Following it’s announcement earlier this year, Claas have confirmed that the new Arion’s are now fully launched and available across England and Ireland. With significant updates and features they are sure to be popular amongst farmers.
To reflect the move to the latest Stage V emissions standard engine, the best-selling Arion 400 range has been given a comprehensive make-over, which in addition to a redesign also includes the availability of a new top-of-the-range model, the Arion 470, which has a maximum power output of 155hp, plus the availability of a power boost in all models from the 115hp Arion 440 and above.
Carried over from the previous version, in addition to the standard cab there is the option of either a low profile cab or the unique panoramic version which provides unrestricted visibility over a loader over its full lift arc. There is still the option of either a 16/16 Quadrishift, which is standard in the Arion 410/420, or the 24×24 Hexashift in the Arion 430 and above, and as before both the loader and the main tractor functions are all controlled using the multifunction control lever.
The Arion 400 combines the benefits of a long wheelbase of 2.49m or 2.53m dependent on model, with a short overall length, and the total gross vehicle weight has been increased to 9.0 tonnes, permitting payloads of up to 3.8 tonnes.
More Power
Under the newly designed bonnet, all models are powered by 4.5 l four-cylinder Fiat Powertrain engines which incorporate the latest 4-valve technology and turbochargers with intercooling. Turbochargers from the ARION 430 upwards are also fitted with a wastegate. The Stage V aftertreatment system cleans the exhaust gases using an effective combination of SCRoF technology (Selected Catalytic Reduction on Filter) and a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC). This means that the engines not only run cleanly, but are still highly efficient, with low diesel and low AdBlue consumption. Torque has also been increased by 8%, which is available across a wide power band.
A new feature on all models from the 115hp Arion 440 and above is Claas Power Management (CPM) which gives a further 10hp power boost for PTO and transport work, which means that with CPM, the new flagship Arion 470 has a maximum power output of 155hp from its 4-cylinder engine. This, combined with its greater hydraulic power, gives the Arion 470 a combination of engine and hydraulic power that is unrivalled in the market.
Better Hydraulics
In addition to greater engine power, hydraulic power has also been increased. A new load sensing pump is now available on CIS and CIS+ models that delivers a 150 l/min hydraulic output, ensuring more than enough power for loader work, in addition to a 110 l/min pump as before. This is fitted as standard on the ARION 470 and available as an option on all other models. Even at a fuel-saving 1600 rpm, it delivers an output of 110 l/min. With two open-centre hydraulic circuits delivering 60 and 100 l/min, this gives the option of four different pump systems to suit a wide range of applications. Both load sensing versions also offer increased lift capacity at the rear of 6.25 t, an increase of 500kg on previous models.
Again as previously, the fully integrated front linkage and factory-fitted front loaders can be conveniently controlled by the multifunction control lever, with the option of controlling the front loader by Electropilot or Flexpilot. However, the responsiveness of the Electropilot can now be adjusted to suit the driver. And the new automatic front loader detection system saves having to manually switch hydraulic functions.
Proactiv front axle suspension, mechanical two-point cab suspension and various seating options are available to further increase driver comfort. Both the front and rear linkage and the Claas front loaders are also equipped with vibration damping.
Just like its predecessors, the new Arion 400 can be configured in diverse ways to suit customer requirements and applications.
Now is the time to be asking yourself – Is your grassland winter-ready?– the Ceres Sub-Line Grassland Subsoiler is a low-cost, but highly efficient way to rejuvenate and sustain healthy grassland, by relieving compression from the year’s livestock, water and general traffic, with minimal disturbance, and helping to prevent water damage and further compression throughout the winter.
The Sub-Line is designed to achieve the maximum efficiency from your soil by lifting and shattering compaction, allowing air, water and nutrients to flow into the substructure, thus enabling the roots and microbacteria to fulfil their potential. The strong environmental credentials of this machine include its contoured, low-draft legs, which are mounted in-line, achieving great lift and shatter with minimal horsepower and fuel consumption. It also helps water dissipate through the soil structure, preventing flash run-off, or worse, standing water that will further compact the soil, deprive the soil of oxygen and emit greenhouse gases. Additionally, like all Ceres machinery, the Sub-Line is designed, built and manufactured in the UK, reducing its carbon footprint.
The Sub-Line is suitable for all levels of soil management, including contractors and farmers, and as it has been designed for UK soils, it can be more effective than other more expensive machines. The leading discs have independent suspension to help prevent damage to the discs and overload and shock of bearings. All of the discs can be adjusted with one handle, which has six working positions and one out-of-work position. The discs can be kept in their optimum working position, cutting through the sward cleanly, allowing the leg to pass through without tearing the surface. Each of the legs are mounted on the substantial frame, with two M16 shear bolts for protection. The legs, knock on points and all other wearing components are widely available, which reduces cost and downtime.
It is equipped with a 460mm diameter flat rear roller, which has simple dual turn-buckle adjustment to control the working depth of the machine, and leaves a neat, level finish across the width of the work. There is a galvanised, adjustable scraper mounted within the roller arms to prevent congestion and build-up.
The Sub-Line is available from a single leg machine up to a five-leg machine. All sizes are compatible with Category 2 linkage, from 40–190hp. Other variants can be designed and built to order, including optional trailing harrow and applicator platform.
The Multi-Master L extends Kuhn’s Master mounted plough range, sitting between the Master 153 and 183 models. Available with 4, 5 or 6 bodies, there are both in-furrow and on-land formats suitable for tractors from 200–300hp. On-land models can be set up to also work in-furrow. A new working width adjustment system allows furrow width to be set at 35, 40, 45 or 50cm without removing any bolts.
Kuhn’s patented Pro Set system allows tool-free adjustment of levelling, offset, depth and skimmers. Whilst saving time, the ability to quickly and simply maintain optimum configuration of the machine according to furrow width and conditions always ensures peak performance, according to the company, thereby reducing fuel consumption and wear on the plough.
Also new on the Multi-Master L is an integrated adjustable press arm that enables simultaneous furrow pressing to conserve moisture and create optimum seedbed conditions. With a reinforced anchor, the press arm is designed for use with the heaviest rollers on the market and is adjustable either mechanically or hydraulically from the tractor cab (as an option). The press arm is designed to allow ploughing up to the edge of the field and is suitably compact in transport to fit within the dimensions of the plough.
As with other ploughs in Kuhn’s Master range, the Multi-Master L is available with traction bolt or non- stop hydraulic safety. The optional Opti-Drive headstock suspension system provides additional protection of both plough and tractor when in work or in transport
For handling of muck and slurry, Hi-Spec Engineering says it has the ideal solution in its comprehensive range of machinery.
Vacuum tankers
The Hi-Spec Engineering tanker range includes a wide range of models with capacities from 800 gallons (3,600 litres) up to 5,000 gallons (22,700 litres), all available with numerous filling and other options, allowing you to tailor tankers to your specific needs.
All Hi-Spec vacuum tankers are manufactured using high quality British steel and incorporate internal implosion rings and a collared dished end as standard to ensure the strongest possible construction. All tanks are fully supported by the complete chassis frame and models are available with both standard or stepped recessed axles. The recessed axle lowers the centre of gravity, which improves stability both on the road and on undulating ground.
Options include a wide range of filling options, including high- capacity pumps and a cab operated filling arm. The intake system can also incorporate a Vogelsang Rotacut 5000 chopping unit to avoid any potential blockage to the injectors caused by straw or silage in the slurry.
A wide range of spreading attachments are available, including the Hi-Spec trailing shoe, available in working widths of 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0m. This features a robust chassis mounted mast which ensures that the tanker and shoe are perfectly balanced and that the shoe is properly supported to the tanker.
It is also designed so that both the fill points and splash plate can be used without any modifications.
The Hi-Spec trailing shoe can be used as a dribble bar if needed without any contact with the ground.
Rear and side discharge muck spreaders
The range of spreaders from Hi-Spec includes the unique rear discharge Xcel 1250 spreader. The Hi-Spec Xcel 1250 is unique in that it uses a rotary chain and flail system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs.
The shredding rotor carries 22 heavy duty chains, which in turn carry 12mm Hardox flail heads, mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood, that shred all the material to an even consistency and ensure no lumps are deposited onto the spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood, evenly places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread.
The Xcel 1250 has a capacity of 12t and can evenly spread material up to 24m.
The material to be spread is moved rearward by a single slat marine grade floor chain, driven by a hydraulic motor with overload protection and variable speed adjustment.
Options include various tyre sizes, a weigh cell and the Isobus compatible RDS iSOCAN Apollo spreader control system or the straightforward Digi-Star GT400 weighing system.
Suckler producers can dramatically improve performance and financial returns by monitoring key breeding indicators – but manual recording is laborious and time consuming. Now, farmers can record everything on their phone and boost suckler genetics using free app. A new feature on the free Breedr app, generates automatic reports and easy-to-understand graphics.
The new breeding feature aligns with AHDB Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and helps farmers to identify the best livestock to breed from, whether that’s producing beef calves to finish or heifer replacements.
“Genetics affects almost every element of suckler cow performance, and by benchmarking farmers can speed up the rate of genetic improvement – particularly if they are calving at two years old,” explains farmer and Breedr founder Ian Wheal. “Our free tools enable farmers to analyse the genetic performance of their herd and individual animals quickly and easily.”
The best place to start is logging when females are bulling – this will create an alert for 20 days later so producers can check to see if they’re cycling again. Logging the AI date or when bulls are turned out, as well as any pregnancy diagnosis results, will automatically calculate and flag the likely calving date.
“At calving, you can log the birth in seconds ready to sync with BCMS, and enter the calving ease, calf weight and vigour – by linking with the dam and sire, this makes it easy to identify the best cows and bulls to use,” says Mr Wheal. Medicine records and activities like disbudding can also be kept in the app, so that all of the animal’s information is in one place.
When weaning, calf weights can be captured in just 10 seconds with the Crush Mode tool, and when more than one weight has been recorded the app will predict future growth rates to help with finishing plans.
“According to AHDB, achieving 10kg higher weaning weights can increase output by an average of £20/head,” explains Mr Wheal. “This can be influenced by a compact calving period; the more calves born in the first three weeks of calving, the older they are at weaning, so the heavier they will be.” Farmers can use the KPIs to select the most fertile females to breed from, achieving a tighter calving period and ultimately boosting profitability.
Significant genetic gains can be made by calving heifers at two years old; not only does the heifer produce more calves over her lifetime, the farm can also reduce its stocking rate compared with calving at three. “According to Teagasc research, each month that first calving is delayed by costs on average £43 per heifer.”
Clearly, the main objective of suckler beef farms is to maximise output. “An efficient suckler cow will calve unassisted, produce one calf per year, wean that calf to 40-50% of her body weight, return in-calf with minimal inputs and have a docile temperament,” says Mr Wheal.
“Recording and subsequently analysing performance and activities at herd and individual level is therefore essential to make informed selection and management decisions. Historic data can be uploaded to enable year-on-comparison and our free KPI reports make it easier than ever to start making data-backed decisions to drive greater genetic advancement.”
For more information visit www.breedr.co
Machine Guard, a leading agricultural and construction machinery extended warranty product from EPG Global, has analysed its extensive claims data of over 19,000 tractor repairs for the five years from 2016-2020 to compile the top 5 causes of breakdowns :
- Electrics
- Engine
- External Hydraulics
- Transmission
- Operator Environment
Holly Shepherd, Machine Guard Managing Director, commented: “Modern tractors are complex pieces of kit, and sophistication can lead to electrical failures which are number one on our breakdown list. The costs for repairing modern engines can escalate rapidly and it makes financial sense to look after the heart of your tractor which is the second most likely failure we see. Third on our list are the external hydraulics. A slow or sluggish hydraulics system is both frustrating and a sign that more serious problems may be around the corner.”
As well as compiling the top 5, Machine Guard has produced a report with tips and recommendations to keep tractors in prime condition. The full copy of the report is available at www.machine-guard.com.
Commenting on the tips and recommendations, Holly Shepherd said: “Electrical components should not be considered in isolation, it’s important to look at the vehicle as a whole. For example, failing to replace oil and filters can have a knock-on effect to other systems of the vehicle. Increasing engine performance beyond its designed specification could damage key components of the machine. If you need more performance or power, then invest in a specification that meets your demands.
“However careful you are, breakdowns can still happen – which is why our specialist warranty cover is a wise investment to get you back up and running quickly and protect your bottom line. We can help with all of your machinery warranty needs so please get in touch on support@machine-guard.com or call us on +44 (0)333 247 0205.”
VISIT THE WEBSITE HERE
If problems occur with the wash-up routine in your dairy parlour, milk films will build up in the plant, providing nutrients for bacteria which can then multiply, increasing total bacteria count or bactoscan. Evans Vanodine explain the importance of cleaning your milking machine and offers a step-by-step guide to implementing an efficient routine.
The milking system should be cleaned immediately after milking while the plant is warm and before milk deposits start to form on pipes. Circulation cleaning with high alkaline, low foam chemicals, is the most common method for cleaning plants and has three cycles: rinse, wash, disinfect.
Rinse: Warm water at 38–43°C should be rinsed through the milking system and run to waste immediately after milking. Under no circumstances should a cold-water rinse be used. After this cycle, shut off wash line valves to prevent large volumes of air being sucked into the system, which can cool down the plant before the hot wash. This cycle should remove 90–95 per cent of all milk residue, with the remainder removed during the main wash cycle.
Wash: This cycle relies on an alkaline detergent solution to remove butterfat. Chlorine is normally incorporated into the detergent to help remove protein, such as with Evans Vanorinse, but in this form has no disinfectant property. Chlorine-free detergents are becoming more popular, like Evans CIP Liquid. Wash up solutions are very sensitive to temperature and generally their cleaning power doubles for each 10°C increase up to a maximum of 71°C. Once they exceed this temperature, they tend to become unstable, and hence less effective. There are a few specialty detergent solutions designed to be circulated in cold water, including Evans Coldwash.
Detergent solutions must be used at the correct concentration; too weak and it will be ineffective, too strong and it will be wasteful and may even corrode the stainless steel or rubberwear in the plant. Hot water is run into the plant and as it travels around it heats up the pipes and vessels. Only then should the correct amount of detergent solution be mixed into the circulating hot water.
Disinfection: A final disinfectant rinse will reduce the number of bacteria in the plant and help maintain milk quality. Peracetic Acid (PAA) is the most commonly used (e.g. Evans Peradox). This solution may be circulated and then dumped to waste at the end of the wash-up routine, or, left in the plant until the next milking when it will have to be drained from the plant before milking.
For further information, visit the Evans Vanodine website, or download its Dairy Hygiene brochure.
Low emission slurry spreading equipment is important for cross- compliance. Major Equipment produces durable, low-maintenance slurry handling solutions for farmers to stay on top of regulations.
The Major Retrofit Dribble Bar and Trailing Shoe slurry spreaders are universal units. Both can be mounted onto any tanker make or model without welding or fabricating. Available in 7.5m working widths, both use a powerful Vogelsang macerator to distribute slurry evenly and consistently through 30 outlets for precise application. Either can be used with an existing splash plate. For extra protection working in corrosive environments, applicators are hot-dipped galvanised.
Major offers four classes of tankers – Agri, Contractor, Alpine, and Tandem – for specific use or requirement. “All our tankers have a separate chassis supporting the barrel, unlike other tankers where the tank and chassis are one unit,” says sales manager James Cox. “This means 80 per cent of the weight is carried on the tanker’s axle and the remainder is carried on the tractor drawbar. This design prevents cracking from the stress of pulling heavy loads and for longer distances.” Important considerations for farmers travelling between sites.
All barrels are produced from 6mm steel and fitted with road safety features, including breakaway cable, hydraulic brakes, and rubber buffers on drawbar for easier towing and smoother journeys. A galvanised finish comes as standard with painted coating as an option.
Hidden costs in power purchase agreements (PPAs) are leaving some generators out of pocket, despite the promise of a higher purchase price. Valpy Fitzgerald, renewables and sustainable commodities director, Drax, explains what to look out for.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are contracts that allow people to sell their excess generated power to a licensed energy supplier. They form an important part of the UK’s energy mix, supporting local communities through the supply of renewable energy, helping to reduce pressure on the grid and improve energy efficiency within the region.
They also provide businesses with an additional revenue source and a means to build upon their sustainability credentials.
Every supplier is different, but there are a few core features that all good PPAs share. They should reflect the current market price, have clear payment terms, be easily understood, and have a point of contact for any issues. Embedded Benefits are also important differentiators, as these usually make up around 30 per cent of a total PPA rate and can be fixed or variable.
There are lots of suppliers to choose from, and while this gives generators a greater choice of potential contracts, not all suppliers charge in the same way. This can lead to generators being stung by hidden costs.
One charge that generators need to watch out for is Data Collection and Data Aggregation costs. This charge, which covers the cost of onsite data collection, is often not reflected in the initial price, and can be around £200–300 per annum.
Generators should also be aware of Distribution Network Operator costs, which are charged for use of, and connection to, the distribution system. These tend to be standard across the board but it’s worth looking out for these in the small print.
Price and reliable payment are still the most important considerations for generators. But without cost transparency, they risk losing out in the longer term. Good suppliers will provide this information upfront. But in all cases, it’s advisable for generators to do their research into potential hidden costs and the level of customer service as these will ultimately result in the best deal.
To find out more about what Drax offers visit: www.energy.drax.com/ppaguide
Choosing the right supplier of your above-ground slurry containment tank, often referred to as a slurry store, is an important undertaking, as confidence in the chosen company is paramount to ensure your hard-earned money is invested in a tank that will stand the test of time.
Monostore has been designing and installing poured in-situ reinforced concrete tanks for over 20 years, and can provide design and install on both tanks and foundations for capacities from 20m3 to over 10,000m3 – satisfying both the smaller farmer’s needs and co-operatives with herds in excess of 500 head, be it cows, sheep, or both. The concrete slurry store is a robust, quick- to-install solution, and will provide maintenance free service for many decades, Monostore says.
Rapid advances in green, sustainable, renewable energy have opened up opportunities for on-farm anaerobic digestion biogas plants, permitting production of this valuable resource from animal waste and purpose grown energy crops. Monostore is at the forefront of supplying this market with proven designs of digesters and associated digestate storage tanks.
To provide these markets with innovative technologies of tank construction, Monostore also designs and installs a propriety range of Fusion Bonded Epoxy coated steel tank panels, that are erected onsite with mechanical jacks, ensuring a safe working environment, and quick installation, with minimum of crew. Contact Monostore directly to request more information.
