John Deere’s new mid-chassis 3R series and large-chassis 4R series compact tractors are replacing the previous 3020 and 4020 series models. They are powered by three- or four-cylinder Yanmar diesel engines from 33hp to 66hp.

These compact tractors come with John Deere’s automatic eHydro transmission to give three-range electronic hydrostatic drive using TwinTouch forward and reverse pedals.

The eHydro transmission has three unique features:

  • LoadMatch automatically adjusts the machine speed to the engine load without stalling the engine, which is useful when moving heavy loads or mowing thick grass.
  • Quick-adjust MotionMatch adjusts the transmission response to the task at hand for front loader work.
  • SpeedMatch allows the operator to preset a maximum speed when the pedal is fully depressed, useful when operating rear-mounted implements.
  • A ComfortGard cab is standard on the 4R models and optional on the 3R series with noise levels down to just 79dB(A).

    This new cab gives improved all-round visibility and operator comfort. It comes with an air-suspended seat, air conditioning and heating system.

    A standard joystick control is also available to operate mounted implements, including a new John Deere H Series front loader and optional front hitch with PTO. The 3R tractors are fitted as standard with rear- and mid-mounted PTOs to operate a wide range of implements and attachments.

    External switches mounted on the rear fender allow the operator to move the tractor backwards and forwards at a maximum speed of 12mm/second and raise or lower the hitch as required.

    This makes coupling up implements and trailers to the tractor’s rear hitch quicker, easier and safer.

    Overall tractor lift capacity at the rear linkage is 1,148kg or 1,420kg and towing capacity is 4,000kg or 5,000kg, respectively, for the 3R and 4R series. List prices start at €23,668 (£20,591 in NI) for the 3033R model, and €37,493 (£29,670 in NI) for the 4049R, excluding VAT.

    Combi balers and legal width - RSA Q&A

    We have had a few queries about the use of combination balers/wrappers on the road as they are over the 2.5m plus 100mmx2 width legal limit. They also weigh more than 3.5t, which will bring a requirement to be fitted with brakes.

    We received this specific query from a Mayo-based contractor and requested clarification from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

    “My combi baler weighs approximately 6t and is over 2.88m wide. After 1 January 2016, is it illegal on a public road? Is it possible for any combi baler to comply with the law?”

    RSA response: The overall width of an agricultural trailer or piece of interchangeable towed equipment (which would include a baler) which has a design gross vehicle weight (DGVW) exceeding 3.5t is 2.55m.

    However, a 100mm allowance either side is permitted for the projecting part of flotation tyres, mudguards, spray suppression systems and hydraulic rear-opening mechanisms on trailers. Therefore, the maximum overall width can be 2.75m.

    However, the regulations always included an exemption from compliance with the overall width requirements for equipment used for grass-cutting, hedge trimming or forestry operations being transported during daytime.

    No changes have been made to this exemption in this round of legislative updates.

    There is an understanding that a broad interpretation has been taken up to now. This will continue to be taken by enforcement officers as to what constitutes equipment used for grass-cutting. Mowers, rakes and balers are included under that heading.

    Note: Readers who have further queries regarding the changes to the legislation for agricultural vehicles should email their queries to mmoroney@farmersjournal.ie and we will seek further specific clarification from the Road Safety Authority.

    New Weidemann models on show

    The final days of the Weidemann loader roadshow take place this week, with new machines in the range on view at Byrne Machinery, Grange, Roscrea, Co Tipperary on Thursday 14 August and Clarkes of Cavan, New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan on Friday 15 August.

    The new Weidemann 4080 model will be on show. This newly upgraded loader comes as either a wheel loader or tele-wheel loader, both of which are powered by a 102hp Perkins water-cooled and intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine. There is a more powerful 117hp engine option.

    The 4080 wheel loader is compact at 4.886m long without attachments, 1.81m wide on standard tyres and 2.679m high also on standard tyres. It has a lifting height of 3.671m.

    The 4080 tele-wheel loader is slightly longer and wider with the same overall height and a higher 5.076m lifting height. All Weidemann telehandlers come with the vertical lift system, which means that the load remains at a constant distance from the machine when raising or lowering the boom.

    For Weidemann (based in Germany), Ireland was their fastest-growing European market in 2013. The Weidemann range is distributed by Weidemann Ireland, part of the Wilson’s of Rathkenny group.

    This week’s machine of the week on the Irish Farmers Journal’s advertising website www.toplink.ie is this Lely Splendimo 281PC trailed mower conditioner at Alan King Agri Sales, The Pike, Ballingarry, Co Tipperary (Tel: 086-8178145). The 9ft cut disc mower is in good condition, no chassis cracks, in a genuine state of repair and ready for work. It comes with an attractive price of €6,000 with no VAT included.