There was a strong show of agricultural machinery and plant in particular at this year’s show in Balmoral. Over the four days, a number of machines made their debut on Northern Irish soil.

Here are some of the new and standout pieces of machinery that caught the eye of many, including the new Kramer KL 60.8 wheel loader, Blaney Bionic mini-loader and the latest additions to Manitou’s articulated loader range including the MLA-T 516-75 H. All of which were on display for the first time at this year’s Balmoral Show. Coincidentally, the majority of newcomers to the show were loaders of some shape or form.

The JCB Series III Loadall range is another example of a new loader, while a good range of other equipment was on display.

Kramer KL 60.8 (above)

The Kramer stand had the flagship KL 60.8 all-wheel steer loader on show. What makes this particular loader unique is the fact it is unlike its direct competitors by not being articulated, steering with both front and rear wheels instead. The KL 60.8 is claimed to have a 3865mm turning radius, leaving it as a highly manoeuvrable machine for its size. The loader is available with the option of two engine outputs, a 156hp (116kW) Deutz engine and a 136hp (100kW) Deutz engine, both meeting stage IV emission regulations. It is fitted with a hydrostatic transmission capable of 40km/h with an operating weight of 10,000kg. The loader is fitted with a 150l/min hydraulic pump as standard but a larger 180l/min pump can be opted for.

The KL 60.8 comes standard on 500/70 R 24 tyres. This is certainly a loader to watch out for over the coming months, we reckon.

Blaney Bionic mini loader

At this year’s show, Co Antrim-based engineering firm Blaney Motor Company launched its new mini loader, named the Bionic S1 035. This compact little loader is aimed towards the equine, dairy and poultry industries and other areas requiring a small compact machine to carry out duties such as lifting, feeding and sweeping. The Bionic is only 1,500mm in length and has the ability to turn on itself. Heights of 2m can be reached, giving it the ability to unload into trailers. The operator just simply steps on and off the machine at ease.

New Holland T6.180

New Hollands T6.180 is the first six cylinder tractor to be fitted with a Dynamic Command Transmission (DCT).

The R Kennedy stand saw the New Holland T6.180 tractor fitted with the most recent dynamic command transmission (DCT).

This model is the first six-cylinder New Holland tractor to feature the dynamic command transmission which is based around a three-range, eight-step semi-powershift dual-clutch concept.

Both the odd- and even-numbered gears have a separate shaft and clutch. Power is then simply modulated between the two clutches. As an odd gear is disengaged with one clutch, the second clutch is engaging the even gear ratio. This is a simple arrangement, yet extremely efficient New Holland claims.

Dedicated clutches for forward and reverse ensure a controlled power shuttle.

Power losses are minimised further by the use of a variable displacement lubrication pump, which only supplies the volume of oil that is required. A small detail that contributes to overall efficiency.

Thompson 16t dump trailer

TBF Thompson has been manufacturing dump trailers for years now in Coleraine, Co Derry. At this year’s show, Thompson had its 16t dump trailer on display. These trailers come with a high level of specification as standard, including Hardox steel for increased wear and high-speed commercial axles with 560/60 R 22.5 BKT tyres.

SpreadPoint SP-600 lime spreader

SpreadPoint spreaders are relatively new to the market, but are in no way new to agricultural engineering.

SpreadPoint manufactures both lime and rotary spreaders. The SP-600 is the second-largest offering from the Co Down-based manufacturers.

These spreaders feature a monocoque design, in that the chassis is integrated into the body.

The spreader’s hydraulic drive enables a spreading distance of 12m. The SP-600 has a capacity of 6m3 or 6,000 litres with an unladen weight of 3,000kg. Both the rear door and belt drive are hydraulically operated. The spreader’s body is mounted on a 10 stud Granning commercial axle rated for a maximum speed of 50km/h. The SP-600 is equipped as standard with 710/50 R 26.5 tyres.

Kverneland IXtrack T3 sprayer

The Kverneland IXtrack T3 is a new sprayer to the Irish market. It is designed with a focus on a short, low and compact design and is available with two tank sizes – 2,600 litres and 3,200 litres. It has full Isobus compatibility as standard, with the included iXclean Pro automatic valve management system where all functions are controlled from the cab. The frame of the new T3 is now riveted instead of welded for a more robust construction, claims Kverneland. Boom widths range from 18-30m. Other features of the sprayer include iXflow spray line recirculation system, GeoSpray function for individual nozzle control and an optional steering system allowing a maximum steering angle of 32°.

Antonio Carraro TN 5800

Antonio Carraro are manufactures of compact tractors for specialised work such as vineyard and orchard operations. On the Ballyward Plant Services (BPS) stand was the Antonio Carraro TN 5800 tractor. This particular model is designed for working on hills and mountains. It is fitted with a 49.7hp four cylinder Yanmar engine and weighs in at 1,630kg. The tractors sees a short wheel base and a tight turning radius for agile movement in crop rows. Interestingly its chassis allows for longitudinal oscillation or pivoting movement up to 15° which allows the tractor to maintain traction on the most uneven and challenging conditions.

Manitou MLA-T 516-75 H

The Manitou MLA-T 516-75 H articulated wheel loader made its Northern Irish debut at this year’s show. As the model number suggests, the loader is fitted with a 3.6-litre 75hp (55.4 kW) Deutz engine and two-speed hydrostatic transmission. Top speed is capped at 20km/h although buyers can opt for a 30km/h transmission as an optional extra. The 5.5t machine has the ability to lift 1,846kg to a max height of five metres.

As standard, the MLA-T 516-75 H is fitted with a 70l/min hydraulics but this can be changed to the 114l/min high-flow pump if required.