas research and development engineers: the new Trion is another landmark in the evolution of Claas combine harvesters and sets new benchmarks in the medium combine harvester performance class.
The unique scope of the line-up of models and features makes it possible to meet practically every customer requirement. The Trion has been designed to be suited to every market and is aimed at customer segments ranging from the tradition-conscious family farm to performance-oriented large farms and high-tech contractors.
Four attributes in particular allow the Trion to meet the extremely wide range of requirements of customers all over the world:
- Adaptability to the requirements of the individual farm and the particular crop during the harvest – with fast, easy and tool-free crop type changes and a large number of cutterbar types with widths up to 12 m or 12 rows. In addition, the new series is unrivalled in the scope it offers for individualising the specification of the cab and convenience features as well as the running gear and drive system.
- Performance of the Trion under all harvesting conditions means that compromises between efficiency and productivity are a thing of the past. The proven APS threshing technology with Jetstream cleaning, a large grain tank and high offloading rates contribute to its impressive capability. A straightforward, efficient and low-maintenance drive train combined with intelligent engine technology featuring Dynamic Power keeps fuel consumption to a minimum.
- Precision of the Trion which results from the use of the latest technologies and assistance systems helps to deliver optimised performance and a high level of operator comfort and convenience, regardless of the size of the farm.
- Reliability of the Trion has been assured by a worldwide testing programme. Straightforward and time-saving customer maintenance tasks combined with a reliable drive train, longer maintenance intervals and excellent drive status monitoring save time and make costs more predictable.
Claas have described the 20 new models as featuring many state-of-the-art assistance systems, providing a very high level of driving comfort and user-friendliness, and being outstandingly efficient.
A full report on the new range will be coming in the September
Farmers Guide, watch footage from the UK press launch below
Mudcontrol was established in the UK in 2017, supplying high quality, heavy duty, 100 per cent recycled plastic products. Now, the revolutionary product is sold in over 40 countries worldwide and has proved highly popular with UK farmers.
The small team of Kerry and James at Mudcontrol concentrates on providing great customer service as well as great products, with no minimum order – no order is too big or too small.
“Our Facebook community is very active, with customers past and present sending us photos, videos and stories of their Mudcontrol projects,” says James Trembecki, UK sales. “We have continuous 5* reviews, and a huge proportion of our business is repeat custom. Our biggest problem has been keeping up with demand, because the manufacturer couldn’t make slabs fast enough to keep up with our sales – we sold over 9 acres of Mudcontrol slabs last year and are expecting sales to double again this year.”
While the company specialises in the ground-breaking Mudcontrol slab – which has revolutionised mud control in the UK, and is now sold in over 40 countries worldwide – it also supplies 100 per cent recycled plastic fencing and associated products.
“The fencing products are strong and reliable, they won’t rot and are not palatable, so livestock usually leave them alone, and they won’t ever need painting or treating. They can be nailed, stapled, screwed into, sawn and installed (by machine or by hand) in the same way a wooden post can, with no maintenance required,” states Mr Trembecki. All products have a solid 20-year manufacturer’s warranty.
“Mudcontrol slabs are used to arrest mud in a huge selection of applications – if you need instant, DIY, porous, removable, reusable hardstanding for anything from a pygmy goat to a bull elephant, we can help.
“They require minimal or no ground preparation – they are the sub-base and base in one, you just need to remove any stones, hard lumps, or voids before laying them straight onto the mud/soil/grass, and then topping them with sand, wood chip or bedding if it’s for animal use – and you can drive vehicles and machinery of up to 60 tonnes over the slabs. They can be installed on any ground, and are as permanent or temporary as you need; a perfect alternative to concrete, without burying your investment.”
For pathways, tracks, loafing areas, feed areas, ‘pony patios’, gateways, parking, storage, wherever mud is a problem – Mudcontrol is the solution, the company says.
