Gearing up for Agritechnica

This year’s huge Agritechnica Show in Germany is set to attract 400,000 visitors from November 12 to 18. 

More than 2800 exhibitors from 53 countries will be presenting their latest farm machinery, innovations and technology at the Hanover Fairgrounds, under the theme ‘Green future – smart technology.’

Here’s part two of our look at some of the highlights:

Valtra’s biggest four cylinder tractor

The news from the Valtra stable in Finland is that it will launch its first four cylinder engine tractor that can boost to more than 200hp.

It says it is expanding its fourth generation N and T Series ranges upwards with the introduction of new high output models and the SmartTouch armrest on all Versu and Direct models. All will comply with the EU’s ‘Mother Regulation’, and 60 km/h transmissions are available.

Demands for extra horsepower from operators carrying out pto work and for road transport has seen Valtra raise the maximum output of the N174 model with a new two-step boost to 201hp. 

And the T Series has been expanded with the addition of new models – the T234 Direct and T254 HiTech, Active and Versu. The new models feature two-step boost, meaning that even more power is available in the most important work situations. 

Valtra said production and deliveries of the N4 and T4 series models (Versu and Direct) with SmartTouch had started in August 2017 and they will be on display at Agritechnica. 

SmartTouch integrates the ergonomic armrest with a multifunction drive-lever, valve switches, rear-linkage and pto control, a touch screen terminal and push button control pad, bringing all tractor functions within easy reach of the operator. 

JCB’s 4.1 tonnes wheeled loader

JCB will launch its brand new TM420 telescopic wheeled loader with a whopping 4.1 tonne lift capacity at Agritechnica.

The company said the new model will have extra lift height to 5.4m, which is ideal for high-sided diet feeders.

This new model also uses the same 108kW (145hp) JCB EcoMAX engine that meets Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions rules using SCR but no diesel particulates filter (DPF).

Other new features over previous models include regenerative hydraulics circuit giving faster boom lowering for quicker loading cycles and a tougher chassis with larger pins and bushes for the centre pivot and loader.

It also has heavier-duty JCB axles, with permanent four-wheel drive, to handle the increased payload and 26-inch wheels with larger tyres to optimise traction.

Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer, told The SF: “The new JCB TM420 delivers more performance and increased capabilities to meet customer demand for greater productivity and lower costs.”

A larger lift cylinder fed by the 160-litre/min piston pump provides 4.1 tonnes of lift capacity from ground level to full height, which is 32% more than the TM320S. And, the first application on a telescopic wheeled loader of JCB’s regenerative hydraulics speeds up repetitive loading cycles – such as when using a 4.1cu m grain bucket from the JCB AGRI range.

S700 Series combine from John Deere

John Deere has unleased five new combines in the S700 Series for 2018 and says the range offers the ‘most advanced grain harvesting technology from front to back.’

One of the key features of the five models – the S760, S770, S780, S785 and S790 – is technology that allows the combine to make necessary adjustments automatically whilst on the move. 

Building on the proven field performance of the S600 Series combines introduced in 2012, the new S700s have the latest in automated harvesting technology. 

John Deere’s combine product manager, Carsten Heftrig, commented: “These new S700 Series combines are the result of enhancements to our previous models that optimise and automate harvesting operations for both coarse and small grains.”

John Deere has introduced the next generation of interactive combine adjustment (ICA2), which after optimising machine settings such as forward speed, grain quality and losses, and cleanliness of the sample using ICA, changes the settings automatically to maintain that pre-selected output at a constant level.

The biggest physical difference customers will see in the new S700 Series combines, compared to previous models, is in the cab. This starts with the new CommandPRO joystick, which features up to seven individually programmable shortcut buttons for customising the most useful functions. 

Fendt’s latest sprayer

Fendt’s new range of self-propelled crop sprayers, the Rogator 600 series, will be available for sale in November following Agritechnica and for delivery in the first quarter of 2018.

The self-propelled range comprises of three models – the Rogator 635, Rogator 645 and Rogator 655, with a nominal capacity of 4000, 5000 and 6000 litres, respectively, and boom widths of up to 36m. 

Powered by AGCO Power engines ranging from 175 to 242hp, combined with the stepless drive concept and the smart traction control, these machines have been designed for the larger scale arable farmer and contractors. 

Their revolutionary single-beam chassis forms the backbone of the models. Alongside a low centre of gravity, this provides outstanding, balanced weight distribution, which also guarantees a very stable boom. 

Other features include a wide range of standard steering variants, all the way up to four-wheel-steer. Ground clearance can be steplessly adjusted in the field. 

Hydraulic track width adjustment provides up to 2.25m flexibility, which is ideal for contract work.

Independent wheel suspension and a new Vision cab provides operators with the highest levels comfort.