The Irish Ploughing Championships were held last week at
Annaharvey Farms, just outside Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland.
Cathal McCarron reports on some of the equipment on show
FARMER TRACTOR
This Farmer-branded tractor is Polish built and
currently available in two sizes, the 92hp F-9058 and the 105hp
F-10244 C1. The smaller 29,500euro unit is powered by a John Deere
engine and uses a 12 x 12 transmission. Hydraulic and linkage
controls are robust mechanical levers, which operate the three
spools and the 3.8t rated linkage.
LIMBLUX TRACTOR
LimbLuxs Slovenian-built tractor was being
brought in by TractaMotors, Co. Cavan.
Looking a bit like a Deutz-Fahr, it’s currently offered as an 85hp
model with plans for 95hp and 125hp variants. Powered by a Perkins
engine, it has a 24 x 24 40kph transmission, 3.2t lift capacity and
39,000euros price-tag.
MCHALE INTEGRATED BALE WRAPPER
McHale’s first Fusion integrated wrapper
appeared in 2002. Now there’s the Fusion II, which retains the
2m pick-up and drop-floor unblocking system but has a simplified
bale transfer system that can handle 50-60 bales an hour and an
uprated chopper unit. A new tubular chassis reduces the
machine’s weight by 500kg and prevents grass build-up.
JCB TM310
JCB continues the roll-out of its DieselMax
engines, with the new TM designated wheeled loader the latest
product form the Staffordshire based manufacturer to be fitted
with the home-grown engines. The 130hp TM 310 articulated
machine has a new six-speed transmission and lift capacity has
risen to 3.1. Max lift height is 5.1m.
TANCO WRAPPER
Latest 1814 wrapper from Co.Carlow-based
Tanco can wrap eight small bales as one
large bale and is aimed at farms who supply feed and bedding
to horse owners. The rollers don’t turn until after the first
four revolutions, allowing the eight small bales to be held
together. The 1814 can also handle the largest 1.2t (1.4m x
1.9m) bales.
HI-SPEC 1250
Hi-Spec’s Xcel 1250 muckspreader holds 12t
and can handle stones, concrete blocks and fencing stakes with
ease. Floor chains rated at 80t breaking capacity are
automatically tensioned and draw material to the rear doors
for spreading over the 18m width, emptying a 12t load takes
three to five minutes.