http://www.farmersguardian.com http://www.farmersguardian.com http://www.farmersguardian.com/magazine/graphics/logo.png http://www.farmersguardian.com http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/rtp-option-reduces-operator-effort/55497.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/rtp-option-reduces-operator-effort/55497.article AIMED at users who want to make repetitive loader tasks easier, we test out John Deere’s latest loader innovation. James Rickard reports. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:23 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/fella-introduces-centre-pivot-mower-conditioner/55879.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/fella-introduces-centre-pivot-mower-conditioner/55879.article Fella, Agco’s grass equipment brand, has introduced a new centre-pivot mower designed to reduce headland turnaround times. Geoff Ashcroft puts one to the test. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:14 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/arable/arable-features/precision-decisions-for-establishment-of-osr/55946.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/arable/arable-features/precision-decisions-for-establishment-of-osr/55946.article When establishing OSR, are you looking for low costs or high output? Jane Carley looks at moves towards precision seeding of oilseed rape. Fri, 7 Jun 2013 04:47 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/precision-decisions-for-establishment-of-osr/55946.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/precision-decisions-for-establishment-of-osr/55946.article When establishing OSR, are you looking for low costs or high output? Jane Carley looks at moves towards precision seeding of oilseed rape. Fri, 7 Jun 2013 04:47 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/increased-efficiency-using-claas-autoswather-mower/55495.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/increased-efficiency-using-claas-autoswather-mower/55495.article PUTTING three big swaths into one, the Claas Disco 9100C triple mower is a good match for high capacity foragers. Fri, 24 May 2013 03:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/bulk-fertiliser-spreader-halves-labour-costs/55473.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/bulk-fertiliser-spreader-halves-labour-costs/55473.article Co-operative Farms at Ashby St Ledgers has made fertiliser spreading much more efficient from investing in bulk hopper technology. Geoff Ashcroft reports. Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/atvs-and-equipment/could-a-leisure-industry-renowned-atv-be-a-contender-in-the-agricultural-sector?/55327.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/atvs-and-equipment/could-a-leisure-industry-renowned-atv-be-a-contender-in-the-agricultural-sector?/55327.article OFTEN overshadowed by Japanese brands, ATV manufacturer Can-Am now wishes to re-address the balance in the agricultural sector with its latest generation 500cc model. Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/slurry-separator-system-turns-waste-into-free-bedding/55333.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/slurry-separator-system-turns-waste-into-free-bedding/55333.article A cubicle bedding concept which is popular on mainland Europe and in North America seems to be finding favour with UK farmers. James Rickard speaks to a recent convert from Wiltshire. Thu, 9 May 2013 15:05 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/keeping-on-top-of-spfh-maintenance-to-maximise-chopping-efficiency/54919.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/keeping-on-top-of-spfh-maintenance-to-maximise-chopping-efficiency/54919.article As silage season looms around the corner (when the grass eventually starts to grow) self propelled forage harvester users might want to make sure their machine ready. With expert help James Rickard runs through a check list. Fri, 3 May 2013 10:21 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/combi-drill-saves-the-day-in-wet-conditions/54902.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/combi-drill-saves-the-day-in-wet-conditions/54902.article Once the mainstay of most arable farms, power harrow drill combinations are making a comeback even where min-till rules. Jane Carley reports. Wed, 1 May 2013 11:53 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/making-the-most-of-swards-with-overseeding/55002.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/making-the-most-of-swards-with-overseeding/55002.article PASTURE overseeding using a grass harrow is an increasingly popular technique to make the most of existing swards and delay the need for a complete reseed. Jane Carley meets a contractor for whom this service is a useful addition to his portfolio. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/getting-the-most-from-your-tedder/55029.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/getting-the-most-from-your-tedder/55029.article WHILE mower conditioner combinations have been the tool of choice for silage making, it seems as though the tedder is making a resurgence. With the help of specialists, James Rickard has compiled a list of useful tedding tips. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:41 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/buying-a-second-hand-twin-rotor-rake-successfully/55003.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/buying-a-second-hand-twin-rotor-rake-successfully/55003.article BUYING a second-hand twin rotor rake could prove a low-cost route to maximising forager and baler output potential. Using a Vicon rake, Farmers Guardian has put together a buyer’s guide of things to look out for. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:56 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/slurry-applicator-meeting-contractors-requirements/54759.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/slurry-applicator-meeting-contractors-requirements/54759.article MANY of the nearly 8,000 biogas plants in Germany can be found in the North West of the country, a region dominated by huge tracts of forage maize. Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:03 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/cushmans-1600xd-fairway-master-is-on-par-in-field/54848.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/cushmans-1600xd-fairway-master-is-on-par-in-field/54848.article DESPITE its golfing background, the new Cushman 1600XD is equipped with several features to make it useful on the farm. Jane Carley puts one to the test. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:19 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/ejector-trailers-improve-logistics/54665.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/ejector-trailers-improve-logistics/54665.article HAVING bought two 36-cubic metre, tri-axle Larrington Ejector trailers to improve logistics and boost safety last year, Suffolk contractor Evergreen Harvesting has now ordered a third ejector trailer. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:16 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/making-the-most-of-nutrients-with-high-specification-muck-spreaders/54670.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/making-the-most-of-nutrients-with-high-specification-muck-spreaders/54670.article WITH muck becoming a valuable commodity, James Rickard talks to one Northumbrian contractor who is using two high-specification muck spreaders to make the most of his customers manure. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:41 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/three-loader-tractors-go-head-to-head/54190.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/three-loader-tractors-go-head-to-head/54190.article WHEN it comes to choosing a loader tractor for a small to medium livestock farm, there is plenty of choice. James Rickard puts a selection through their paces on-farm. Mon, 1 Apr 2013 10:54 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/contractors-loyalty-rewarded-with-new-baler-from-john-deere/54418.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/contractors-loyalty-rewarded-with-new-baler-from-john-deere/54418.article THE door-less 900 series round baler from John Deere was quite a head turner when it was unveiled at the UK Grassland Event in 2011. So how has it faired since? James Rickard catches up with one Herefordshire contractor to find out. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/tractor-and-loader-test-scores-and-verdict/54195.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/more-machinery-tests/tractor-and-loader-test-scores-and-verdict/54195.article AS you can see from the scores, it is a close battle for top spot. Each loader/tractor package had its own strengths and weaknesses. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:59 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/diy-quick-fix-puncture-repair-guide/54007.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/diy-quick-fix-puncture-repair-guide/54007.article FEW breakdowns are as troublesome as a puncture, particularly when a ‘flat’ can inconvenience an entire harvesting team. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:29 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/could-cross-ply-tyres-be-the-answer-for-yard-work?/53814.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/could-cross-ply-tyres-be-the-answer-for-yard-work?/53814.article AS telehandlers have become more sophisticated, operators are using them for longer hours, requiring specialist tyres, suggests Ron Wood, automotive engineering manager of Mitas Tyres. Fri, 8 Mar 2013 10:49 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/minimal-soil-disturbance-from-holmers-new-beet-harvester/53457.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/minimal-soil-disturbance-from-holmers-new-beet-harvester/53457.article A PRE-PRODUCTION beet harvester from Holmer, offering increased capacity and low soil impact, has been undergoing trials in Norfolk. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:09 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/articulated-combine-developed-to-make-grain-handling-easier/53428.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/articulated-combine-developed-to-make-grain-handling-easier/53428.article THEY say everything in the US is bigger and this could not be truer for one Indiana farmer’s huge articulated combine concept. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:05 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/shielded-inter-row-spraying-approach-to-black-grass-control/53135.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/shielded-inter-row-spraying-approach-to-black-grass-control/53135.article IN search of better black grass control in sugar beet and oilseed rape, Cambridgshire grower Edd Banks turned to Micron’s Varidome shielded band sprayer for a solution. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:46 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/customisation-key-in-spray-tank-design/53158.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/customisation-key-in-spray-tank-design/53158.article AS we hear reports of a dip in British manufacturing, Jane Carley catches up with one firm’s success story as it bucks the trend. Thu, 7 Feb 2013 14:03 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/chassis-key-to-new-polaris-ranger-side-by-side/52929.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/chassis-key-to-new-polaris-ranger-side-by-side/52929.article REDESIGNED from the ground up, the XP 900 Ranger is Polaris’ latest side-by-side machine. James Rickard put it to the test on a gruelling off-road course. Tue, 5 Feb 2013 10:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/durham-hill-farmer-adds-new-zetor-hsx-to-mixed-fleet/53004.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/durham-hill-farmer-adds-new-zetor-hsx-to-mixed-fleet/53004.article WITH a mixed fleet of tractors, brand allegiance was not a priority for one Durham hill farmer when it came to swapping a tractor. James Rickard catches up with one of the first owners of a Zetor Forterra HSX. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/tackling-machinery-funding-in-taxing-times/52410.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/tackling-machinery-funding-in-taxing-times/52410.article MODERN, efficient machinery is key to successful farming in today’s challenging environment, and farmers are looking at a wider range of ways to access the horse-power they need. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/xerion’s-versatility-proves-beneficial-to-contracting-firm/52440.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/xerion’s-versatility-proves-beneficial-to-contracting-firm/52440.article WHAT should you get when conventional, articulated and tracked tractors will not do? One Oxfordshire contracting outfit reckons it has found the very machine. James Rickard talks to R.C. Baker contractors about its experiences with the Claas Xerion. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:38 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/farming-and-engineering-are-perfect-partnership/52097.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/farming-and-engineering-are-perfect-partnership/52097.article PART-TIME farming is an established practice in other parts of the world, but for Martin Lole, it has inspired and been facilitated by his development of the Mzuri drill. Fri, 4 Jan 2013 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/how-muck-management-has-proven-its-profitability/52110.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/how-muck-management-has-proven-its-profitability/52110.article WHILE expanding its dairy herd, one Dorset producer has invested in a bespoke slurry system to make full use of muck’s potential as a home-grown fertilis. Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:03 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/jc-machinery-introduces-imants-and-vredo-machinery-to-the-uk/51944.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/jc-machinery-introduces-imants-and-vredo-machinery-to-the-uk/51944.article COULD grassland rejuvination and cultivation equipment borne out of the amenities industry, imported from Holland, be suitable for UK conditions? Distributor JC Machinery reckons so, putting its faith in Dutch makers Vredo and Imants. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:33 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/latest-generation-red-rotary-impresses/51939.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/latest-generation-red-rotary-impresses/51939.article WITH 1,600 hectares (3,953 acres) of combinable crops to cope with, including grass for seed, how does Case IH’s latest flagship combine measure up? Martin Rickatson catches up with Tyneholme’s estate manager Jes Hansen and farm manager Daniel Hald to find out. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:23 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/deutz-7-series-rides-into-battle-to-fight-for-new-market-share/51465.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/deutz-7-series-rides-into-battle-to-fight-for-new-market-share/51465.article THE 200-250hp bracket is a crowded market to enter, but Deutz-Fahr has made very few compromises with its new 7 series tractors. James Rickard puts the flagship Agrotron 7250 TTV through its paces in some challenging conditions. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:27 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/telehandlers-high-capacity-jcb-loadall-combines-the-best-of-both-worlds/51173.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/telehandlers-high-capacity-jcb-loadall-combines-the-best-of-both-worlds/51173.article WITH the ability to store over 55,000 tonnes of grain, high capacity loaders are key to maintaining quick turnaround times for one independent Yorkshire grain storage company. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:52 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/telehandlers-new-manitou-mlt-840-telehandler-on-test/51247.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/telehandlers-new-manitou-mlt-840-telehandler-on-test/51247.article WITH the MLT 840, Manitou hopes to up the ante when it comes to telehandler development. James Rickard puts its latest machine through its paces with an on-farm test. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/telehandlers-attachments-to-extend-role-on-farm/51183.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/telehandlers-attachments-to-extend-role-on-farm/51183.article NED extra versatility from your telehandler or loader? Then these latest attachments could be worth adding to your collection. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/bowser-equipped-unimog-maximises-self-propelled-sprayer-output/50980.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/bowser-equipped-unimog-maximises-self-propelled-sprayer-output/50980.article NOTTINGHAMSHIRE arable farm streamlines spraying logistics with the use of a Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:01 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/new-tracked-combines-offer-extra-stability-and-reduced-compaction/51020.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/new-tracked-combines-offer-extra-stability-and-reduced-compaction/51020.article WITH a high arable workload, one Cambridgeshire farming business relies on three John Deere flagship combines to handle the workload. Geoff Ashcroft looks at how these machines coped with a less than ideal season. Thu, 8 Nov 2012 10:08 GMT http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/machinery-lovers’-christmas-gadget-guide/50843.article http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/machinery/machinery-features/machinery-lovers’-christmas-gadget-guide/50843.article GEOFF Ashcroft picks out some of the latest tools and gadgets that could find their way into the tractor driver’s tool chest this Christmas. Thu, 1 Nov 2012 00:00 GMT