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Latest reviews and tests

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Claas Scorpion 741

In an extension of our telehandler test in the 4t lift and 7m reach category, we have taken a look at the best-selling rigid-frame machines from Kramer, Claas, Cat and Bobcat.…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Kramer KT407

In an extension of our telehandler test in the 4t lift and 7m reach category, we have taken a look at the best-selling rigid-frame machines from Kramer, Claas, Cat and…

TECHNOLOGY

Video: Land Rover's butch Explore smartphone on test

Land Rover fans who want a smartphone to match their rugged workhorse are in for a treat with the Explore – a tough handset built to take the punishment of…

4X4S

On test: Skoda Karoq Edition

Just when you thought you may have been running out of options for compact SUVs (said no-one), up pops another one. Hang on, don’t I recognise you? Well, you’re correct.…

TECHNOLOGY

Video: Cat's rugged S61 smartphone on test

Smartphones and farm life don't always make for a long and happy story, with rough use, mud and accidents dispatching countless units to handset heaven. Tough smartphones like the new…

TRAILERS

Becklonne Lademonster eases maize hauling headache

Little-known German manufacturer Becklonne has developed a monster elevator designed to shift large quantities of crop from the field to the clamp, and it’s capable of loading an artic bulker…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Manitou returns to pivot market with its MLA-T

It might have a chequered past in the world of pivot-steer loaders, but Manitou has returned for another crack at a market monopolised by its old enemy, JCB. The French…

Tractors

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TRACTORS

Video: We try out John Deere's monster 8400R

If you missed our test report from the week we spent with John Deere’s monster 8400R, you can now watch the video to give you a flavour of what the…

MACHINERY

Video: 110hp Armatrac 1104 on test

Turkey has become something of a hotbed for small tractor manufacturing and one of its most recent exports is beginning to make headway in the cost-conscious UK market. The Armatrac…

401+HP

Video: On test - John Deere 8400R

Over the past couple of decades, tracked tractors have established themselves as the go-to cultivations power source for many 500ha-plus arable growers, thanks to their ability to skip lightly across…

TRACTORS

Video: 400hp reverse-drive Valtra S-series on test

Valtra has finally let its heavyweight S-series loose on the 400hp tractor scene and, armed with lorry loads of torque, a proven driveline and a redesigned cab, promises to unsettle…

TRACTORS

On test: John Deere's quick-fit EZ Ballast weight system

Adding ballast to a cultivation tractor is a time-honoured method of delivering maximum grip and making the most of the ponies it has to offer. Traditionally this has come in…

TRACTORS

Video: On test - New Holland T5.120 v Fendt 312

This month’s tractor test sees the New Holland T5.120 go head-to-head with Fendt’s 312. You can find how they performed with a pair of four-furrow Ovlac ploughs by watching the…

TRACTORS

Driver’s view: 1997 Case-IH Magnum 7230

After a series of pricey breakdowns with newer tractors, Leicestershire contractors Leon and Simon Smith decided to try some older, simpler horsepower. The pair’s mechanical woes came to a head…

TRACTORS

Driver’s view: Versatile Delta Track - brawn on a budget

When Case-IH chose to bolt four track units to one of its articulated prairie monsters it created a new tractor concept that had no direct rivals for more than 15…

Telehandlers

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TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Claas Scorpion 741

In an extension of our telehandler test in the 4t lift and 7m reach category, we have taken a look at the best-selling rigid-frame machines from Kramer, Claas, Cat and Bobcat.…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers on test: Kramer KT407

In an extension of our telehandler test in the 4t lift and 7m reach category, we have taken a look at the best-selling rigid-frame machines from Kramer, Claas, Cat and…

TELEHANDLERS

On test: Manitou returns to pivot market with its MLA-T

It might have a chequered past in the world of pivot-steer loaders, but Manitou has returned for another crack at a market monopolised by its old enemy, JCB. The French…

MACHINERY

On test: JCB's 419S loading shovel brings extra muscle

Officially launched at Paris’ Sima show in February, JCB’s 419S loading shovel is now rolling down the firm’s Staffordshire production lines. As the main middleweight model in the company’s ag-spec…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: 5 mid-sized loaders battle it out

This winter’s big machinery test is all about lifting and shifting as we thrash out the winners and losers in the rigid-framed telehandler market. Although a little thinner in participants…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: Merlo TF 42.7 CS 140

The TF42.7 is one of the most popular models in Merlo’s extensive Turbofarmer range, which goes up to the TF45.11 with 10.5m reach and 4.5t lift. Previous versions came with…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: JCB 541-70 AgriPro

JCB unveiled the new-look hybrid transmission back in spring 2016 to sit alongside its cheaper powershifting versions. There is a growing list of models equipped with the fancy gearbox and…

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandler test: Manitou MLT 741-140 V+ Elite

Manitou had a big shake-up of its telehandler ranges last year, adding a new cab and a handful of different transmission options. There’s a four-speed Powershuttle torque converter set-up, six-speed…

Tools, clothing and other equipment

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TOOLS

On test: Electric strimmers give petrol-powered performance

Battery and brushless motor technology has improved so much in recent years that even power-hungry machines such as brushcutters are beginning to go fossil-fuel free. At a recent press event…

TOOLS

Video: 20 handy workshop tools, gadgets and knick-knacks

Having the right tool, gadget or knick-knack at hand can take some stress out of the most frustrating farm tasks. Here the Farmers Weekly Machinery team presents 20 potential gems…

FARM MAINTENANCE

£50,000 silage conveyor invention keeps mud off road

After a constant battle to keep mud clear of the road during the wet silage season of 2012, contractor-cum-engineer Joe Williams decided he had to come up with a hassle-free…

MACHINERY

Five 18V cordless grinders on test

Pokier batteries and high-tech motors mean many cordless power tools now promise performance to match their plug-in rivals. They’re not cheap, but are they worth it? To sort the good…

MACHINERY

5 pieces of handy timber-processing kit

Processing timber on farm can be a time-consuming and tedious business, but thankfully there can be decent rewards for those willing to put in some effort. As a guide farmers…

MACHINERY

Farm welly boots on test - which is the best buy?

The wellington boot might be a farming institution, but how much thought really goes into replacing your worn-out rubber workwear? Some stingy wearers refuse to fork out more than £20…

MACHINERY

Grease guns on test: Electric v manual

Grease guns may not be the most exciting or glamorous pieces of kit on the farm, but their role is vital. Get your lubrication right and your bearings will live…

MACHINERY

4 inverter arc welders tested on-farm

SIP Weldmate T183 Sealey Power Welder MW 180A Kemppi Minarc Evo180 Clarke AT161 How welders work Verdict Stick welders might seem a little outdated compared with a finely tuned mig,…

4x4s, cars and pickups

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4X4S

On test: Skoda Karoq Edition

Just when you thought you may have been running out of options for compact SUVs (said no-one), up pops another one. Hang on, don’t I recognise you? Well, you’re correct.…

4X4S

On test: 300hp Ariel Nomad buggy

As agricultural vehicles go, the Ariel Nomad might seem like a pretty extreme choice. OK, so it's not a proper workhorse, but it could be the perfect way to unwind,…

4X4S

New Ssangyong Musso targets top pickup makers

The UK is now Ssangyong’s second-biggest export market and the budget brand remains intent on peppering our roads with its motors. A recent reshuffle at the top of the company…

4X4S

On test: Korean 4x4s - Ssangyong Rexton Ultimate

Farmers Weekly is putting three £40,000 4x4s all hailing from South Korea to the test. This time it's the  Ssangyong Rexton, which stands out as a rugged all-rounder with a few…

4X4S

On test: Korean 4x4s - Kia Sorento KX-3 Eco Auto

Farmers Weekly are putting three £40,000 4x4s all hailing from South Korea to the test, this time the Kia Sorento. Like Hyundai, Kia keeps things simple with a single engine option,…

4X4S

On test: Korean 4x4s - Hyundai Santa Fe

Farmers Weekly are putting three £40,000 4x4s all hailing from South Korea to the test.  Our trio of top-speccers includes the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Ssangyong Rexton. Here is…

4X4S

New-look Dacia Duster stays true to budget roots

Having been the butt of jokes for years, unfashionable Dacia is now developing something of a cult following for its bog-basic, no-frills car. See also: Pickup test: 6 farm trucks…

4X4S

On test: Volvo V90 Cross Country Pro D5

While the bulbous SUV has been dominating the UK’s road network, its svelte, understated cousin – the all-wheel-drive estate – has quietly taken a back seat. But after several years…

ATVs and UTVs

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ATVS AND UTVS

Video: Petrol or diesel UTVs: which are best?

So… which UTVs are best - petrol or diesel? If we put the issue of fuel cost and convenience to one side for a minute, it becomes an easy decision…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: John Deere Gator XUV 855M buggy

Diesel might be the current fuel of choice for farm buggies, but there’s a new wave of petrol-powered machines looking to reverse that trend. To find out which colour of…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Kawasaki Mule Pro-DX buggy

Diesel might be the current fuel of choice for farm buggies, but there’s a new wave of petrol-powered machines looking to reverse that trend. To find out which colour of…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Honda Pioneer buggy

Diesel might be the current fuel of choice for farm buggies, but there’s a new wave of petrol-powered machines looking to reverse that trend. To find out which colour of…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Can-Am Traxter HD8 buggy

Diesel might be the current fuel of choice for farm buggies, but there’s a new wave of petrol-powered machines looking to reverse that trend. To find out which colour of…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Polaris Ranger XP1000 buggy

Diesel might be the current fuel of choice for farm buggies, but there’s a new wave of petrol-powered machines looking to reverse that trend. To find out which colour of…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Can-Am’s 75hp Maverick Trail UTV is lots of fun

Can-Am is well-known for its adventurous and slightly bonkers products, and the Canadian firm has continued that trend with its new pocket rocket Maverick Trail UTV that is smaller and…

ATVS AND UTVS

On test: Yamaha launches Kodiak 450 ATV

Yamaha has continued its run of ATV upgrades with a new mid-sized Kodiak, which will fill the boots of the Grizzly 450 for next year. The Kodiak accounts for 30%…

Arable

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BALERS AND WRAPPERS

Big baler innovations could help farmers cut costs

The latest batch of big square balers are packing even more straw into a heavier bale, which not only drives down the cost of baling, fewer bales also cuts down…

CEREAL DRILLS

New drill options for seed-bed fertiliser

New options for growers wanting to apply dry fertiliser when sowing spring cereal crops take different approaches to delivering the material, either down the same spout as the seed or…

PLOUGHS

A round-up of new ploughs at Cereals 2016

There was plenty of evidence at Cereals 2016 that ploughs still have a significant role to play, judging by the new and improved models that manufacturers had on display. Whether…

ARABLE

New tractor tyre technology offers 18% more traction

The tyre designer’s job, it seems, is never done. As tractors continue to gain power and weight to meet farmer demand for greater performance, new tyre designs are needed to…

14 useful machinery, tractor and arable apps for 2016

With more and more farming apps coming on to the market each month, we have produced a round-up of some of the latest and some old favourites to help you decide…

Round-up of the latest strip till kit to cut your cultivation co...

If it’s possible to cultivate only the ground where the crop will grow, why waste money moving soil across the entire field? That is the question posed by proponents of strip…

New Defy 3D nozzle: Sprayer operators give their verdict

Agrochemical giant Syngenta has launched its new Defy 3D spray nozzle, which will provide growers with improved grassweed control and reduced spray drift. The new nozzle is an evolution of…

Sprayer technology keeps wider booms in balance

Sprayer operators who appreciate the time- and stress-saving advantages of technology will appreciate the efforts Chafer designers have gone in developing the firm’s latest Guardian and Sentry trailed machines. Isobus…

Livestock

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ASSESSING PERFORMANCE

Livestock buyer's guide: EID readers compared

Electronic identification provides a real opportunity for farmers to assess performance and improve efficiencies by identifying best performers. While it can be quite costly to implement, depending on the system…

LIVESTOCK

Buyer's guide to latest dairy monitoring technologies

Gadgets and devices to monitor dairy herds are becoming commonplace. There are established precision technologies for heat detection and rumination, and these remain the most widely used technology in dairy herds.…

LIVESTOCK

Buyers guide: 6 options for calf housing compared

Investing in calf housing that meets the animals’ needs and dovetails with the farm system can improve productivity and save thousands of pounds in reduced costs and poor performance. Calves…

LIVESTOCK

6 alternative bedding options to straw compared

Poor weather conditions at harvesting and diminished crop yields on the back of a dry spring, coupled with strong demand from renewable energy plants, have converged to create an unprecedented…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Buyers guide to grass-measuring equipment

There is a range of grass-measuring equipment and software on the market, which means choosing the right one can be a minefield. Farmers Weekly looked at a range of measuring…

LIVESTOCK

Buyer's guide to brushcutters

When it comes to keeping farm fence lines clear of overgrowth, there is no substitute for brushcutters. These machines are so good that it’s hard to find a bad one.…

PIGS

10 Danish loose farrowing pens compared

Ten European loose-housed farrowing pens are being assessed for pig, piglet and worker welfare in a world-leading product test. This follows industry targets for 10% of Danish sows to be…

LIVESTOCK

Beef and sheep weigh head buyers guide

An array of weight recording systems on the market can make choosing the appropriate set-up difficult for livestock farmers. Most manufacturers will have a variety of models in their range,…