The machinery aisles at this year’s Ploughing will be packed with new tractors and machinery, covering every spectrum of the farming market. There are going to be hosts of new tractor models from the smaller scale market garden machines to the giant Case IH Magnum CVX, with its jaw-dropping pulling power.

The success of last year’s site at Ratheniska has convinced more machinery trade exhibitors to be there as the event attracted its biggest ever attendance. And they won’t be disappointed this year.

Both Irish and international farm machinery companies will have numerous new products on display. There will be hints of good value and new finance deal options discussed in the back corners of the office caravans on many of the stands.

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This is a great opportunity to see what’s offer in terms of new machinery, even if some of the bigger players, most noticeably John Deere, are absent. For others, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

The Ploughing remains the premier agricultural event for this farming country. Farm machinery companies will be there, because it attracts such a huge crowd. They will use the event to launch their latest products, some of which we will feature in these pages. I can assure you that there will be plenty more surprises by September 23.

MF leads in giant AGCO stand

Massey Ferguson will share a big AGCO stand with its sister brands. AGCO’s four principal farm machinery brands – Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra – will be featured on stand 285 row 20, block 2.

Five Massey Ferguson products are set to be exhibited, headed by a new MF Beta Para-level combine harvester.

The AGCO stand will also host an MF 2200 large square baler and tractors representing the 85hp to 130hp MF 5600 Series, the 120hp to 160hp MF 6600 Series and the 140hp to 255hp MF 7600 Series.

While the new Global Series tractors will not be present, they will be the talking point for many. The tractors are due on the market in 2015 with AGCO Power engines and a host of features designed to make them cost-effective tractors for Irish livestock farmers.

Among the MF dealers supporting Massey Ferguson’s presence at the Ploughing will be local firm E V Condell Ltd, Portlaoise, Co Laois, which will be running a merchandise shop.

New Fendt models on show

Fendt will have the new 300 series tractors at the Ploughing. AGCO claims the 300 series is fuel-efficient, with a low rated speed of 2,100 rpm. The series comprises four models – the 310, 311, 312 and 313 – with two base specification levels, Power and Profi.

All are powered by 4.4 litre, four-cylinder AGCO Power engines with common rail high-pressure injection system and electrically controlled wastegate turbocharger. Across the range the engine has a maximum output of 110hp to 138hp and a torque rise of 42-55%.

The new Fendt 700 Vario series will also be on show. This range covers a maximum power output from 145hp to 240 hp. Fendt has revamped the series to provide more efficiency, comfort and safety.

Along with engine improvements, the revised 700 series has a new four-speed 1,000 E PTO which allows 1,000 rpm on the rear PTO at a lower engine speed. Brakes also get upgraded – Fendt has converted the 700 Vario series completely to a dual-circuit air-braking system. The fully integrated system now supplies air to the air seat as well so there is no need for a separate compressor.

The rear axles of the 700 series get more carrying capacity up from 13.5t to 14t. There is also a new front axle, again with increased carrying capacity and improved steering while the tractor’s wheelbase remains unchanged.

Valtra Unlimited

Valtra will be showing tractors from its Unlimited range, emphasising how long the company has been manufacturing tailor-made machines. As other manufacturers have begun to increase the range of options and features available on their tractors, Valtra has gone further.

The Unlimited studio at the Valtra Suolahti factory in Finland pledges to fulfil all the wishes customers may have for their new tractors so long as they are feasible.

As its name suggests, the Unlimited studio can fit any equipment the customer orders as long as it works and it complies with all traffic regulations and requirements for type approval. The pricelist already includes the most popular equipment.

Most orders to-date will be related to the intended tasks to be performed by the customer’s tractor, such as auxiliary hydraulics, reversing cameras, forest equipment, and central lubrication systems and flashing lights.

All Unlimited tractors come with Unlimited floor mats, seat covers, steering wheel logo and front badge.

Abbey extends recess tandem tanker range

Abbey Machinery has updated and extended its range of recess tandem tankers for Ploughing 2014. The new tanker range aims to offer greater flexibility in running larger flotation tyres while also maintaining a narrow overall width.

Although tandem recess tankers are not new to Abbey, the extended range offers more models for customers. The range consists of 3000RT, 3500RT, 4000RT and 4500RT models.

“Demand is growing for the use of flotation tyres to reduce ground compaction, while maintaining width for narrow roads,” said Pat Kenny of Abbey Machinery. “These tyres, used in conjunction with the Bogie axle system, offer superb ground handling capabilities in all weather conditions.”