We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Tractors on test in action: 100hp.
THERE is a major battle taking place in the 100hp bracket. Mervyn Bailey and Geoff Ashcroft took six competing models into the field, to see which can claim supremacy.
There is a massive choice of tractors now available for buyers wanting a new steed packing 100hp.
A raft of engine upgrades, driven by Tier 3a emissions regulations, has prompted something of a surge in new product over the last 12 months from many camps.
Our test ensemble is far from definitive and there are a few obvious choices missing from the pack including Deere, Valtra, Claas, Fendt and Kubota. Some of these have been tested before, but with a touch more horsepower (see Farmersguardian.com).
Deere for example, is planning to replace its 5020 and the new model wasn't going to be available in time for our test while Claas flatly refuses to provide tractors for press evaluation purposes. Shame really, because we had high hopes for the largely-mechanical Axos pitched against its peers.
Which leaves us with our collection of six, comprising MF's 5455, Zetor's Proxima Plus 10541, New Holland's T5050, Deutz's Agrofarm 100GS, Landini's Vision 105 and Case's Maxxum X-Line 110.
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Why an X-Line 110? Well, the Case CS100 we had initially requested simply wasn't available, whereas the 110 was. That it packs the most powerful punch of the bunch and comes with a high specification doesn't automatically guarantee it walks away with the crown.
Our pack contained two Masseys – a conventional model with Visio roof option for loader work, and a droop-nose model with solid cab roof. It may have been better to have a droop nose with Visio roof, but again, model availability is the deciding factor.
A week at Whittakers Green Farm in Cheshire complete with plough, cultivator, drill, mower, integral baler/wrapper and the chance to face up to some tough loader duties too was intended to sort the weed from the chaff. But each has its own strengths – and weaknesses – that to some extent, muddied the waters a bit.
All pack four-pot motors with forced-fed induction, hinting at the potential to mix muscle and economy – essential for those looking for a useful all-rounder that's happy sipping fuel in the farmyard or striding across fields.
Froment's Dave Tyler put them all on the rack to see just how engine characteristics differed for these Tier 3 emissions compliant motors.
* This video has now been archived. Please email FGSupport@ubm.com for more information.
Source:
Tractor Focus
