Know How / Tractors Latest tractor articles TRACTORSChallenger gets reverse drive conversion for tree pruningAfter decades of hauling heavy cultivation kit, a 1990s twin-track crawler has found an unlikely second career in the cider orchards of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The Caterpillar Challenger 55 is… TRACTORSMassey Ferguson extends 20-65hp compact tractor rangeMassey Ferguson’s revamped compact tractor range now extends to nine models in all, covering power outputs from 20-65hp with hydrostatic and all-mechanical transmissions, and open platforms or air-conditioned cabs. The… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2026The year’s Farmers Weekly Ultimate Guide to tractors is notable for the first-time listing of a mainstream electric model and a driverless tractor range, and the removal of two familiar… TRACTORSMitas creates Granterra tyre for low-speed, high-torque needsA heavy-duty tyre developed by Mitas is designed for larger tractors, from around the 200hp mark upwards, undertaking heavy cultivation. The Granterra meets the criteria for the industry’s VF category,… TRACTORSNexat wide-span tractor sows 200ha per fill with 28m drillGerman manufacturer Nexat and its gantry-style field tractor continue to make headlines as the machine gets new capabilities and early adopters discover its potential. The wide-span vehicle uses a growing… TRACTORSFirst impressions: Fresh Fendt 832 puts power to the groundFendt has finally cut all ties with engine manufacturer Deutz. Its new 800-series is the latest to get a heart transplant from sister company Agco Power, and with it comes… TRACTORSFirst impressions: John Deere's 8RX 540 breaks new groundAmerican heavy artillery of a friendlier type will be shipped across the Atlantic later this year when the first battalion of Europe-bound 8Rs and RXs departs John Deere’s Iowan factory.… Tractor reviews and testsSee all TRACTORSDriver's view: Kubota M6-132Kubota is now a respected player north of 100hp, having gradually introduced more four-cylinder models that have helped shed its reputation as an amenity and scraper tractor specialist. The most… MACHINERYTop-end tractor test: Valtra S353Power Farming Verdict: 3.5/5 Good driving comfort and transmission. Transmission operation differed from the rest so took a bit of getting used to. Room for improvements in ergonomics and especially… MACHINERY7 versatile 300hp arable tractor newcomersThree hundred horsepower to pull a trailer? That sounds excessive, but it is one of the roles envisaged for a new breed of powerful tractors that makers say are not… MACHINERYTop-end tractor test: MF 8690Verdict: 3.7/5 Good transmission and driving comfort. The Sisu engine kept up with the test averages. Easy working thanks to effortless shuttle change, roomy cab and SpeedSteer system. Computer controller… MACHINERYMcCormick X5.30 on testMcCormick X5.30 Price: £55,305 RANKING: 6th Cab The X5.30 was so new at the time we carried out the tractor test that McCormick had to field a pre-production model,… TRACTORSVideo: Claas Arion 550 Cebis Cmatic on testThe Claas Arion 550 Cebis Cmatic's modest proportions and respectable power make it a handy all-rounder. After testing it, we think it’s better suited to drilling and top work than… TRACTORSContractor rates his 500hp artic-steer John Deere 9620American farmers have a deep affection for the meaty roar and unrestrained pulling power of a 20t articulated tractor, but the prairie monsters have never quite made themselves at home… MACHINERYSecond-hand loader tractor buyer's guideFinding a good second-hand loader tractor can be a tricky task. But with some expert advice, Nick Fone sniffs out some sound performers. Finding a good 'un Case IH John… MACHINERYOn test: 9-series takes Deutz tractors over 300hpDeutz-Fahr is a tractor builder on a mission. It has followed up the launch of its 6- and 7-series CVTs with another tractor range that pushes the company’s boundaries well… MACHINERYMid-range tractor test: Fendt 724 VarioPower Farming Verdict: 4.2/5 As usual, the Fendt delivered on working and driving comfort as well as performing well at the DLG testing station. This is reflected in its high… TRACTORSVideo: New Holland T7.230 Power Command tractor on testNew Holland’s T7 might lack the glamorous cab offered by the likes of John Deere and Valtra – noise and space being its most obvious shortcomings – but there is… MACHINERYFirst drive: Kubota’s biggest ever tractor – the M7171Kubota’s top brass harbour dizzying ambitions to outsell John Deere as the world’s number one tractor manufacturer. James Andrews and Oliver Mark run the rule over the biggest machine ever… Tractor buying advice Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2025 What to look for when buying and fitting a tractor dashcam 6 simple, low-cost loader tractor options The inspection service helping buyers spot dodgy tractors Handy checklist for buying a second-hand tractor Buying a tractor? How to make sense of engine statistics Understanding CVT and powershift transmissions when buying a tra... Legal tips for buying and selling second-hand machinery Tractor guidesSee all MACHINERYIn-cab tyre inflation cuts costs and compactionIf there is one thing that we can all be sure of in 2016, it is that soil compaction will be an increasing worry for farmers. However, machines continue to… TRACTORSLinkage-mounted mudguard options to reduce mud splatterFactory-fitted fenders might do a half decent job of keeping your tractor clean, but they offer implements little protection against being pebble-dashed with mud, road grime and stones. This is… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2022The tractor guide listings for 2022 contain a significant number of changes. New and upgraded models having been introduced over the past 12 months, and the last tractors in our… TRACTORSFirst impressions: Valtra's new Q305 tractorA two-year reshuffle of Valtra’s entire tractor range, including a new G-series and updates to the As, Ns and Ts, culminated this summer with the launch of a quintet of… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2019Manufacturers appear to be preparing to unveil their next round of major updates at the same time as introducing engines to the European Stage 5 emissions regulations that came into… MACHINERYSeven 100hp loader tractors on testA mid-sized loader tractor still offers mixed farmers the most affordable combination of farmyard dogsbody and in-field workhorse. Farmers Weekly spent a week in Germany comparing seven of them. An… TRACTORSOn test: Deutz-Fahr 6140.4 TTVDeutz is still using up its stash of Tier 4i engines, so we separated it from the rest of the cleaner-running, Tier 4f-powered pack. Poor marks for its small cab,… MACHINERYVideo: Driven: John Deere 6190RIn avoiding the use of AdBlue exhaust treatment to limit emissions, John Deere has managed to tweak the new engine so that it is torquier and more thrifty than before.… MACHINERYNew Holland Dynamic Command TransmissionsWith transmission technology forever evolving, New Holland invites you to Drive the Change with the Dynamic CommandTM (DCT) offering. The latest next generation of semi powershift transmissions are simple and… MACHINERYSmaller tractor brands and horsepower- what's availableRecent months have seen several new tractor manufacturers at the lower-horsepower end of the market looking to establish a foothold in the UK. The newcomers Armatrac Farmtrac Branson Iseki While… TRACTORSTaking your tractor test – all you need to knowThe Driving Standards Agency (DSA) tractor test gives budding farmers the chance to drive machines on the road at the age of 16, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. The… MACHINERYFendt 516 Vario on testPower Farming Verdict: 4.6/5 Fendt tractors always seem to perform well in our in-depth tests and the 516 was no exception. It topped the scorecard for technical ability and driver… Tractor technologySee all TRACTORSNovel hybrid tractor drivetrain developed by CNH brand SteyrAny Formula 1 fan will be used to seeing its high-performance cars harvesting unused energy and deploying it as a tactical power boost further down the track. Farmers could be… TECHNOLOGYMulti Trac Tool confirms smaller electric tractorThe Dutch manufacturer of a large electro-hybrid carrier tractor called Multi Tool Trac has confirmed it is working on a smaller autonomous model. See Also: Analysis: Is electric technology set… TRACTORSAgritechnica 2019: Steyr shows zero emissions hybrid tractorSteyr is no stranger to out-of-the-ordinary tractor launches, and the Austrian firm maintained its reputation with a wacky diesel-electric hybrid concept unveiled at the show. Having made headlines a decade… Road legalSee all Older tractors have more accidents, says CemaMost serious tractor accidents on public roads across Europe involve older tractors, says European ag-machinery organisation Cema. See also: Do's and don'ts of driving a tractor on the road The… Tractor insights and practical adviceSee all MACHINERYIn-cab tyre inflation cuts costs and compactionIf there is one thing that we can all be sure of in 2016, it is that soil compaction will be an increasing worry for farmers. However, machines continue to… TRACTORSLinkage-mounted mudguard options to reduce mud splatterFactory-fitted fenders might do a half decent job of keeping your tractor clean, but they offer implements little protection against being pebble-dashed with mud, road grime and stones. This is… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2022The tractor guide listings for 2022 contain a significant number of changes. New and upgraded models having been introduced over the past 12 months, and the last tractors in our… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2019Manufacturers appear to be preparing to unveil their next round of major updates at the same time as introducing engines to the European Stage 5 emissions regulations that came into… MACHINERYNew Holland Dynamic Command TransmissionsWith transmission technology forever evolving, New Holland invites you to Drive the Change with the Dynamic CommandTM (DCT) offering. The latest next generation of semi powershift transmissions are simple and… TRACTORSTaking your tractor test – all you need to knowThe Driving Standards Agency (DSA) tractor test gives budding farmers the chance to drive machines on the road at the age of 16, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. The… TRACTORSTips for buying a second-hand Challenger MT765ERising input costs, falling subsidy payments and squeezed profit margins mean many farmers are turning to the second-hand machinery market to add extra firepower or replace their ageing prime mover.… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: Wood-fuelled tractorsIt might sound a bit wacky, but tractors have the potential to be powered by wood – as proven by several farming inventions over the years. The tractor fuel produced… TRACTORSBuying the right tractor: Part 3 - suspension and tyresIn the final installment of our guide to getting the right spec on your new tractor, Peter Hill takes a look at cab suspension and tyre options. [pm_module id="1482425"] Suspension… TRACTORSWorn-out tractor seats: How to refurbish or replace themThousands of hours subjected to bouncing backsides, grubby overalls and flatulence can take its toll on a tractor seat. But considering it’s such a crucial contributor to driver comfort, this… Alpine tractor maker sets its sights on UK hill farmersLindner might be a little-known name in UK farming circles, but it accounts for a healthy chunk of the tractor market in its home country of Austria and it’s slowly… MACHINERYMachinery Milestones: Four-wheel drive tractorsIn the latest instalment of our series looking back over the history of machinery developments, Mike Williams charts the rise of four-wheel drive tractors and how they have become the… VideoSee all NOW IN VIDEO: New Holland's fuel cell tractorNew Holland's NH2 fuel cell tractor - the first hydrogen-powered tractor to be shown by any tractor maker - finally broke cover in Turin, Italy last Friday. Based on a… Dancing JCB tractor at the World Ag ExpoThe World Ag Expo in California was a chance for companies such as New Holland, Case and John Deere to showcase some of the newest machinery around, and exhibitors were keen to show… MACHINERYVideo: Driven: John Deere 6190RIn avoiding the use of AdBlue exhaust treatment to limit emissions, John Deere has managed to tweak the new engine so that it is torquier and more thrifty than before.… MACHINERYVideo: Farmers in the driving seat at the Farm Handling eventLast week's Farm Handling Experience was the place to be for anyone looking to try out the latest telehandlers, tractors and loading shovels from some of Europe's biggest farm machinery…
