Machinery Pushing harvesting boundaries
Claas celebrates The new Claas Xerion 12.650 Terra Trac was awarded the Tractor of the Year 2024 title at the event. With 653hp, Claas CMatic CVT transmission and a cab even larger than that of the Lexion combines, the impressive machine is expected to be available for UK demonstrations by late spring. Pictured with it at the event are Claas large tractor team manager, Steffan Kurtz (left) and Claas UK chief customer officer, Jeremy Wiggins.
New Holland had also saved a major new product to be previewed at the event. The CR11 is its next generation flagship combine, offering a step up in performance from the current CR10.90. It has a 775hp engine, two 24in rotors and a 20,000-litre grain tank. It also features two cleaning systems and two clean grain elevators. New Holland claims the system allows maximum work rates with losses close to zero. The combine was displayed with a MacDon 15m Draper header at the show.
Gas options increased New Holland also displayed its new T7 Methane tractor at the event. New Holland alternative fuels manager, George Mills (pictured) said that the T7.270 Methane shares the underpinnings of the T7.300 and produces 270hp with no boost. Emissions are reduced by 80% compared to the standard diesel model and it takes 4–6 minutes to refuel. Most demand is from large scale farms with anaerobic digesters or dairy units, and the main application is for transport tasks with heavy trailers where the T7’s weight and pulling capability ensures safe operation.
Battery handler Claas previewed its 732e batterypowered Scorpion telehandler at the show, complete with an integral 22kW charger and capable of working four hours and then recharging in just four hours. Other innovations included a fully autonomous version of the new Xerion 12.650, and a hybrid combine using electric power to supplement the standard diesel power unit when load peaks occur – which in trials produced fuel savings up to 10%.
Cultivator and drill options increased
Spreading and spraying by drone DJI is well known for its range of drones sold for hobby and business use, but at Agritechnica the company exhibited larger commercial drones suitable for field scouting, spraying, spreading and making deliveries. Company representative, Fusen Chu (pictured) said that the company manufactures drones capable of spraying up to 25ha per hour and that possible applications include all types of crops with the absence of tramline wheelings being a big attraction for growers. Tank capacities up to 50 litres are available with a maximum weight of 40kg. Costs are from approximately €11,000.
Bednar country manager UK and Ireland, Adrian Winnett is pictured at the show. He recently joined the Bednar team and reported an extremely busy event with considerable interest in new models displayed including the Katara which is the company’s first power harrow drill combination. The version displayed was for seed-only, but a combined grain and fertiliser model will join the line-up shortly, and Adrian expects it to prove popular for growers in the north of England and Scotland. Working widths are 4, 5 or 6m and there is a choice of 12.5 or 16.7cm row spacing. The company also displayed its Matador direct strip till drill capable of placing fertiliser with seed in a single pass. Adrian commented that the first UK farmer who visited the stand was impressed by the drill’s ability to place two types of fertiliser in different locations relative to oilseed rape seed in just one operation. Adrian said that Bednar intends to increase its share of the drill market to be within the top three suppliers, and that he is actively looking for new dealers to represent the brand in the UK where there are gaps in the existing coverage.
128 www.farmersguide.co.uk January 2024
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06/12/2023 11:57 am