Case 721G X+ Agri
Northern Irish Case IH Agriculture and Case Construction dealers, Cowan Bros, debuted the new Case 721G X+ Agri at Grass 2026 following the expansion of its territory for Case Construction equipment.
Cowan Bros is now responsible for counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan and Monaghan.
The new Case 721G X+ Agri is a ‘beefed-up’ version of the existing 721G X Agri. The machine remains fitted with the 6.7l FPT NEF engine but is now tuned to offer 30% more power at 255hp, instead of 195hp in non ‘+’ models. Torque has also increased noticeably from 950Nm to 1,300Nm, an overall increase of 37%.
The cooling pack has increased in response to the power increase, but the cube-type setup remains and in such a way that none of the five radiators are stacked behind each other.
Engine service intervals have been stretched out to 1,000 hours, while fluid drains points are now easily accessed at the rear of the machine.
In order to better transfer the power to the ground, an extra gear has been added to the now-six-speed 48km/h ZF powershift transmission. What’s more, torque lockup of the torque convertor is available from first gear, where it was previously only offered from second gear onwards.
New models will include the heavier duty axles as found on the larger models. Aside from a newly designed boom joystick, there is now an option of joystick steering system.
Diesel tank capacity has been increased from 250l to 350l, while a rear-view camera and a 43,000-lumen light package has been added along with the option of a fridge.
The design of the fenders has been tweaked for better clearance too. Following the above updates, the weight of the 721G X+ Agri has also crept up to 16.3t.
JCB 435S
Local JCB dealers Kilkenny Agri Machinery showcased JCB’s latest 435S wheel loader within the live pit demonstration. The latest model features more engine power and torque and uprated driveline, capable of handling 34% more torque than previous models. Churning out a maximum 282hp, this takes the machines power to weight ratio to 19hp/t, up from a previous 17hp/t.
Torque has been increased too at all engine speeds, with a maximum output of 1,200Nm generated across a wider range of engine rpm to help maintain performance under increasing load.
JCB 435S Loader. \ Donal O'Leary
With this, JCB has stuck with the Cummins 6.7l engine, available with two power settings: 230hp with peak torque of 840Nm (default) which can be changed to Dynamic mode at the press of a button, increasing power output to 282hp and a maximum 1,200Nm of torque for more challenging tasks.
New axles feature heavier-duty final drive assemblies and a new torque converter that in “open” mode can deliver up to 25% more torque to the wheels, resulting in greater tractive effort for silage pit work. Four epicyclic gears replace the previous three in the axles final drives to better handle the increased power and torque.
The proven ZF six-speed powershift remains fitted, albeit tweaked for better performance. New transmission control software allows greater flexibility in programming torque lock-up for direct-drive efficiency, and torque lock-up in gears five and six is now a full-time feature for maximum power efficiency when travelling on the road. Lever steer is now an option on the 435S model.
Schaffer 8620T-3
Local Schaffer loader dealer Eardly Agricultural Services demonstrated the Schafer 8620T-3 fitted with a 10ft Samco silage fork on the silage pit. While the previous 8620T-2 has been around for a good number of years, the new third generation T-3 model features a number of updates, mainly within the cab.
The 8620T-3 on display was fitted with the larger 129hp Deutz engine options and 172l/min load sensing hydraulics. In terms of capacities, it is rated to lift 4,200kg and has a maximum lift height of 4.96m. Operating weight (including original tyres, operator and a standard bucket) is somewhere in the region of 7,000-8,000kg.
Schaffer 8620T-3 Loader with a Samco 10ft Fork attached. \ Donal O'Leary
T-3 models feature a new cab design, offering 8% more volume than the previous T-2 cab. Visibility too has been improved thanks to a larger windscreen and sleeker bonnet. At the operators’ fingertips is a new 10in touchscreen terminal, new control arm and an updated joystick.
There is also a number of preset boom features including automatic bucket shake, third service oil regulation as well as upper and lower bucket limits and a return to position function. New LED lights and split wing mirrors are fitted as standard.
Case 721G X+ Agri
Northern Irish Case IH Agriculture and Case Construction dealers, Cowan Bros, debuted the new Case 721G X+ Agri at Grass 2026 following the expansion of its territory for Case Construction equipment.
Cowan Bros is now responsible for counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan and Monaghan.
The new Case 721G X+ Agri is a ‘beefed-up’ version of the existing 721G X Agri. The machine remains fitted with the 6.7l FPT NEF engine but is now tuned to offer 30% more power at 255hp, instead of 195hp in non ‘+’ models. Torque has also increased noticeably from 950Nm to 1,300Nm, an overall increase of 37%.
The cooling pack has increased in response to the power increase, but the cube-type setup remains and in such a way that none of the five radiators are stacked behind each other.
Engine service intervals have been stretched out to 1,000 hours, while fluid drains points are now easily accessed at the rear of the machine.
In order to better transfer the power to the ground, an extra gear has been added to the now-six-speed 48km/h ZF powershift transmission. What’s more, torque lockup of the torque convertor is available from first gear, where it was previously only offered from second gear onwards.
New models will include the heavier duty axles as found on the larger models. Aside from a newly designed boom joystick, there is now an option of joystick steering system.
Diesel tank capacity has been increased from 250l to 350l, while a rear-view camera and a 43,000-lumen light package has been added along with the option of a fridge.
The design of the fenders has been tweaked for better clearance too. Following the above updates, the weight of the 721G X+ Agri has also crept up to 16.3t.
JCB 435S
Local JCB dealers Kilkenny Agri Machinery showcased JCB’s latest 435S wheel loader within the live pit demonstration. The latest model features more engine power and torque and uprated driveline, capable of handling 34% more torque than previous models. Churning out a maximum 282hp, this takes the machines power to weight ratio to 19hp/t, up from a previous 17hp/t.
Torque has been increased too at all engine speeds, with a maximum output of 1,200Nm generated across a wider range of engine rpm to help maintain performance under increasing load.
JCB 435S Loader. \ Donal O'Leary
With this, JCB has stuck with the Cummins 6.7l engine, available with two power settings: 230hp with peak torque of 840Nm (default) which can be changed to Dynamic mode at the press of a button, increasing power output to 282hp and a maximum 1,200Nm of torque for more challenging tasks.
New axles feature heavier-duty final drive assemblies and a new torque converter that in “open” mode can deliver up to 25% more torque to the wheels, resulting in greater tractive effort for silage pit work. Four epicyclic gears replace the previous three in the axles final drives to better handle the increased power and torque.
The proven ZF six-speed powershift remains fitted, albeit tweaked for better performance. New transmission control software allows greater flexibility in programming torque lock-up for direct-drive efficiency, and torque lock-up in gears five and six is now a full-time feature for maximum power efficiency when travelling on the road. Lever steer is now an option on the 435S model.
Schaffer 8620T-3
Local Schaffer loader dealer Eardly Agricultural Services demonstrated the Schafer 8620T-3 fitted with a 10ft Samco silage fork on the silage pit. While the previous 8620T-2 has been around for a good number of years, the new third generation T-3 model features a number of updates, mainly within the cab.
The 8620T-3 on display was fitted with the larger 129hp Deutz engine options and 172l/min load sensing hydraulics. In terms of capacities, it is rated to lift 4,200kg and has a maximum lift height of 4.96m. Operating weight (including original tyres, operator and a standard bucket) is somewhere in the region of 7,000-8,000kg.
Schaffer 8620T-3 Loader with a Samco 10ft Fork attached. \ Donal O'Leary
T-3 models feature a new cab design, offering 8% more volume than the previous T-2 cab. Visibility too has been improved thanks to a larger windscreen and sleeker bonnet. At the operators’ fingertips is a new 10in touchscreen terminal, new control arm and an updated joystick.
There is also a number of preset boom features including automatic bucket shake, third service oil regulation as well as upper and lower bucket limits and a return to position function. New LED lights and split wing mirrors are fitted as standard.
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