The TechAgro show in Brno, Czech Republic, is the biggest agricultural machinery show in Central and Eastern Europe. Oliver Mark prowled the 13 halls to find some of the more interesting kit from the continent

The biennial event this year hosted 755 exhibitors and 110,000 visitors over the five days. As well as agricultural machinery the show caters for forestry, veterinary and biomass sectors.

Zetor HSX

One of the most popular stands at the show was Zetor’s, where it unveiled its new Forterra HSX tractor range on home turf. The new high-spec version of the original Forterra has more features including the long-awaited power shuttle gearbox.

There are five new HSX models in total, starting with the 86hp 100 version, and topping out at the 146hp 140.

All get a 4.16-litre, 16-valve Zetor-built engine. The turbocharged four-cylinder incorporates a new fuel injection system with DPF soot filter to help meet Stage 3b of emissions regulations. Zetor says the new engines will add about £2,500 to the price of the tractor.

The HSX also has a new five-speed 30×30 powershuttle gearbox capable of 40kph.

At the back there’s a Cat II three-point linkage with increased 7t lift capacity thanks to two external lift rams. There’s auto draft control, too, and a 10cm longer wheelbase to improve stability.

The three cab options all include a new LCD display dashboard, and the company reckons there’s less noise and vibration in the cabin thanks to some silent blocks and new flooring.

Production of the Forterra HSX will begin in June.

Joskin

Joskin’s self-propelled Cargo-track with New Holland cab isn’t the most handsome machine in the EU.

It is powered by a 12.9-litre Iveco six-cylinder engine which uses AdBlue for emissions control. The 450hp turbo-cooled powerplant drives through an 8×8 transmission and is capable of up to 80kph on the road. There are inter-axle diff-locks for working in sticky conditions.

The eight-wheeler is available with various attachments. On this occasion it’s a muck spreader on the back with 21.1cu m loading capacity and two vertical rear beaters.

Leeb GS 8000

Also on show was the UK-bound Horsch-branded Leeb GS 8000 sprayer. The trailed sprayer has an 8,000-litre capacity and 530-litre fresh water tank. Filling capacity is 1,000-litres a minute and the GS 8000 is available in up to 36m working widths.

Features include a stainless steel tank and steel boom with pneumatic cushioning. The Leeb also has hydraulic axle steering and a low centre of gravity – thanks to 1,000 litres being carried below the upper edge of the frame – improves stability.

John Deere 4940

Deere’s 4940 self-propelled sprayer can double up as a fertiliser spreader for high-volume work.

There are 7t and 10t fertiliser hopper options available and it is capable of spreading widths of up to 32m. Variable and map-based application is possible through John Deere’s SpreadStar system.

Providing the power is a 9-litre PowerTech Stage 3b engine using Deere’s favoured form of emissions control – EGR. The engine turns two hydrostatic pumps which transform the power into oil flow and pressure.

The variable speed hydrostatic transmission provides an infinite range of speeds and also provides primary braking, while front discs offer back-up.

Optional slip control means if one wheel loses traction the drive to that wheel will decrease and be directed to the other three wheels.

Air-sprung suspension holds the frame 1.27m off the ground, with spinner height at 1.73m.