JCB Fastrac 4220

This year, ECI exhibited JCB’s recently launched 4000 Fastrac series. This tractor is powered by a six-cylinder Sisu 6.6-litre Tier 4 final engine, rated at 217hp with a maximum power output of 235hp (175kW) and 950Nm.

The tractor is equipped with a new two-range CVT transmission. According to JCB, the tractor is capable of travelling 60km/h at 1,600rpm or, for maximum fuel economy, driving at 50km/h at 1,400rpm, tyre-dependent.

The new Fastrac boasts a new CommandPlus cab, with an all-round self-levelling suspension system. The rear axle suspension is matched with a new hydraulic front suspension that maintains a set ride height wherever the implement is mounted.

An axial piston pump provides up to 148l/min for auxiliary services, while a separate gear pump ensures a dedicated supply to the steering system.

The new 4000 series models can be fitted with an optional four-wheel steer.

Krone Big X 780

Farmhand exhibited the new Krone Big X 780 in style at this year’s event.

Farmhand exhibited the new Krone Big X 780 in style at this year’s event. The 780, weighing in at 16,700kg excluding the header, was exhibited at a height of 3.5m, something that was never attempted before at the Ploughing.

The 780 model is from the latest generation of the Krone self-propelled forage harvester range. The machine is powered by a Stage 4-compliant Liebherr D9508 V8 engine, capable of churning out a substantial 775hp.

The Big X range can be purchased with a LiftCab feature, which was on display at the Ploughing. The award-winning feature was designed for harvesting very tall crops such as maize.

Other machine features include ease of attaching/detaching the header, the pivoting of the header on a hydraulic cylinder, the direct driveline with a long service life and the smooth and continuous crop flow provided through six intake rollers.

Chieftain silage trailer

The build quality in this Chieftan silage trailer was evident.

Chieftain Trailers, based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, is a well-established name, manufacturing dump trailers and low-loaders. The latest trailer in the Xcel range, which was exhibited at this year’s Ploughing, marked its entry to the silage trailer market.

The new GT 23/34 Xcel grain and silage trailer is 22ft long, sitting on 560/60 22.5 tyres. The trailer on display came with a full Hardox body resting on commercial axles, with rear steer on a parabolic suspension system. The trailer was fitted with a hydraulic up and over rear door and came with dual air/oil brakes with load sensing.

The build quality in this silage trailer was evident and is sure to be a competitor in the market in the future.

McCormick X6 VT drive

The McCormick X6 VT-Drive tractor range has a stepless CVT transmission.

McCormick distributor for Ireland and the UK, AgriArgo, showcased the award-winning McCormick X6 VT-Drive tractor at this year’s event.

The McCormick X6 VT-Drive offers a rare option to tractor owners in the 114hp to 140hp range. The tractor has a stepless CVT transmission, over the usual semi-power-shift gearbox used in many tractors in this horsepower bracket.

The VT-Drive tractor is very similar to the three-stage Powershift model, sharing the same cab, axles and hydraulic system. The X6 range of tractors is powered by four-cylinder Beta Power engines. The X6 VT range has a weight-to-power ratio of 37kg/hp.

The range has an electronically controlled rear hitch with a maximum a lift capacity of 5,400kg, a four-speed PTO and a closed-centre hydraulic system that delivers a flow rate of 110l/min.

Manitou MLA-T

The telescopic machine is powered by a four-cylinder 4.1-litre Deutz engine with a power rating of 143hp.

The Manitou MLA-T made its Irish debut at this year’s Ploughing. The telescopic machine is powered by a four-cylinder 4.1-litre Deutz engine, with a power rating of 143hp. This engine is Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant.

It is equipped with an M-Vario Plus continuous variable transmission (CVT) with a top speed of 40km/h. This transmission comprises two hydraulic motors with axial pistons powered by a hydraulic pump. It has two driving modes; one for handling material and the other for travelling on the road.

The telescopic arm has a maximum reach of 5.2m (17.1ft) with a lifting capacity of 3,300kg. The machine weighs 8,430kg and has a turning radius of 4.2m. The turning radius is achieved through the 44° articulation to either side of the machine. The rear axle has the ability to swivel 9.5° to either side to maintain contact with the ground.

Murray Road Grader

This machine is designed for ripping up uneven gravel farm roadways and leaving them with a camber either to the middle or to either side, altering the water flow.

Earlier this year, Kilkenny-based company Castleagri acquired the sole agency for the Scottish-manufactured Murray Handling Equipment.

One standout machine on display was a Gravel Road Grader. This machine is designed for ripping up uneven gravel farm roadways, in particular on dairy farms, and leaving them with a camber either to the middle or to either side, altering the water flow.

Hydraulically operated ripper teeth break the surface before the levelling beams grade the road flat or high in the middle, depending on preference. The machine can be purchased either in a 2.5m or 3m working width.

New Holland Dynamic Command Gearbox

The New Holland T6.145, T6.155, T6.165 and T6.175 are the only models to offer an eight-step semi powershift transmission.

WR Shaw showcased the new Dynamic Command transmission offered by New Holland. The T6.145, T6.155, T6.165 and T6.175 are the only models to offer this eight-step semi-powershift transmission.

New Holland claims that this 24F 24R Dynamic Command transmission requires less power to run, resulting in lower fuel consumption along with higher work rates.

The gearbox 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.

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

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

Palatine GH Series Grass Harrow

The Palatine GH 180 has a working width of 4.5m.

Palatine Engineering Ltd, based in Askeaton, Co Limerick, had an impressive range of grass harrows on display.

The GH Harrow range consists of the GH120, GH180 and the GH240, with working widths of 3m, 4.5m and 6m respectively. The GH120 has 120 tines, with a total overall weight of 340kg, the GH180 has 180 tines with a total overall weight of 500kg and the flagship GH240 has 240 tines with a total overall weight of 660kg. The 180 and the 240 have a hydraulic folding frame configuration. All models have a transport width of 3m, keeping within legal limits.

The harrows come with the option of an added mounted air seeder. The air seeder allows for the application and introduction of new grass mixes to the existing sward or for use on tilled ground to sow and harrow in seed, as well as a method of weed control within certain crops.

Jaylor A5050 Mini Tub Feeder

The 13-knife polyethylene tub has a capacity of 1.42m3, weighing in at 500kg.

This year, AMIA exhibited something unique, which was a Jaylor A5050 Mini Mixer Feed Wagon.

This Canadian-made feed wagon offers something different, appealing mainly to sheep and goat farmers. The feeder wagon is designed for use with an ATV or similar machine. The 13-knife polyethylene tub has a capacity of 1.42m3, weighing in at 500kg, powered by a hydraulic pump mounted on to a 13HP Honda engine seated on a galvanised steel frame. The overall size of the feeder is 1.93m x 1.17m.

Fendt Rogator 366

The Rogator 366 offers a 6,930l tank capacity and boom widths of 24m, 27m, 28m and 30m.

Rogator is no stranger to the sprayer market, but has received a lot of attention since being rebranded and marketed in Fendt colours. The Rogator 366 offers a 6,930-litre tank capacity and boom widths of 24m, 27m, 28m and 30m.

Some of the sprayer’s key features include its low centre of gravity and section control and variable rate control through Isobus, according to AEF Standard. Other features include a clean water tank capacity of up to 900l and an induction hopper with OptiFlow control centre, Optisteer steering axle with up to 2.05m tyres, allowing for a ground clearance of 85cm for maximum crop protection while having capabilities of turning at angles of 30°. Drive of the 785l/min pump is achieved using either PTO or hydraulics.