Inhoudsopgave van August 2023 - Profi

Love 'em or loathe John Deere’s 140-160hp six-cylinder models, they have been a best-seller in the UK and Ireland for quite some time. And the latest generation of 6R doesn’t seem to be letting the green side down, either; in fact, looking at the report from our profi test team, this month’s Powermix candidate, a 6R185, should continue this top-selling trend, as long as you are happy to pay for the higher level of spec associated with this particular model. Then again, perhaps this is one of the reasons for the 6R’s success. Regardless of whether you want a tractor in which you can wrestle with a range-change lever, or, at the other end of the spectrum, a CVT with nifty armrest controls, there is pretty much a spec variation…

Maschio Gaspardo’s move away from using the services of UK importer Opico and setting up of its own UK subsidiary has coincided with the launch of several new product lines to the British market. While a civil relationship has been maintained (Opico is aiding in establishing the new standalone enterprise), the Italian manufacturer is keen to see a wider range of its products on offer as they are across the rest of Europe. Most significantly that includes sprayers, fertiliser spreaders, no-till drills and a wider portfolio of cultivation kit. Examples of all four were on the company’s stand at Cereals and interestingly it was the twin disc Primo fertiliser spinner that seemed to be getting most attention. Part of a line-up which includes machines with working widths from 12m to…

DirectDrive 24-speed transmissions were introduced by John Deere as an alternative to powershift AutoQuad and CVT AutoPowr. First offered in 6R tractors back in 2014, DD transmissions essentially offer most of a CVT’s in-field/on-road benefits but with full mechanical efficiency. The DD system uses two clutches, three ranges and eight powershift steps. To use, the transmission is pretty much as easy to work as a CVT but some users encountered problems and with it earn the transmission a poor reputation for dependability. The main issue was a snap ring or circlip that would break, typically on tractors at or before the 4,000hour mark. The odd and even gears are on separate shafts in the DD transmission, the snap ring failure causing the transmission to get stuck with the gears on…

If you are in the market for a nominal 50hp yard tractor, there is a key spec choice between hydrostatic and a mechanical gearbox. In our two-part compact 50hp tractor comparison we made a few observations. Here we delve a bit deeper. Geared drive from engine towheels With a mechanical gearbox, power flow from the engine is transmitted mechanically from the crankshaft to the gearbox and then to the drive axles and wheels. The Kioti DK5020 Shuttle has four speeds in four ranges to provide a total of 16 forward and reverse gears. Once a gear and ratio are selected, they are linked via the clutch to the engine, adjusting the engine speed clearly varying the speed of the tractor, with manual swapping between the gears to suit the job.…

Quite a few hoof trimmers use nothing but a sharp hoof knife for trimming cattle — respect! But working with a knife can be tiresome, so farmers and hoof trimmers alike may go with an angle grinder with a special trimming disc. To cater for such demand, makers offer a wide range of these tools. So, which discs do farmers and hoof professionals enjoy the most? The needs vary A heads-up on the test result: only four of the 13 discs meet the tastes of both camps — the DL-Disc from Demotec, the Muh-Cutter 3.0 in black, the GKS Profi from Wahl and the multi-adjustable WG 2060 from Wopa. Four of the 13 discs are intended exclusively for the hands of hoof-trimming professionals; the other five are aimed at farmers.…

What does an aircraft maker do when looking for a challenge? Justus Venter, together with his father, Nic, threw himself into a very special challenge. Although they had no experience whatsoever of building tractors, they embarked on the mission to help South African farmers, by providing an upgrade of their existing Aco tractors. Nic has owned the Aco brand since 2017, including the engineering plans for the large tractors that date back to the 1990s. These high-hp tractors were built on Alph Coetzer's farm in the South African Free State until the company filed for bankruptcy in 1998. Sadly, Nic Venter passed away last year. However, this sad loss did not deter Justus Venter’s plan from turning his father’s idea into reality. On the contrary, he has pushed on with…

Valtra introduced its fifth generation T series in 2021, adding Stage V AgcoPower engines and a refreshed cab with A-pillar display for main functions and indicators replacing the dashboard panel; on Hi Tech and Active models it also shows tractor and implement control information. The SmartTouch armrest offers 9-inch touch screen, intelligent multi-use drive lever and new hydraulic joystick. These models retain upgraded versions of Valtra’s transmission and hydraulics packages – Hi Tech, Versu, Active and Direct - a new Start Boost feature makes it easier to start off in the B and C speed ranges and Auto U-pilot offers improved control of the implement at the headland. DATA SHEET T155 Engine AgcoPower Stage V 6.7 litre engine 165hp max, 180hp max boost hydraulic lash adjustment and turbocharger with electric…

We got quite excited four years ago when Kubota announced it was working with Versatile to create an M8 version of the Canadian built 175hp-210hp Nemesis. But sadly, the M8 was only being developed for the North American market and the Japanese manufacturer quickly extinguished any hope that this tractor range would be coming to Europe. Pictures are now circulating on the internet of a new M8-251 KVT with up to 250hp. Kubota didn’t want to tell us anything about the prototype tractor which looks like an additional model to the Versatile built tractor range, but we will keep our eyes peeled for any more information.…

HiSpec Engineering is expanding its trailer range. The Push-off PD20 Dump Trailer will be offered alongside the Kompactor range of push-off trailers. It uses the same push-off sysytem to empty the trailer which has a heaped load volume of 14.5m3, giving it a carrying capacity of around 20t, depending on material. The push-off system has a rated capacity of 28t and has the obvious benefits of being able to spread a load more evenly and overcomes the risk of turning over on uneven ground. Another claimed benefit is the load height of 2.39m. The floor of the trailer body is constructed from 8mm thick Hardox steel, and 6mm Hardox is used for the sides. The hydraulically sprung drawbar is fitted with a bolt-on, swivel hitch. Commercial 127mm axles are fitted…

MAN engines has confirmed that all its current, off-road engines can be used with regenerative diesel - also know as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO). The approval applies to all off-road engines for the current EU Stage V and EPA Tier 4 emission standards and below. Customers can mix socalled green, or renewable, diesel with conventional diesel, or use it on its own. “By burning regenerative diesel, engines emit up to 30% less particulate matter and up to about 10% less nitrogen oxides (NOx),” says Mikael Lindner, head of MAN Engines "Above all, regenerative diesel ensures clean combustion with up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions in the exhaust gas compared to conventional diesel,” For Werner Kübler, head of engineering at MAN Engines, there are also other advantages, "There are no…

Zürn UK reports that it has now sold four of its Top Cut Collect weed seed harvesters across the country. Interestingly the first three went to contractors and growers wanting to target problem grass weeds in conventional crops while the latest machine has been ordered by an organic farm looking to reduce its weed seed burden. The trailed unit is available in 9.0m and 12m working widths and employs combine-style cutterbars to snip weeds off just above the crop. Helical brush reels then flick the trimmings up onto draper-type belts which feed a central conveyor running into the Top Cut’s 7,000-litre high-tip hopper. Typically, the working window for the machine runs from late May through to early July. With working speeds between 4-8km/hour, operators are going to need to put…

Following on from our April test on the John Deere 6R150, many of the good and bad points apply in equal measure to the 6R185, which shares the same cab, operation etc. Yet there are differences. For starters, there's the engine. Instead of four cylinders, the 185 has a six-pot, 6.8litre Deere Power Systems motor under its shiny green bonnet. And the PVS abbreviation in the engine designation indicates that instead of two inline turbos (PSS), the charger sports variable geometry. We were keen to see what this and the extra displacement brought to the performance party, so we asked the DLG to hitch up the test tractor to its dyno. But a quick note on the cooling pack: unlike the 6R150, Deere splits the radiator pack. The intercooler on…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Did you know over 9,000 farmers currently benefit from our unrivalled advice? If you want to know what they know, take a look at some of our subscription offers where you’ll get the latest news, updates and guidance, as well as our unique DLG tractor tests delivered to your door, every single month. Subscribers can also enjoy free access to our 27-year in-depth test archive, PLUS receive access to a complimentary digital copy of Agricultural Trader every month. Guarantee you make the right choice when purchasing machinery by subscribing to profi today. Editor, Profi International WHAT OUR SUBSCRIBERS SAY “I’ve been subscribing to profi for the last 15 years because it keeps me up to date with modern technology and we refer to it when buying…

This was our conundrum: work lights that were attached to the roof with self-tapping screws had broken off, so we needed another way to attach new headlights without removing the roof. A quick browse of the web, and we came across the Tox Acrobat Speed Plus, which we purchased for £20.80 from Amazon along with a selection of M6 cavity dowels: these are available in a pack of 25 for £15.98. According to the manufacturer, each dowel has a load capacity. If this isn't enough, then the dowels are available in different material thicknesses and as an M8 variant. An 11 mm hole needs to be pre-drilled for mounting the M6 dowels. Then a dowel is inserted into the pliers, pushed into the hole and locked in place with several…

The latest generation of the Arion 600 range gained enhanced equipment options, a wider range of engines, upgraded to meet Stage V emissions legislation in 2020 and features including updated Hexashift powershift and CMatic CVT functions and the Proactiv front axle suspension. A higher hydraulic power option was added, along with larger rims and tyre diameter for the 630 and above. Claas has recently developed the CEMIS 1200 as new standard terminal for its tractors. Capable of handling online documentation, ISObus and task controller applications, section control and variable quantity control, it replaces the previous S10 universal terminal. The design, graphics and operation using the 12-inch multitouch screen are based on the Claas CEBIS, so will be familiar to existing customers. DATA SHEET Arion 630 Engine DPS Powertech 6.8l Stage…

We would all like to consider ourselves as being relatively relaxed — not sweating over the small stuff. Easily ignored as a minor issue may be, if said issue continues to occur, niggling away, even the most placid can be sent potty. Having been reminded of a few of these irksome problems of late, I thought it only fair to share them with you. 'A problem shared…' so to speak. Throttle response: Tractors, as we know all too well, operate in rough conditions with little to no suspension, thereby subjecting the operator to a multitude of outside inputs. In other words, when it gets bouncy you've got your hands full just keeping things in a straight line. Difficult as it may be, maintaining a constant pressure on the throttle ensures…

RECORD FOR LINDNER The 2022/2023 financial year was Lindner’s best ever with sales increasing by 13% to €112 million. The Austrian firm produced 1,200 Lintrac and Unitrac models with 249 employees and hopes to boost sales by 7% this year and increase production by one more vehicle per week. Around 65% of production is used in the agri sector, 25% in municipal and the rest goes to other industries. CORVUS DEALER NETWORK Redlynch has taken on Corvus and will cover Dorset, while fellow new dealer, Baggleys Machinery will be selling the ATV and UTV range in East Anglia. FR650 ON TOUR New Holland has started a demo tour with its FR650 self-propelled forager in the south of England and into Wales. EXTRA ALLIANCE TYRES Yokohama Off-Highway Tires has added three…

In our last profi Twitter poll, we asked respondents to share what tramline widths they currently operate. The results indicate that 6% of respondents operate tramlines with a width of 12m, 38.8% are on 24m, 25.4% use 36m, and 29.9% indicated other tramline widths. We will be sharing another poll on our Twitter page in the coming weeks, so make sure you head over to @profitractors (or scan the QR code). Next time we will be asking would you allow a manufacturer full access to data systems on your machines? Our polls only last a few days so make sure you keep an eye out and as always, we’ll post the results right here. We appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing from you.…

When the Juwel range of ploughs was introduced back in 2010, Lemken added a number of electronic features for the first time on the fully-mounted ‘8’ models. It all started with the angle sensor that allowed operators to adjust the pitch without any mechanical stops. The ISObus-compatible Turn Control Pro system on the Juwel 8TCP went one step further. In addition to having many settings at the touch of a button, it also features automatic furrow straightening with the help of GPS. The ‘i’ equipment on the Juwel 8 ploughs takes this to another level of sophistication. Notable features include easier ploughing thanks to presets and the refined GPS-based control system. This comes with a caveat — but more on that later. We got our hands on one of the…

The hydraulic drive system on Kuhn’s four-rotor rake is seen as one of its main selling points — and this hasn't changed on the latest generation. Instead, improvements to smaller details are the key focus on the facelifted GA13231 and GA15321 units, which have maximum working widths of up to 12.50m and 14.70m. Vulnerabilities addressed In the past, the support shaft on the bogies was prone to cracking above the weld. Thanks to larger diameter, thicker walled steel and a different welding technique, the new support shaft is much studier. There's also something new on the hydraulic raking height adjustment of the four rotors: two integrated hydraulic cylinders now lock the mechanism in the adjustment unit. They only open when adjusting the working height, which means the rotors do not…

Although understood by those in the know, it is worth recalling that John Deere splits its 6R tractor series into small, mid, large and extra-large frame models, with the mid-frame, 2.76m wheelbase 6R considered here (see profi 05/15 and 01/22 for the larger 6R models). Powered by 6.8 litre PowerTech six-cylinder engines, the current 6R145 (max 160hp/boosted 195hp) 6R155 (171/203hp) and, from late 2021, 6R165 (182/213hp) and 6R185 (204/234hp), are piggies in the middle of what is now a 14 model strong John Deere 6R family, with the two newer more powerful variants offering enhanced power to weight ratios. Taking a sideways look, the current 4.5-litre four-cylinder 2.58m wheelbase 6R140 (154/166hp) and 6R150 (165/177hp) and 2.80m wheelbase ‘large-frame’ 6R175 (193/223hp) and 6R195 (215/244hp) broadly bookend the mid frame models considered…

The developments made between the last of the 6145R/6155R and current 6R145/6R155 are incremental, as you would expect. As a used buyer, however, it is the difference between the 6140R/6150R and 6145R/6155R that may be of more use; you will struggle to find anything other than ex-hire or ex-demo 6R155 models as a used buy at the moment. A further point is that the 6R185 looks set to steal a fair few 6R155 customers, a point we will consider when we revisit these models as a future used buy. Launched in November 2014, the Stage IV compliant 6145R and 6155R require AdBlue (DEF) diesel exhaust fluid. This was big news at the time, Deere having long trumpeted its ability to meet the then current emission regs without. Engine output was…

Bolts are held in place by friction. When screwing in a bolt, friction is created between the flanks of the internal and external threads. This is the so-called, self-locking, frictional connection. However, if too much force is applied when tightening the bolt, or if the thread has not been carefully made, the thread can be damaged or even stripped. Provided a few guidelines are followed, producing a hard-waring thread should be straightforward. Thanks to Helmut Mevenkamp from Rorup in Münsterland, Germany, for his tips and help in producing this article. He was a mechanical engineer and R&D mechanic for more than 40 years. What is a standard thread? Before we get down to tapping we should get a few basics straight. In most cases, you are dealing with metric ISO…

Allredo S35 Allredo sent us the S35 trimming disc, which is made of aluminium and has no holes. Its six knives remove a lot of material; this was a challenge for our testers. They didn’t like the fact that horn shavings are propelled at their right hands, as this can be quite painful without protection. A positive aspect is the fact that the knives are secured with Torx screws. This makes swapping knives easier. Each knife has four cutting edges. The total disc height is 24mm, so the disc can be operated with a regular grinder. Tightening and loosening the disc is exemplary and takes a large hex spanner. Purchase costs and knife costs are moderate. Price: €159 1 set of knives: €12 Recommended for: Professional hoof trimmers Auer Kuh…

Figures from the AEA show that registrations of tractors in the 161-200hp power band saw the greatest increase of all sectors in 2022. A scan of the specifications and comment from purchasers suggests that these tractors are now the equivalent of the family runabout car, used for a multitude of jobs. New engine technology means that there’s a good choice of four-cylinder models of this horsepower now, but for jobs requiring a slightly longer wheelbase and a bit more weight, six-cylinder versions offer greater versatility. Several manufacturers have added this configuration in recent years, or extended the choice of models. Others now offer a wider choice of transmission, including a CVT. Most of the recent updates came in 2020-21 to tie in with the latest emissions regulations, adding Stage V-compliant…

DRIVING IMPRESSION John Deere 8R410 EAutoPowr The boffins at John Deere have developed an innovative hybrid driveline for the EAutoPowr — the first continuously variable transmission with electric components. REPORT Trevow Vegetation Management Tom Voyce explains why he ventured outside the traditional agri contracting bubble to focus on vegetation management in the North East and Scottish Borders. TECHNICAL IWN VariQtire central tyre inflation Internal rotary joints mean all of the pneumatic plumbing is neatly routed out of harm's way. But this isn't the only impressive feature on the IWN set-up. PRACTICAL TEST Amazone Tyrok 400 V plough We roll over some ground with Amazone’s semi-mounted Tyrok reversible, complete with the new STW35 slatted bodies. The traditional plough dead? Not in our book. REPORT Continental trip With demand for Continental’s agri…