In this week’s machinery section, the focus is clearly on new tractors and what is available on the market at the minute, with our extensive tractor listings to help any perspective buyers to make an educated decision on a new purchase.

We went to see Ireland’s largest tractor, a Case IH Quadtrac, which is being put to good use in Co Wexford.

At closer inspection, you can see how the big red machine can make sense for some farmers despite its massive stature.

Peter Thomas Keaveney travelled to Tipperary to see the latest from John Deere, the 6250R, and found it to be packed with innovative technology to make the operator’s life easier.

We also went to see a big Fendt involved in the biomass business. The 360hp tractor was put to the pin of its collar by a big wood chipper with a serious appetite for power. We also visited a contractor who runs a fleet of older Deutz tractors and gives his customers a premium service with his well-maintained and operated machines.

On the vintage page, Martin Rickatson charts the history of the Case IH Quadtrac from inception to the beast that has now arrived on this island. With the first-cut silage coming to an end around most parts of the country, it is time for the men, women and machines of the country to take a deep breath, get some rest and do any running repairs on machines for the next round of grass chopping.