Machinery Reduced lift height and reach compared to the previous Loadall was a concern for the farm, but hasn’t proved an issue. A bag lifter provides extra height for filling spreaders and drills from big bags.
Simon. “But what we needed was extra traction plus plenty of lift capacity and break-out force, mainly for handling manure safely at low level. The outdoor pigs leave a deep layer of wet litter and achieving the traction to push and load it was always a problem for the Loadall. I spoke with a dairy farmer friend in Northern Ireland who suggested that farmers in his area handling manure had moved to articulated loaders for the extra ground clearance, manoeuvrability and traction, so we looked at these, too.” Demonstration machines of several brands were trialled, including the latest JCB Loadall from G&J Peck. The dealer also supplied a TM420
…from previous page
spring, ready for application. As soon as the straw is cleared from the fields, spreaders are hired in for application. For the past eight years, a JCB Loadall 531-70 performed all the handling tasks, but when it was due for updating last autumn, Simon and his team looked at alternatives. “We got on well with the Loadall and received good support from G&J Peck, our local main dealer,” said Simon. “But we felt we should check what the competition was offering and consider alternative designs.”
Manure handling priority “We don’t often require the long reach of a larger handler,” commented
telescopic wheel loader which spent four days on the farm. “They were all assessed for their manure handling ability as that is a key handling task for us,” continued Simon, “but the TM420 was a clear winner, impressing everyone who used it. Its appearance suggests it’s much bigger than a Loadall but it’s actually little different, plus it feels nimbler and requires less manoeuvring space. “Its ability to push-up manure in the heap was incredible and, despite having less reach than the Loadall, we easily achieved higher heaps for more efficient storage. It gave the
impression that it would climb a vertical wall if asked, and we agreed a deal to purchase the demonstrator.”
Operator comfort Significant advantages over the rigid handler design include the larger, raised cab. Rather than being tucked in between the wheels on one side with the boom obscuring vision to the other, the TM420’s cab gives a clear view all around, improving operation in confined working areas. It’s much wider too, and although the control layout is similar to that of the latest JCB Loadalls, the seating position is preferred by Rougham’s team. “If I have to spend all day in it transporting seed or fertiliser, I don’t mind at all,” enthused machinery operator Jonny Balaam. “I love the cab continued over…
JCB TM420 tele-loader Specs Lift capacity Max lift height Hydraulics Tear-out force Engine Transmission Max speed Towing capacity
4,100kg 5.4m 160-litre/min piston pump 7,000kg JCB EcoMax 145hp 6-speed powershift. Manual or auto shifting 40kph 15t
CLAIM A FREE MAKITA PRODUCT ONLINE WITH SELECTED 18V AND TWIN 18V CORDLESS GARDEN MACHINERY 1st FEBRUARY - 31st MAY 2020
Claim online: www.makitauk.com/redemption.html
FREE WITH SINGLE 18V RT & RTX MODELS OR
5.0Ah 18V Battery BL1850B
18V Blower DUB182Z
If you purchase a 18v RT or RTX suffix machine you will be eligible to claim a free BL1850B 5.0Ah 18v Li-ion Battery or a DUB182Z 18v Blower. Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.
FREE WITH TWIN 18V (36V) PG2 MODELS OR
2x 5.0Ah 18V Battery 2x BL1850B
OR
18V Blower DUB184Z
Job Site Radio DMR107
If you purchase a Twin 18v PG2 suffix machine you will be eligible to claim two free BL1850B 5.0Ah 18v Li-ion Batteries, a single DUB184Z Twin 18v LXT Blower or a single DMR107 Site Radio. Terms and conditions apply, see website for details.
For more information visit www.makitauk.com Farmers Guide.indd 56-61 JCB.indd 59 1
30/03/2020 14:38 10:25 17/04/2020