Pöttinger Novacat A10

The Novacat A10 (above) can be used as a front/rear combination (headstock for 3m or 3.5m front mower). The mower has a side shift range of 400mm on either side to ensure the correct overlap. The ground clearance when raised at the headland is up to 55cm.

In addition, the new Y drive driveline and the hydraulic NonStop Lift collision safety device on each side are also unique to this new model. The mower combination is available either as a plain disc mower with swath formers, with ED tine-type conditioners or with RCB roller-type conditioners.

Hydraulic cutter bar weight alleviation and suspension is included on all models. In combination with a 3m front mower, overall working widths of 8.80m to 9.56m are possible. In this case, the central gap between the two mower units is 1.8m to 2.6m. Combined with a 3.5m front mower, the overall working width is 9.26m to 10.02m. Here the central gap between the two mower units is 2.3m to 3.1m. The Y Drive central input gearbox features output shafts on opposing sides.

Pöttinger says this has the advantage that longer PTO shafts can be used with less of an angle. The backlash and vibration-free driveline using standard PTO shafts has been made possible by locating the slip clutches next to the gearbox and by optimising the gear ratios. A double universal jointed shaft in the inside mower disc and drum assembly provides a stress-free link between the individual mower gearboxes and the cutter bar. NonStop Lift is Pöttinger innovative technology that protects the cutter bar in the event of striking an obstacle.

The unique feature sees the mower frames mounted on gimbals and is hydraulically pre-loaded by a triangular support arm.

When triggered, the mower frame folds backwards on the triangular frame and is simultaneously raised at the front by the gimbals with the result of a three-dimensional collision safety system.

Award-winning Joskin

Joskin won the award for the Volumetra slurry tanker in the transport category at SIMA. Due to the success of the Volumetra tanker, Joskin extended the range. Initially designed to integrate a volumetric pump (spiral, lobe or centrifugal), it is now available in vacuum (vacuum pump) and vacuum storm (combination of a vacuum pump for suction and a centrifugal pump for discharge) versions.

The Volumetra tanker range is available in both recessed and standard versions as well as in tandem-axle models from 10,500l to 20,000l and in tri-axle models from 18,500l to 22,900l.

The Volumetra tankers feature a self-supporting structure made of high-tensile steel which allows the overall weight to be kept to a minimum. The hydro-tandem/tridem running gear is bolted in place, allowing it to be easily moved according to the weight of the rear implement, ensuring optimal weight distribution. The Volumetra tanker range features an integrated linkage for fitting a broad range of applicators and spreading implements and is designed with a low centre of gravity for improved comfort and security.

As options, the tankers can be specified with hydro-pneumatic hitching suspension as well as a range of pumps to suit all applications, such as vacuum, volumetric or combined pumps.

Prices start from €38,600 (£33,696).

New Holland at SIMA

The busy New Holland display at SIMA featured the company’s autonomous tractors. New Holland did, however, decide to leave the cab on their version to make it suitable for road use and save the driver from the weather.

The NHDrive autonomous tractor combines the technologies that it can use to work without a driver in the field, while offering the versatility of a traditional tractor during transport or an activity requiring the driver’s undivided attention, says New Holland.

The strong presence of the Kongskilde brand was evident all across the stand, with its ploughs, cultivators and grass lines paired to New Holland tractors.

The drive for full equipment lines was very evident at SIMA.

A very simple combine made in India caught the attention. It seems to be a modern-day version of the old 1545, even with the pullout unloading augur. The five-walker machine did have a 16ft header fitted, and it is powered by an FPT 130 hp, 5.9-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine compliant to Tier 3 emission regulations.

This combine is not for sale here, and no price is available.

Amazone ZA-V

The ZA-V is a new range of fertiliser spreader that has a higher specification than the current ZA-M range. It is designed for farmers who don’t need as much technology as is offered on the ZA-TS range.

As an innovation for the ZA-V fertiliser spreader product line, Amazone now offers the EasySet operating computer.

According to Amazone, this new in-cab terminal allows specific, simple and comfortable actuation, because all the basic functions of the spreader are electrically adjusted and actuated via the new machine-specific in-cab terminal.

As on all ZA-V product models, this EasySet variant is also equipped with the precision spreading unit for working widths of 10m to 36m and features the SBS system. It is offered with hopper volumes from 1,700l to 4,200l and can be equipped with the Limiter V+ border spreading device for side, border or watercourse spreading around the headland. With the aid of the EasySet terminal, the apertures can be adjusted by key pressure independently on either the left- or right-hand side and they can be readjusted on the move. This also allows individual rate adaptation for each side. Prices start from €15,500 plus VAT (£13,531).

Kuhn Espro 6000 RC

The new Kuhn Espro seed drill is being developed for high working speeds and low hp requirement. Kuhn claims with a 6m drill it is possible to work at speeds of 13km/h with 200hp or 35hp/m. At the front of the Espro, two rows of working discs open and mix the soil and also ensure residue is incorporated into the surface layers. The Espro press wheels are offset front to rear, which Kuhn claims eliminates the bulldozing, making the drill easier to pull.

Kuhn states the 900mm diameter reduces rolling resistance compared with smaller wheels, while a width of 215mm leaves an 85mm gap between the press wheels to allow soil flow through the machine. The Espro is an ISOBUS-compatible machine.

Regardless of the control box selected, the operator is provided with an interface combining touchscreen and soft keys.

The foldable ESPRO 6000 RC, with a working width of 6m, allows delivering fertiliser while seeding, but also enables mixing two seed varieties owing to the double-distribution system for the fertiliser.

The fertiliser or second seed variety is placed in front of the press wheels by a coulter. The latter, adjustable in depth, is located precisely in between the two seed rows.

The hopper is partitioned in two parts but the full hopper capacity of 5,500l can be used to sow a single type of seed if required.

Updated Claas Jaguar

Although the engines remain the same, the transmission has been changed completely. The old single hydrostatic motor has now been replaced by a new dual motor unit which, according to Claas, offers more torque to the wheels, making it more responsive. The axles have been beefed up to a 10-stud version, while both models now also get an automatic parking brake which is applied when the operator places the control lever in the neutral position.

Claas has designed a new split-drive option to improve throughput. Previously, drive to the pickup was a fixed mechanical speed, with only the feed roller hydraulically driven and adjustable to alter chop length.

The split drive option features a second hydraulic drive system which independently alters the pickup speed and can be controlled from the cab. To prevent parasitic losses from the hydraulic drive lines, final drive is extended using drive shafts, which Claas claims is more efficient.