The LAMMA show returned to its traditional January slot at the NEC Birmingham, this week, with exhibitors and visitors alike turning out to discuss the merits of machine and technology options for 2023 investment cash.

Expanding range

Corvus, Europe’s only volume manufacturer of ‘buggy’ type all-terrain vehicles, is not only expanding its dealer network in Britain through importer BOSS ORV, but is also increasing its product range.

Latest addition is the Terrain GX4s, a more compact, petrol-fuelled off-roader suited to beef, sheep, dairy and arable farmers wanting a lighter, smaller and nippier run-about. The GX4s is 75cm shorter and 20cm narrower than the established diesel model, yet the designers have apparently concentrated on keeping the two-seat cab as spacious as possible.

Power comes from a 561cc engine generating 42hp and driving through a CVT transmission, with selectable two- and four-wheel drive, and a rear axle differential lock as standard.

As with the diesel Terrain DX and the electric Terrain EX (see page 33 for more on that), there are different equipment levels – Base versions have manual steering which upgrades to electric on the Base EPS, while Pro EPS spec' brings front and rear windscreens in addition to a roof panel, while Cab models have a heater.

A steel tipping cargo box sits behind the cab, while steel guarding protects the underside of the vehicle. First examples of the newcomer are due with dealers this spring.

Grassland 'groomer'

Grassland grooming is the main role for Dalbo’s new Multistriegel, which is designed to help improve swards ready for spring growth and improved yields.

The 6m wide machine is tractor-mounted but has adjustable pivoting depth wheels to the rear to provided support and consistent working height in work. A full-width levelling board mounted on ‘C’ shaped spring steel tines leads the way to spread dung pats and molehills, with the angle of attack quickly adjustable by screw crank.

Next come two rows of heavy-duty flexible harrow tines to further distribute levelled off material while also scratching out dead grass in the bottom of the sward and open the soil surface.

A Dalbo air seeder can be added for a one-pass solution to rejuvenating thinning swards – as can a tow hitch for pulling a roller to help achieve good seed/soil contact for reliable germination.

Bale handlers

Irish engineer, Joseph Moynihan, was a first-time exhibitor at LAMMA with his bale handling devices, which he maintains are more efficient thanks to a patented over-arm design.

The TR handlers are designed to pick up a round bale from any angle and to grip any size of square bale without prior adjustment.

JM Agri Design produces both single and double-bale handlers; the flagship TR-8 has two gripping elements that can be operated individually for grasping round bales or simultaneously for square bales using the in-cab control box.

Grain cleaner

A vibrating-sieve cleaner is at the heart of this compact mobile grain cleaner put together by McArthur Agriculture for contracting or operating on a shared basis by a small group of farmers.

In addition to the JK Machinery JCC VibroCompact 08 cleaner, the curtain-sided outfit based on a Nugent flatbed trailer also has a generator and augers for filling and emptying that can be positioned by a single operator.

No-chem weed control

Chemical-free weed control is a growing sector for machinery makes, hence Sumo’s introduction of an inter-row hoe at LAMMA.

The IRW (inter row weeder) can be had with camera guidance for ultimate accuracy, will place fertiliser, and is available with a number of different tine configurations to suit various crops and soil types.

A cutting disc option – said to be unique – in front of each tine aims to cut through surface trash in direct- or min-till established crops.

Perfect tilth

The new Strip-Till Preparator from Grange Machinery is aimed primarily at perfecting a tilth for maize planting, with undisturbed soil between cultivated strips to provide support for harvesting.

It comprises a low disturbance tine and point combination to break through any compaction for drainage and root growth, with a disc helping cut through surface trash if needed. Then, two rows of staggered pairs of wavy discs to create a comprehensive tilth, and a cast ‘prism’ roller to finish off.

There are 3m, 4m and 6m sizes, all with adjustable strip spacing and the ability to place liquid or granular fertiliser below seed depth via the soil-loosening tines.

Power move

South Korean manufacturer, Kioti, is moving up the power gauge with its new HX series tractors from 90hp to 116hp for draft work, and on up to 127hp with pto boost.

A 3.8-litre four-cylinder engine drives through a transmission with four ranges, four speeds and a two-stage powershift for 32 speeds in all, forward and reverse. Three-speed pto (540, 540E and 1,000rpm) and 4.4 tonne rear linkage are also part of the package.

Electric tractor

Indian tractor maker, Solis, unveiled its model 26 Electric at the show, a compact unit with a 72V 330Ah lithium-ion battery powering a two-range hydrostatic transmission.

Its fast charging system is reckoned to replenish the battery to 80% in around three and a half hours.

Electro-hydraulic independent pto at the rear and amidships enable it to operate specialist equipment – a mid-deck mower, for example – and, of course, there is no excessive noise of diesel exhaust fumes to disturb the working environment.