HANTS USER LIKES THE MX120S CAB
HANTS USER LIKES THE MX120S CAB
ONE of the snags with testing a new-in-the-market tractor is that users havent had much chance to log the hours. But J T & J * Mills Nov 1997 MX 120 has spent around 140 hours turning over maize ground, hedge-cutting and hauling muck – enough to give operator Martin Hamlen a good clue to its capabilities.
The 303ha (750 acres) of Sutton Manor Farm, Bishops Sutton, Alresford, Hants, host 222ha (550 acres) of combinable crops, with the balance delivering feed for 140 pedigree Holstein Friesians and followers.
The MXs launch coincided with a need to increase plough output, so along came a new five-furrow Kverneland vari-width and matching MX120. Fertilising, mowing and baling will also fall to the tractor as the seasons turn, with an average 1000 hours/year anticipated. Heres what Mr Hamlen makes of the show so far, starting with that thing closest to an operators heart – the cab.
"I like it," he says. "The vision is fine, and the slim offside door pillar means theres nothing to peer around when Im hedgecutting. Other strong points are the swivel seat, the big extendible mirrors, which should help round baling, and the work lights. Being around 6ft 3in, I dont have to do more than ease myself out of the seat to see the hitch hook – a big improvement.
"But the hook release is in a silly place, behind the seat so not handy when the area is full of tools – and Ive taken off the passenger seat altogether. It got in the way, and I needed the bolt holes for the hedgecutter control bracket as Case havent provided any on that side. Otherwise the cabs excellent – control layout is pretty good and Ive had no problems with the pedal layout," he adds. (Mr Hamlens MX had more space between brake and throttle than the test tractor).
What does he make of the new Maxxum cab for noise? "Well, to me this MX is no better – and no worse – than my old 965XL, and about the same as the 5140. But it is quieter than the farms smaller Cases."
And the engine and transmission? "Id say the motor is plenty good enough for the tractor – ploughing heavy ground last November showed it had a lot there. Running at around 1800 revs it certainly doesnt die in harder work and comes back very well. And the fuel tank is a good size.
"The clutch is easy, the shuttle very good at headlands.
Criticisms? The main gear lever is a bit stiff and powershifts can be jerky. The soft-shift button smooths these out, although you sometimes wonder when the box is going to finish a change! Overall its a good transmission and Ive had no trouble finding a working speed that you can shift up and down from, but the baler will be a better test.
Now to the back end. "The linkage is nice and simple, with a clever locking top link. The self-locking stabiliser works well, at least until a lump of mud stops the latch closing. Lift capacity is plenty for our five-furrow plough."
Like us, Martin Hamlen would like to see those main lift control knobs turn in the same direction – "One of the first things I said to the dealers." And hes not taken by Cases slip control system, even after setting everything up by the book. "It works fine on gentle slopes, but Ive had to turn it off on our steep banks as the plough lifts too far," he explains. "Two things are confusing – the way the system is set, and the way slip percentage is read from a single-number display at the control panel. You never really know where you are with it."
Diff lock/4wd operation is straightforward, he confirms, as are the spool levers and outlets; with the exception of the latters plastic spill catchers. "Too flimsy, so fall apart if a hose knocks them."
Is the MX 120 handy enough around Sutton Manor Farm? "Yes, its got enough lock," he confirms. "Although I usually have to use an independent brake to get back into the furrow, as each pedal brings out 4wd automatically the tractor can come round very sharply.
"On the road the brakes are fine and Im happy with pedal feel and operation. At the speeds Ive travelled theres no bucking, though I havent had it flat out yet
And his opinion so far? "Given the engine performance and taking everything into account, I think its a very good tractor. So far were very pleased."
Martin Hamlens MX120 has only done 140hrs, but he has a good idea of its capabilities.