Machinery
Demand for most efficient harvesters The open day included products from across AVR’s range, and sales manager Tom Lootens explained that Ge-force hook-tine rotary cultivators are in high demand. “Many growers are upgrading to larger models, and sales of folding six-row models are increasing in order to replace four-row machines,” he said. “With only one opportunity to establish potato crops each year, creating the best possible conditions for growth is essential. The hook-tine cultivator’s crumble effect is much better for the crop than the finish from a power-harrow.” Tom said a new trailed two-row bunker harvester will operate in the UK this season. “Customer demand is for the most efficient harvesters, and our bunker models can keep operating without a tractor and trailer alongside. They unload on the move so there is no need to stop and, for most of the time, the operator has only to concentrate on the harvesting rather than watching the trailer too.” Tom is pictured with AVR marketing and communications manager Tine Coopman.
Tractor simulator demonstrations Case IH area service manager Sam Davies is pictured demonstrating the features and benefits of Case IH AFS Connect on a tractor simulator, to farmer Andy Kirk and his daughter Jess. Andy farms at Brothertoft, Lincs and is also a self-employed machinery operator for several farms in the area. “We deal with Pecks and the team provides very good service,” he said.
Well-made, strong and reliable
Farmers David and Ralph Elmore are from Conington, Beds and were at the open day looking at Cousins cultivation machinery. “We use Cousins equipment on our all-arable farm and like it because it’s well made, strong and reliable and works well,” explained David. “When we have a bespoke requirement, the manufacturer is always happy to modify the design to suit our needs.” Pictured (l-r) David and his father Ralph, Cousins of Emneth managing director Laura Cousins and sales representative David Howard.
Guidance solutions explained Pecks AgriTrac precision farming specialist Rob Heanes was kept busy explaining capabilities and costs involved for a range of guidance solutions. New Trimble terminals on show included the XCN 1050 which comes with a built-in navigation controller making it easier and quicker to install. “The wet weather has resulted in lots of enquiries for entry-level systems, mainly to help tackle black-grass,” he said. “Where smaller farms haven’t had a guidance solution to ensure complete field coverage, this has shown up with patches of black-grass making it obvious where areas have been missed. The other key reason for interest from new users is to accurately map field boundaries and confirm field sizes.”
Also trying out the Case IH AFS Connect simulator were William and Charlotte Clark (above). The Clark family farms at Beech Tree Farm, Gosberton, near Spalding and operates a New Holland combine and other machinery supplied by Pecks.
Pictured trying out the cab of the new Magnum AFS Connect tractor was farmer Tony Fowler. Tony’s all-arable farm at Wisbech St Mary is contract-farmed, and he said he has a long history of dealing with Pecks.
Another open day visitor keen to try out the new Magnum AFS Connect cab was farmer and contractor John Ashmore. Trading as JW Ashmore Ltd, the company is based at Enderby, Leics, and the family farm grows wheat, oilseed rape, oats, barley and fodder beet. Contracting for local farms includes spraying, cultivations and other general field tasks. “We use a Magnum 310 and two Pumas,” John explained. “We also have a JCB Loadall, supplied by Pecks. I very much like the Magnum, which is used for primary cultivations. It’s great to drive with plenty of power for heavier tasks.”
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