The Ziegler 4WT header makes attaching and removing the large header quick and convenient.

Based near Saffron Walden in Essex, Abrey Agricultural is the official UK importer for Ziegler products. The German manufacturer offers a range of high-quality header trailers and specialist combine headers – including versions for oilseed rape, sunflower and maize harvesting. The header trailer line-up includes single-axle models suitable for headers up to 7.7m working width and weighing up to 3.6t. Close-coupled, tandem-axle trailers can carry headers up to 9.5m and weighing up to 3.6t, and double-axle trailers with a steering front axle and a fixed rear axle will accommodate headers up to 10.7m and weighing up to 6t.

Exceptional manoeuvrability

While UK sales of all the trailers are increasing, the Abrey team has experienced a significant rise in the numbers of enquiries and sales of its flagship Four Wheel Turn (4WT) trailers. These transport headers up to 12.5m and with weights up to 6t or 7.2t depending on their construction, but the biggest attraction for users is their ability to accurately follow the same line as the tractor wheels when manoeuvring, making it easy to turn into tight field gateways from narrow lanes – typical on many UK farms.

Premium products

Abrey Agricultural managing director, Toby Abrey commented that he feels fortunate to have such a great range of products to offer, and highlighted features which  make the 4WT trailers so popular.

These include:

• V-Lock system for easy attachment and securing of the header to the trailer
• Main frame painted to match the combine brand colour – powder coated and oven-baked
• Galvanised supports keep the trailer looking new – for enhanced residual value
• Accurate following and turning into gateways whether behind the combine or a tractor
• Standard tyres 260/75-15, but with options up to 22-ply
• Heavy-duty, 10t-rated axles
• Heavy-duty, twin-beam construction available on 40, 45 and 50ft header trailers
• 40mm/50mm drawbar eye options
• Overrun braking (so trailer always brakes effectively whether behind the combine or a tractor)
• Back-up from the official UK importer – spare parts readily available.

Agco dealer view

Main Agco dealer, Chandlers Agricultural recommends Ziegler headers – especially to customers operating Ideal combines with the widest SuperFlow or Geringhoff headers. “We don’t use any other brand now,” explained Chandlers’ harvesting dealer principal, Sean Stanfield. “When we assemble the trailers after shipping, everything fits perfectly, and they are incredibly well made.

“Customers love them, and they tow like a train. We use a Ziegler 4WT trailer to transport our demonstration combine headers and, often when we turn up on a farm, the first thing customers comment on is the way the header trailer negotiates turns. Headers lift on and off easily and lining them up is never a problem.”

Sean said that Ziegler has also developed a version of the trailer to transport heavier flex Draper headers. “Since last year, we have been able to supply Geringhoff Flex headers as an approved option for Agco Ideal combines, and our demonstration machine was very busy last harvest. The Geringhoff header, with its ability to flex, requires extra support for transport and it’s heavier, but the specially designed Ziegler trailer makes it as easy to move about as a conventional header.

“The back-up from Ziegler and the Abrey team is always excellent, so the trailers are an obvious choice.”

James Nott says the Ziegler 4WT trailer is well made and makes it easy to move his 45ft John Deere header between harvesting locations.

Essex-based farmer’s experience

Essex-based farmer, James Nott farms near Clare, and he replaced two John Deere combines with 35ft headers, with a single John Deere X9-1100 with a 45ft header, just before the 2021 harvest. He chose a Ziegler trailer.

“I have always got on well with Toby Abrey and the rest of the Abrey Agricultural team,” he said. “I used two different brand header trailers with my previous combines, but the Ziegler 4WT trailer was the obvious choice for the new, wider 45ft header.

“Ziegler’s build quality is very good – better than any other brands I have tried, and the trailer does just what it was bought to do. It turns easily through narrow gateways and the wheels follow the path of the tractor precisely. There have been occasions when I have watched it enter a field and doubted whether it could make the turn, but then it just does – it’s very successful.”

Trailer success led to header purchase

In recent years, James has diversified into growing grain maize. A small area was grown as a trial for the 2021 harvest, more was grown successfully last year and now an even larger area has been planted for the 2023 harvest. A conventional combine equipped with a specialist maize header harvests the grain and, after becoming convinced of the crop’s benefits, James ordered his own 12-row Ziegler header for his John Deere X9 combine from Abrey Agricultural through his local John Deere dealer, Tuckwells.

Several brands were considered before James ordered the Ziegler. “I’ve been very impressed by the build quality and performance of the Ziegler trailer, and I know that the Abrey team will provide excellent back-up, so buying a Ziegler header through Tuckwells, which also supplies and looks after our combines seemed the obvious choice.”

Recommends Ziegler

Tuckwells group sales combine specialist, Steve Bucket said that he always recommends Ziegler trailers to customers. “Toby and the rest of the Abrey team are very easy to deal with and the Ziegler trailer is so good,” he stressed. “We’ve seen a big increase in numbers of four wheel-steer trailers sold recently as this sort of arrangement is essential for moving flex headers over 30ft cutting width on the road.” FG

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Strautmann Magnon 8 CFS 370 with hydraulically moving front wall.

Unlike its larger sibling, the Magnon 8 is a compact machine with a loading capacity of 36m³ to 44m³ (DIN) and a smaller ‘external’ footprint to other wagons with similar DIN. Its three models (370, 410 and 450) are aimed at agricultural businesses and contractors with high demands who are in need of compact dimensions.

New features in the Magnon 8 series include a hydraulically moving front wall, which provides the wagon with increased capacity.

As the machine starts filling, the front wall is in a vertical position towards the rear of the wagon, but when the build-up of chopped grass pushes against the tailgate sensor, the front panel moves forward in three stages to increase capacity by up to 4.5 m³. This mechanism ensures maximum density is achieved throughout the loading operation.

In addition, when discharging, the front wall is hydraulically moved to the rear of the machine to assist with unloading.

Alongside standard Flex-Load pick-up and Exact Cut, all Strautmann forage wagons benefit from the Continuous Flow System (CFS) pick-up unit which ensures excellent loading while keeping power requirements low. According to the manufacturer, all CFS units provide good adaptation to ground contours, long service life and extremely easy tine change.

Moreover, the extra-wide (2.25m) CFS pick up of the Magnon 8 ensures a wide swath of grass can be collected, which is particularly useful around corners. It also means the outer edge of the rotor is kept full of forage to even out loading across the full width of the rotor.

To preserve the drive line and maximise torque, the high (1000rpm) speed through the drive line is reduced to the rotor, which is powered via an oil-bath gearbox.

New double-roller crop press with mechanically powered Flex-Load pick-up for improved material flow.

In addition, the wagon’s crop press roller has been completely redesigned to optimise forage flow into the Flex-Load pick-up, with the new double roller being larger in diameter and featuring a slip-proof profile. What’s more, a guide roller mounted behind the pick-up is available as an optional extra for optimum adaptation to the ground.

With 44 knives and a theoretical cutting length of 35mm, the Exact-Cut cutting unit guarantees chop quality and consistency, the manufacturer said. Due to a rapid-trigger protection function, the double-sided knives are automatically retracted from the conveying unit if, for example, a foreign object is detected.

The retracted knife then automatically returns to its working position, helping to keep maintenance to a minimum.

The forage box on the Magnon 8 is 2.25m wide and consists of four round steel chains (10 x 31 mm) embedded in the steel platform floor, which is entirely powder-coated for protection against corrosion. Each chain has a breaking strain of 13t.

While a boogie tandem chassis is standard on the two smaller Magnon 8 models (370 and 410), the 450 model comes with a hydraulic tandem chassis that is an optional extra for the two smaller models.

All Magnon 8 wagons come with 4 x 710/50 R26.5 wheels as standard, however, the hydraulic tandem chassis can be fitted with wheels up to 800/45 R 30.5, enabling 30.5″ tyres. As larger wheels offer increased stability, these are ideal for operating on sloping ground.

A tridem chassis with an axle load of 27t, electronic active steering and lifting axle is also offered as an option on the larger 450 model.

Last but not least, the Strautmann ISOBUS control with its intuitive menu navigation and various automatic functions is included as standard. For maintenance work, the drawbar and the cutting unit can be conveniently operated from the outside. If the tractor is not ISOBUS-compatible, a 5.7″ control terminal can also be delivered as an optional extra

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The new lateral console has simplified operation – it is ergonomically designed for easier identification of all main functions and settings. Mirroring the arrangement found on the latest Case IH 150 series Axial-Flow combines, the console also now incorporates the AFS Pro 700 touchscreen operating terminal, via which all machine settings can be made and operating data monitored.

AFS Pro 700 provides fingertip setting and operation of all key functions, such as reel, knife and rotor. It also provides the information formerly shown on the A-pillar displays, putting data such as fuel level and engine temperature in the driver’s eye-line when observing the header – resulting in a clear view of the cutterbar and reduced operator strain, with all information grouped together for assessment at a glance.

Integration makes operation even easier for the operator, with no need to stretch in the seat, according to Case. The armrest incorporates a new joystick, designed, like the console, for intuitive operation.

Integrated into the joystick is a new electro-hydraulic unloading auger engagement switch, upgraded from manual engagement for easier, smoother, simpler unloading of the grain tank.

Electronic actuation responses have been enhanced with the fitment of a new universal communications module, for faster reactions and more accurate control of key electronically-controlled functions.

“The 4000 Exclusive series Axial-Flow combines have a strong following among users seeking simplicity of operation alongside simplicity of design and maintenance,” says Massimiliano Sala, EMEA Region product manager, Case IH combines.

“With these latest updates, those characteristics remain, but customers will benefit from even easier operation and reduced operator fatigue.”

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For the 2023 season, global farm equipment supplier AVR is planning a major upgrade of the actuation method of the All Conditions Control (ACC) digging unit’s depth control mechanism. With the ACC digging unit, users can harvest either using diabolos or probes, without exerting any pressure on the ridge.

Following thorough review, the control technology responsible for depth control when harvesting using probes is now a lot more accurate. This means the digging unit, and as a consequence the whole machine, can be operated with more stability than ever.

Immediate advantages for the user include:

• More comfort for the driver: the control performs very well under all circumstances (e.g. in case of spray tracks, on inclined terrains etc.), making manual intervention no longer necessary
• More precise control also improves harvesting quality. A potato harvester’s performance is largely determined by the accuracy of the harvesting depth. Harvesting should not be too deep or too shallow, and the less soil enters the harvester, the less processing is required. This reduces the load on the machine, resulting in a higher harvesting speed, less wear and a lower fuel consumption per hectare
• At higher speeds, the control – and as a consequence the whole machine – remains remarkably stable.

All of these advantages are offered by the AVR Comfort Drive, found in the new Puma 4.0. Meanwhile, each Puma is also equipped with the necessary modules for machine connectivity, including AVR Connect.

AVR Connect is an online reporting tool for all machine activities and a repository for both on- and off-field machine data. AVR Connect makes more data available to users, enabling a more effective use of machines and resources. Users can also monitor machines remotely, and there are options for remote diagnosis.

What’s more, AVR offers an optional Trimble NAV900 GPS sphere ex-factory, including a one-year RTX precision subscription. Precision GPS is a must for accurately collecting data, such as yield measurement at the Puma’s picking-off table.

Lastly, at a time when fuel prices remain record high, Puma’s fuel consumption is very low owing to its efficient Volvo engine, sophisticated hydraulic system, lightweight construction and large tire sizes.

This is especially the case when harvesting occurs at slower speeds, such as 1,250 rpm. For example, based on data from all connected Puma 4.0s, the average consumption per engine hour (not just harvesting hours) was 27.6-litres/hr for the 2022 harvesting season.

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Hertfordshire-based Fox Feeds Ltd invested in a New Holland Forage Cruiser 550 from Ernest Doe to harvest grass and lucerne for its range of quality equine feeds.

Hertfordshire-based Fox Feeds Ltd has been trading since 1982 and specialises in the preparation and supply of forages and fibre-based feeds, supplied predominantly to the equine market. The company started supplying haylage which had been bagged and fermented, but in 2000 a drier was installed to rapidly reduce the moisture content to 10% after which the forage is supplied immediately as a feed constituent to other feed manufacturers or stored and then sold.

Ideal break crops

The forage is mainly from lucerne and grass. The lucerne is grown in three- to four-year leys within arable rotations. “It’s an ideal arrangement,” explained operations manager Freddie Barclay.  “We have an agreement through which crops are grown and managed by landowners according to our instructions to ensure the quality we need, then we do the harvesting with our own staff  and machinery.

“Including the forage leys within arable rotations is very good for the soil, and it introduces very competitive plants which help reduce weed burdens, and with deep roots which contribute to a healthy soil structure.”

Specialist machinery

The forage is cut using tractor-mounted triple mowers, or a MacDon M1170 swather if the crop is particularly difficult to cut, then swaths are created using a rake or belt merger. The forage harvester picks up, chops and loads the forage into trailers for transport to the drying facility.

“For us, the priority is harvesting forage in optimum condition then drying it as soon as possible to preserve the quality, so operating our own forage harvester is the best way to ensure we can do that,” explained Freddie. “There aren’t very many contractors with forage harvesters in our area, and even if there were then they wouldn’t be interested in coming in to cut small areas at a time during limited weather windows, or when  we have the capacity to dry it.”

Service led to brand change

Initially self-loading forage harvesters with integrated bodies were used then, 16 years ago, there was a change to conventional self-propelled models purchased through a local main dealer.  “We remained loyal to one brand and owned three similar machines in succession,” said Freddie. “The dealer looked after us well and also supplied our tractors, and we didn’t feel any pressure to change brands.

“However, we have increased the amount of business we do with the Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd Braintree depot in recent years – including hiring fleets of six New Holland tractors for the harvesting season. The team looks after us well, so when the forage harvester was due for updating this time, we were happy to consider the New Holland Forage Cruiser instead. We accepted the offer of a demonstration during harvest 2020, and it performed very well.”

With the New Holland forage harvester are Ernest Doe Braintree depot area sales manager Mark Jolley (left) with Fox Feeds operations manager Freddie Barclay.

Immediate improvement

Although the chop quality of the previous harvesters was generally good, long, uncut strands were a frustration when conditions were dry. “The staggered blade layout included a gap and when the crop was especially dry there were a lot of uncut stalks. The New Holland rotor has blades right across, and we noticed an immediate improvement when we trialled it.”

The farm’s own new FR550 harvester was delivered for the start of the 2022 cutting season. “It’s easy to drive. The cab is comfortable, and the visibility all around is excellent,” said Freddie. “Lucerne can be very sticky in warm weather, and although we haven’t had any blockages so far, we had a second water jet installed by the Ernest Doe team just to help maintain an efficient flow.”

Plenty of torque

Even though the harvester is only the second model in the New Holland line-up, there is plenty of torque allowing fuel efficient operation in Eco mode. This means that the engine runs slower – at the bottom end of its flat torque curve – saving fuel and reducing noise. There is no reduction in chop quality, as the chop length and rotor speed remain constant, and when dense or uneven swaths create challenging conditions, then maximum power is available immediately at the touch of a dashboard-mounted button.

Freddie said that the New Holland’s Power Cruise mode helps achieve high work rates. “I set what I think is a reasonable working speed for the conditions, then activate Power Cruise mode and the harvester immediately speeds up by another 2kph or so. The travel speed is managed to maintain a constant chopping load, and it reduces to avoid the risk of blockages when needed. “It’s used a lot when harvesting grass as the chopper is always kept full, and that is what’s needed to maintain optimum chop quality.”

Quick, simple maintenance

Comparing the New Holland’s fuel consumption to the previous machines is difficult as no two seasons are the same, explained Freddie – but he said it seems very reasonable. Daily maintenance and checks are quickly and easily carried out, and with optional auto-lube fitted there are only four, 10-hour grease nipples and 10 which require lubrication every 50 hours. The harvester is blown clean every day to prevent dust build-up.

Options specified included LED lights which Freddie describes as very worthwhile, undercover servicing lights and an air blow-down kit which provides air hose connectors for maintenance and cleaning around the machine.

Back-up as good as expected

“It was a big leap of faith changing from a brand of forage harvester and a dealer we had known for so long, to the New Holland supported by Ernest Doe,” continued Freddie. “We had experience of Ernest Doe’s excellent customer service through hiring the tractors, and when we purchased a MacDon swather last year, but  it was still a big change for us.

“However, as we had hoped, the back-up has been brilliant. We received training at New Holland’s UK headquarters, and then members of the manufacturer and dealer teams were on-hand to help set the harvester up in the field for its first use. Within just a few hours of starting work I felt completely at home on the machine, and for anyone who has used a forager before, the New Holland controls make operation very simple. We have worked 345 engine hours since it arrived, without losing a single day due to technical issues or breakdowns.”

“Dealer values our business”

Freddie describes dealing with the Ernest Doe team as very easy. “We feel valued as customers and are well looked after. I particularly like the WhatsApp-based customer care system. If I have a query or a fault occurs, then I just send a message to the Ernest Doe WhatsApp group, and it’s read by both the sales and service teams. That means that everyone is aware when someone responds to my query, and everyone is also aware if there has been no response. In that case, even those who wouldn’t usually get involved will step in to try to find a solution. It’s a good system that works well.”

Area sales manager, Mark Jolley, added: “The New Holland Forage Cruiser 550 is ideal for Fox Feeds. Ernest Doe is well known for its customer service and back-up for tractor and combine owners, and we have invested to ensure we can look after forage harvester users equally well.”

Chop quality, cost and back-up

“Our main priorities for a forage harvester are performance, cost, and back-up, and the New Holland satisfies all three. We will probably keep it for four to five years before it’s updated and, as long as the cost is reasonable, then it’s likely we will opt for a similar machine again. For us, being able to harvest at the right time to achieve the right quality is far more important than high work rates, and the 544hp Forage Cruiser 550 gives us the chop quality we need, and it’s backed by the brilliant Ernest Doe team,” Freddie concluded.

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There are five new 700 Vario models, from 203hp to more than 300hp, and the series meets growing demand for extremely versatile tractors capable of heavy draft work and demanding transport applications, but which are also light enough for top-work, and tasks such as spray and fertiliser applications. The new models will be offered alongside the existing 6th generation 700 Vario line-up, and deliveries commence next year.

Longer wheelbase

The new models feature a 2,900mm wheelbase – significantly longer than the current 700 Vario series. This results in an even better ride, greater lift capacity and improved ability to transfer power to the ground. Despite the long wheelbase the new tractors have an incredibly tight turning radius for their size – and match the manoeuvrability of the smaller 500 Vario models. They can be supplied with a 60in track width and narrow dual wheels – for specialist row crop applications. Tyres up to 2.05m diameter can be fitted – increased from 1.95m on existing 700 Vario models. On the 726 Vario and 728 Vario, 650/85R38 rear tyres are standard and 650/65R42 tyres are an option. Fendt 720 Vario, 722 Vario and 724 Vario models feature the smaller size as standard.

The new 700 Vario models have a completely new AgcoPower engine and a concentric cooling system.

Impressive power for size

The engine and transmission are both brand new. It is the first time that Fendt has introduced a previously unused engine and gearbox simultaneously on the same tractor.

There are five models – from 203hp (rated) to 303hp with boost, all with a new version of Fendt’s VarioDrive transmission.

Despite the long wheelbase, the tractors boast extremely compact dimensions and an impressive 30.5kg/hp power-to-weight ratio, making them particularly manoeuvrable and minimising ground pressure and compaction. Ideal weight distribution can be achieved, with ballast added front and rear up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 15t.

Peter Settele says that to get the best performance and economy from the new tractors, users must be familiar with the low engine speed operating concept.

New engines

The new AgcoPower 7.5-litre engines have six cylinders with four valves per cylinder and an electronically controlled turbo charger. Fendt’s proven iD low engine speed concept combines impressive productivity with miserly fuel consumption. The transmission, hydraulics and cooling system have been designed to make best use of the torque available without requiring high engine speeds. The engine idles at 700rpm, and rated power is at 1,700rpm – down from 2,100rpm on sixth generation models. Max torque is at only 1,300rpm, and the engine achieves maximum fuel efficiency across an exceptionally wide 1,200–1,700rpm speed range. With almost constant torque available between 1,150–1,500rpm, this means that the ‘sweet spot’ for operation is between 1,400–1,500rpm where near maximum power and torque are produced simultaneously.

“To get the best from the tractor, the operator has to bear in mind the low engine speed concept,” explained Fendt tractor product specialist Peter Settele. “There is no advantage to running the engine at high revs. The economy PTO setting achieves the rated output speed at 1,300rpm rather than the standard 1,650rpm, but I would only use it for implements with an extremely low power requirement, or when implements are too small for the tractor. Otherwise, there is no real benefit in terms of reducing the fuel consumption as the engine achieves maximum efficiency across the standard working speed range.”

Intelligent boost

Fendt Dynamic Performance, standard on the 728 Vario, provides the extra 20hp boost only when it is needed, but it is always available even for stationary working applications. The power demands of ancillary systems such as the cooling fan, air conditioning, lights, PTO, hydraulic pump and transmission are constantly monitored, and the engine output is uprated to compensate so that power available for the main task remains constant.

Efficient cooling

Rather than sucking air through the cooling packs, Fendt’s Concentric system pushes it through using a hydraulic-driven fan. Because the air is at ambient temperature and denser than air already warmed by the cooling packs, the system requires a lower air volume than traditional systems – reducing the fan power requirement by up to 40%. The fan speed is independent of the engine revs, and the cooling system can respond quickly if any cooling circuits require extra air flow, and the vacuum created by the fan is used to extract dust from the primary air cleaner, reducing the cleaning requirement. An automatic reversing fan is an option – helping keep the cooling packs clear of dust and debris.

The surface below the cooling packs is flat, and with no fan between, they are easily cleaned by washing or blowing out. “If it’s easy then people will do it,” stressed Peter. “Clean coolers mean improved fuel consumption as less cooling power is needed.”

An additional advantage of the Concentric fan layout is that it allows a wasp waist and a narrow engine hood, and the new 700 Vario tractors benefit from a tight 52-degree steering angle and a forward  view that wouldn’t be possible  with a more traditional cooling system layout.

The FendtONE control concept is standard.

New transmission

Fendt’s VarioDrive transmission concept was first used on the flagship 1000 Vario series, and the latest 900 Vario models have it too. Now, a smaller version (TA190) has been developed for the seventh generation 700 Vario series tractors.

Unlike conventional four-wheel drive systems, VarioDrive distributes torque to the front and rear axles dynamically. A single hydraulic pump powers two drive motors. One delivers uninterrupted torque through a hydro-mechanical drive to the rear axle and the other drives the front axle. An intelligent clutch distributes the torque to the axle with most traction to maximise pulling performance.

On the road, and at speeds over 25kph, the front axle drive disengages completely to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

Additional advantages of VarioDrive include pull-in-turn which increases efficiency during tight turns. Because the front and rear axles are driven independently, the system can increase the speed of the front wheels so that they pull the front of the tractor towards the steering direction. This results in an incredibly tight turning radius – demonstrated at the event by negotiating a challenging obstacle course alongside a much smaller  500 Vario model.

VarioDrive has only one operating mode and is fully automatic. On standard Vario models, users select the field or transport speed range, but this isn’t needed on the new system, and four-wheel drive is always available and engages when it will offer an advantage. During transport tasks, the system improves efficiency and safety, including when pulling away from junctions when four-wheel drive cuts in maximising traction and acceleration.

Safe transport

High-speed safety is provided by dual-circuit brakes. Fendt Reaction Steering, and a brake light and deceleration assistant. Fendt Stability Control reduces side lean at speeds above 25kph and minimises roll – also increasing operator comfort.

A new trailer braking assistant is an option. Sensors measure the thrust of the trailer and, when travelling downhill, if the trailer is pushing hard then the trailer’s pneumatic brakes are automatically activated. Trailer Brake Assist will be available from late 2023.

Hydraulic performance

Hydraulic oil flow of 165 litres/min is standard and a 220 litres/min system, with a variable displacement pump and electronic load sensing, is an option for Profi and Profi plus versions.

The new tractors are compatible with future versions of Tractor Implement Management (TIM) expected in the next few years. Extra functionality includes flow rate adjustment by the implement, increasing work rates and improving fuel economy.

Eighty litres of oil can be removed, and the tractors can have up to five valves at the rear, two at the front, plus an additional three in the middle. A new control block can be specified below the cab to supply a loader – avoiding the need to sacrifice a valve elsewhere.

Use flat-face couplings

Peter pointed out that the new tractors were all displayed with flat-face hydraulic couplings. He stressed that these should be in use on all modern farms and machinery, as they offer higher flow rates than push-in connectors, while also avoiding oil leaks and the need for messy oil containers. They are easily wiped clean and reduce oil contamination.

Cab upgrades

The VisioPlus cab has an uprated frame but looks similar to the existing version. The glass area is the same as before – offering exceptional all-around vision, especially to the front for high-level loader work where the popular curved windscreen provides a 77-degree viewing angle. A side wiper on the right-hand window maintains a clear view in wet or  dusty conditions. Two optional cameras can be specified, as well as two bonnet-mounted work lights.

Operator comfort is even better than before. An increased range of six seats includes a new top-specification Isri version – with electric position adjustment plus four-way lumbar support and adjustable side bolsters, a massage function as well as heating and cooling. Seat adjustments can be made from the VarioTerminal, and users can save their preferred position and settings in the user-profile memory and re-select them with one touch of the screen.

The air conditioning system provides 30% extra cooling capacity, and an effective fridge cools drinks and food.

The updated Fendt cabs can be equipped with Cat 4 filtration for increased safety for spray applications. In its basic form, it provides protection to Cat 2 standards. Cat 4 filtration will be available from late 2023.

FendtONE

The FendtONE operating concept is standard. Control is by the multifunction joystick and optional 3L joystick. A 10in dashboard display, plus a 12in VarioTerminal on the armrest are standard, and an additional roof-mounted 12in VarioTerminal is an option.

New Cargo 6.100 loaders are especially designed to suit the powerful Fendt 700 Vario tractors.

New loaders

Many 700 Vario-series tractors will be supplied with front loaders, and new Cargo and Cargo Pro 6.100 versions with a wider frame, extra strength and an upgraded mounting system have been added to the line-up. “These are designed to withstand the extra power and torque from tractors up to 300hp,” continued Peter. Maximum lift height is 4,850mm (4,460mm previously), and maximum lift capacity is 4,470daN.

Pro versions add a weighing function, and maintenance requirements based on working hours are monitored through the VarioTerminal.

Control through the optional 3L joystick allows up to three functions to operate simultaneously.

A new multi-coupler with an automatic closing cover prevents dirt ingress when the loader is removed.

FendtONE allowed the GPS guidance and field map to be displayed on the dashboard – making it easy to view while working.

Test-drive

Farmers Guide tried the new  flagship 728 Vario handling loose materials with the new Cargo 6.100 front loader, and cultivating stubble with a Lemken Karat 10, 5m  heavy cultivator.

The benefits of VarioDrive transmission were immediately obvious. For loading, the manoeuvrability is exceptional for a tractor of this size as the front wheel drive engages to pull the tractor around. With no fixed ratio between the front and rear wheels, the steering is light and there is little scrubbing – which will result in a longer tyre life particularly for yard-based operations on hard surfaces.

Cultivating deep in the hard, dry conditions tested the tractor’s power and traction capabilities. During each headland turn, and when working around curves on the field headlands the steering action was always positive with little sign of front wheel slip, and although the pull-in-turn VarioDrive action is subtle and progressive it was obvious that the front wheels were doing more than just steering.

The transmission is always progressive and smooth, and  there is very little operating noise.  The drive engages without any  delay, and precise movements are easily achieved.

Roland Scmidt says the new seventh generation 700 Vario tractors offer excellent versatility for year-around use.

All-around vision is very good. With the new loader fully raised there is a good view of the attachment, and the narrow bonnet gives a clear view of the front wheels. For the cultivating demonstration, the seat was swivelled to the right, and it was easy to watch the front of the tractor during headland turns, while also monitoring the implement. The FendtONE displays are clear and easy to view, even in bright, sunny conditions.

The test tractor had the new  Isri seat, and it was easy to achieve  a comfortable working position.  It provides plenty of support, and  on uneven ground at higher speeds, the combination of the axle, cab and seat suspension ensures a comfortable ride.

The cultivating demonstration proved the benefits of Fendt’s iD low engine speed concept. Pulling the 5m cultivator at 11.3kph, the engine speed settled at approximately 1,450rpm. The conditions were exceptionally tough, but spot fuel consumption under full load was  only 50–52 litres per hour.

Attractive new  option for buyers

“Priorities for UK buyers include total cost of ownership,” explained Fendt vice president marketing, Roland Schmidt. “The new Fendt 700 Vario tractors will hold their value well, and we trialled them against all their main competitors in the field and on the road, and our arguments in terms of fuel consumption are convincing.

“We offer attractive extended warranty packages allowing customers to guarantee their ownership costs per hectare too.”

Roland said that the new tractors bridge the gap between the current sixth-generation 700 Vario series, and larger 800 Vario and 900 Vario models. “The compact size and excellent manoeuvrability make them extremely versatile, and suitable for year-around use,” he added. “All tractors are a compromise, but our new 700 Vario series is an extremely attractive option for all sorts of applications. UK dealers are very excited by the new models and believe that they will provide additional sales opportunities.”

Katana 850

Fendt has entered the 800hp-plus forage harvester market with its new flagship Katana 850. David Williams saw it prove its capabilities in an impressively heavy maize crop.

The Katana 850 has a new Liebherr 6-cyl, 18-litre engine developing 847hp, which replaces the V12 MTU power unit of the previous most powerful Katana 85. The new engine meets stage 5 emissions standards using SCR (AdBlue) only, without a DPF or EGR.

The Katana operates at full capacity with the engine speed at 1,800rpm, or for harvesting lighter crops an Eco mode can be selected. This maintains the standard 1,150rpm drum speed, but reduces the engine revs to 1,500rpm, saving fuel. The engine is mounted longitudinally within the Katana’s chassis, with a low centre of gravity for maxim stability.

“The engine is more efficient  than the previous Katana 85, and lighter too,” explained Fendt UK  forage harvester product specialist Dan Woodward.

An optional reversing fan with adjustable blade pitch adjusts the cooling performance to suit the conditions. The automatic reversing function can be set to operate each time the engine revs reduce – keeping the cooling pack clear of debris while leaving the operator free to concentrate on the harvesting process.

The Katana 850 equipped with a Kemper 12-row header performed well in the extremely heavy maize crop.

Optimised crop flow

The Katana’s crop feed system achieves a uniform flow through the machine. A new 12-row Kemper 490-plus maize header is available to fully utilise the harvester’s performance and optimise work rates. The header is suspended on the Katana’s pendulum mounting frame which allows it to pivot up to 14 degrees in either direction to optimise ground-following capability.

The header speed can be fixed or set to adjust automatically.

From the header, the crop passes through six pre-compression rollers in the feed intake. These compress the crop and hold it securely as it enters the drum, ensuring consistent chop length. Metal and stone detectors in the first feed rollers, 920mm in front of the drum, allow plenty of time to stop the flow and prevent damage.

The Katana’s chopping drum is the industry’s largest at 720mm diameter, and it can be fitted with 20, 28 or 40 knives for a chop length from 2.6–41.4mm. The knife sharpening system continually adjusts the stone during use, so that the entire blade width is sharpened gently and evenly. This maintains optimal chopping performance and maximises the blade working life. The blades are mounted on slotted holes and can be repositioned so that the entire length is utilised.

Chop length is controlled by the rotation speed of the six feed rollers, through a gearbox with two speed ranges and a hydraulic drive with two virtual ranges.

Fendt’s range of 300mm diameter crackers includes an R version with a sawtooth profile, and the RS with a V spiral groove. Speed differentials of 30 and 40% are available.

A manual winding system moves the cracker in and out of its working position.

Control appearance and layout is similar to Fendt tractors.

Crop handling

The revised discharge chute has a 210-degree swivel angle and a maximum loading height of 6.2m making it suitable for use with the largest trailers. Optional Fendt Fill Control automatically adjusts the discharge flap as the chute rotates, so that forage is delivered to the same central point across the trailer. A chute-mounted camera provides  a clear view of the crop entering  the trailer.

Crop nutrient sensing is available through the optional IT-Photonics NIR sensor. Connection is through Isobus and, as well as monitoring crop quality, it also measures crop flow and provides yield estimates. Crop data can be transferred wirelessly from the machine, through VarioDoc Pro  and Agrirouter.

When it isn’t required for harvesting, the NIR sensor can be mounted on a slurry applicator  for constituent analysis instead.

Test drive

The farm in northern Italy proved an excellent location for the harvesting demonstration, with maize standing as high as the top of the Katana’s cab and yielding up to 108t/ha.  With the 8m, 12-row, Kemper 490 Plus header, and set to achieve a 5mm chop length, the Katana harvested 180–205t/hr, travelling at 3kph, at an engine speed of 1,850rpm. The spot-rate diesel consumption was impressively  low at 41 litres per hour, in the  damp heavy crop.

Cab noise levels are extremely low. The air conditioning maintained a cool cab even though it was approximately 40ºC outside.

Advantages of the Katana’s design include cruise control which allows the user to set a maximum engine working load which is maintained automatically by adjusting the travel speed, and the unblocking process which allows the feed rollers to be reversed without the table feed reversing at the same time – preventing the crop being ejected out onto the field.

Fendt forage harvester product specialist, Dan Woodward.

“The improved crop flow system transformed the smaller Katana when it was upgraded from the 65 to the 650, and the same system  will benefit owners of the new 850 too,” explained Dan. “We expect sales to be split equally between  the two models, with the new 850 likely to be selected by those with large areas of maize and wholecrop.

“Limited production of the Katana 850 starts in April next year, and we will be running demonstration machines of both sizes during the grass and maize harvesting seasons.

“Increased productivity  combined with significant fuel savings makes both models very attractive, and the cab is extremely comfortable too.”

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Ernest Doe hosted a New Holland Harvester Demonstration to show off some of the latest harvesting equipment.

Farmers Guide attended the Ernest Doe harvest Demonstration in Mickfield, near Stowmarket, Suffolk. The event featured a range of working and static New Holland machines, including two NH combines, two balers, a telehandler and a T7 tractor.

The event attracted a good response from local farmers who took the opportunity to watch the New Holland equipment in action during a typical harvest day. The New Holland CR9.90 combine was fitted with a 35ft Macdon FD2 Header, while the CR8.90 combine was fitted with a 35ft Vari Feed Header.

Matt Boardley, Ernest Doe Ne wHolland Harvester brand manager said, “with a shorter harvest season this year, it was a perfect opportunity to get togethe with our farming customers and friends and showcase the New Holland harvester range. We were delighted with the turn out and took a couple of orders although we still have some availability for orders to be taken for delivery in time for harvest ’23. Thanks to everyone who attended and showed their support – we really appreciate it”

The equipment was working on R H Forest & Co’s farm, with the crop being Limagrain‘s Astronomer milling wheat.

James Forest told Farmers Guide, “so far it’s looking good, with this weather we have had some good yields. Despite it being so dry, the ground isn’t too bad either, I think we could drill straight through this. ”

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The T560, T670 and S785 were all put through their paces across the 80-acre wheat field by customers who travelled from Kent, Bedfordshire and closer to home in Essex.

Sam Body, demonstrator manager at Tuckwells, explains more about the day: “We were really pleased to welcome customers over to Essex from across the southeast today. Having all the combines operating together gives a great opportunity for customers to drive them and compare the options across the range. One customer from Bedfordshire came along to drive the T560 and T670 ahead of a longer trial of the T670 on site at their farm.”

The T-Series combine offers the largest separation area of any other walker combine on the market, Tuckwells says. Its uniquely configured multi-drum threshing and separating system delivers unbeatable straw quality and exceptional performance for a compact combine.

Meanwhile, the John Deere S-Series combines can harvest 75 tonnes per hour with less than 1% broken grain. It has more sales worldwide than any other model. The S785 has 579hp and features the new John Deere tracks offering a 30% bigger footprint.

All models are equipped with the latest generation precision ag technology with John Deere Operations Center, allowing remote monitoring, advance work planning and improved harvest efficiency to support better decision making and improved profitability.

For further information about the range of harvest equipment on offer from Tuckwells, visit www.tuckwells.com

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An Ideal 10T with IDEALdrive joystick steering, a 40ft Geringhoff TruFlex draper header and an experimental, extra-long 12.2m unloading auger for improved CTF compatibility, made easy work of 1,200ha of cereals harvesting in challenging conditions at Leicestershire-based Belvoir Farming Company Ltd.

“It was the wettest ‘dry’ harvest I’ve known in 34 years of farming, but I actually felt less tired,” said Leicestershire-based Belvoir Farming Company Ltd farm manager, Keith Challen.

Keith’s comment refers to the 2021 cereals harvest, when frequent showers and limited sunshine meant crops were rarely dry, although total rainfall during the period was little above average. Compounding the problem for many farmers were very high straw volumes, resulting from ideal late spring growing conditions. It was also Keith’s first harvest operating the new Fendt Ideal 10T, with joystick-controlled steering and a Geringhoff TruFlex draper header – and he credits the user-friendly package for his lack of fatigue.

The first Fendt tractor arrived on the farm in 1995 and is still in use. The current fleet includes three Fendt tractors, two Rogator trailed sprayers and the Ideal 10T combine.

Just under half of the land is owned, and the rest is rented on long term tenancies. Most is heavy, wet clay, and Keith explained that challenges include preventing ground compaction and reducing black-grass populations. A controlled traffic farming (CTF) regime has been adopted, and spring cropping has replaced some winter crops in the rotation allowing time for stale seedbed creation to aid black-grass control.

For many years, rotary combines of a competitor brand were used to harvest 1,200ha of combinable crops, although Keith also kept an eye on options available from other local dealers. The combines were updated every four years but, during negotiations for the purchase of a new Fendt sprayer, B&B Tractors group sales manager, Colin Blood, suggested upgrading to a Fendt Ideal at the same time. “Our combine wasn’t due for changing until after the 2021 harvest, but we had heard a lot about the Ideal from the B&B team during the previous few years. We were offered one of only a few new flagship Ideal 10T machines due to arrive in the UK last year and confirmed an order.”

The Ideal 10T has a 17,100-litre grain tank which can be unloaded in just 81 seconds by the 210 litres/sec unloading auger. The unloading rate can be reduced in four stages, helping avoid spillages while topping off trailers. The Belvoir Farms Ideal was fitted with an experimental 12.2m unloading auger for improved CTF compatibility.

Joystick steering

Keith specified the IDEALdrive steering option, with an armrest-mounted joystick which replaces the conventional steering wheel. Draper-type headers had been considered in the past, but Keith felt that the Geringhoff TruFlex header would offer significant advantages for the new combine. These included optimised crop feeding to the intake elevator and rotor, and accurate ground contour following of the 40ft header, allowing stubbles to be cut shorter and ensuring that no crop was missed even on undulating ground.

“Joystick steering sounded a good idea and now, having used it for a full harvest, I wouldn’t go back to a steering wheel,” stressed Keith. “With no steering column there is a marvellous view across the header, and when turning on headlands it’s quicker and takes less effort. It’s just pushed to the left or right, and as soon as the stick is released it returns to the middle and the steering centralises, whereas a steering wheel has to be rotated back to the correct position. It’s easier on the road too, as fine adjustments are made through small stick movements, whereas a steering wheel encourages over-steer due to the rear wheel steering. It’s a logical innovation and I wish it had been available 25 years earlier.”

Belvoir Farming Company farm manager, Keith Challen says the Ideal’s VisionCab is very comfortable. With no conventional steering wheel, the view of the header is described as “marvellous”.

Flex Draper header

The Geringhoff header can operate in hinged mode which splits it into three rigid sections, or flex mode which allows flexing across the width and up to 300mm of vertical knife travel. Hinged mode allows the full range of reel height adjustment, whereas in flex mode reel movement is limited to prevent knife contact where the ground is very uneven.

“The more I use the Geringhoff header, the more I like it,” confirmed Keith. “Tilt adjustment allows the operating angle to precisely suit the crop and conditions. We had a lot of storm-damaged wheat last year which was laid flat on the ground in all directions. Tilting the header forward allowed me to push the
knife down under the crop, while the reel was set to pull the crop in over the knife. The straw was very damp, but I maintained a constant 6.5kph working speed as the crop fed cleanly into the header, and then the belts transported it to the centre of the table for heads-first feeding into the elevator. Very little was left in the field, and we maintained high outputs.

“Another benefit of the accurate ground following is that, even with its 40ft width, stubbles are shaved off close to the ground. It adapts to undulations quickly, and only a couple of replacement knife sections were needed during harvest.”

Half of the straw is chopped, and the remainder is baled by a local farmer. Even with the straw spreader operating at less than full capacity in damp conditions, a 40ft spread width is easily achieved.

Impressive work rates

Despite high straw volumes and damp conditions, average work rates of 6ha/hour were achieved harvesting first wheats yielding 10t/ha.

Early starts and late finishes were generally avoided due to high grain moisture content but, even so, between 55–62ha per day was harvested with time also taken for moving between fields.

“With the Ideal 10T, we benefitted from longer working days due to the header’s ability to pick up and feed the crop smoothly, and the thorough but gentle threshing and separation by the Dual Helix rotors. The IDEALbalance twin sieves provide a huge cleaning area, and even with large volumes of wet straw and in higher yielding crops, average losses were below 0.5% and never exceeded 1%. There were barely any header losses, and none from the rotors,” emphasised Keith.

Keith said the Ideal’s VisionCab is spacious, quiet, and comfortable. Adjustments are easily carried out from the Varioterminal, and it is easy to achieve a good sample. Half the straw is swathed for baling by a local dairy farmer, and the rest is chopped.

Keith said that swapping from chopping to swathing and back again is achieved at the touch of a button in under one minute. Straw is spread across the 40ft cut width without needing full power, and adjustable spread bias maintains even distribution on windy days.

Fendt Connect

Fendt Connect telemetry allows the combine position and operating status to be monitored through a smartphone app. Authorised dealers can use it to check for fault codes and service requirements.

Keith said that it is difficult to accurately compare running costs as every harvest is different, but he believes that the Fendt’s fuel use per hectare of harvesting is lower than the previous machine, despite it having more power and achieving superior work rates.

Loyal to dealer and brand

“We have definitely become a Fendt farm,” he concluded. “The B&B Tractors team is fantastic. Colin Blood sits down with us, discusses what we need and the best way to own it, and we trust him. The engineers who looked after our Ideal 10T this year were some of the best technicians ever to visit our farm and we had complete confidence in their abilities.

Support from Fendt combine specialist Ant Risdon was excellent too. He arranged for us to try an extended unloading auger for improved compatibility with our CTF system, and he called in several times to check that we were getting the most from the machine and was always available at the end of the phone. Between the manufacturer and dealer, we have exactly what is needed from a key supplier.”

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Mr Haycocks says there is currently very high demand for Chevron rollers among farmers and contractors – users report higher milk yields and butterfat, as well as higher throughput and lower power consumption. He claims US-based Horning is one of the only manufacturers that can ensure these benefits, and independent tests and customer feedback have shown the rollers have superior longevity.

Very efficient processing

Excellent processing scores are critical to ensuring high quality forage. Whilst in the past, wholecrop had to be cut when it was greener, the patented design of the Chevron allows wholecrop to be processed very efficiently so farmers can cut at a later stage, getting more starch from the plant. This increases dairy herd profitability through improvements to butterfat and milk yields.

The Horning roller range was first developed in the 90s by dairy farmer Leon Horning Sr, before being updated to an industry new development of the sawtooth roller in 2002 to effectively shred forage. The game changing, new innovation of the dual cut roller with its innovative spiral cut design followed in 2007, then Fibertech in 2013 with the spirals closer together, and finally Fibertech Chevron in 2016.

Horning rollers have generally more teeth than competitors with a special patented, sawtooth with spiral square cut to ensure grains are cracked more efficiently so animals absorb their full nutrient value, avoiding the cost of additional concentrates. Uncracked grains can also cause inflammation as they pass through to the lower gut.

How to test processing scores

Kernel processing, particle size, dry matter percentage and chop height are key factors in producing high quality maize silage. Kernel processing score is determined by the percentage of crop starch passing through a 4.75mm screen, with over 70% considered a good score.

One method is to place a sample of chopped silage into a tub of water, mix it so the kernels sink and then skim stover particles and drain the water to see the kernels. If properly processed, there should be almost no whole or cracked kernels. Another method is the Penn State sieve measuring test.

The free SilageSnap app also provides a quick visual assessment of kernels after the silage sample is sieved and offers fairly accurate scores based on how many kernels exceed the target size. Samples can also be sent to a forage testing lab, however the delay in results means harvesting adjustments cannot be made in time if KPS is less than optimal.

Two machines with the same set up, using Horning rollers (A) and a leading competitor (B), with the Horning result showing more starch at the bottom.

Better silage, less waste

Previously in wholecrop, rollers required a shorter chop length to cut grains, and when straw was cut, the resultant tube-shaped particles were very difficult to consolidate in the silage pit, resulting in trapped air and poor silage. Using the Horning system, straws can be cut longer with an ideal chop around 12–15mm. The sideways cut results in a flat particle which ensures very good consolidation, more silage in the pit, better silage and less wastage.

For maize, if you have an AD plant the rollers tear the plant more efficiently, increasing the surface area and therefore extracting more energy from the plant. Due to the design of the rollers, grains are obliterated for a higher return of energy and electricity, as well as better compaction in the pit. Chop length can therefore be increased resulting in greater throughput and lower fuel usage.

For cattle feed, these rollers process at any chop length but research with the University of Wisconsin shows the best chop length for dairy herds is 15–20mm. The tearing action on the rollers again increases the surface area to improve digestibility. Grains are pulverised to ensure the highest processing score, so all starch from grains is absorbed quickly into the cow.

The patented tooth design ensures greater throughput, less fuel usage and less belt slippage; key factors for today’s harvesting.

Mr Haycocks says vets and nutritionists have been very supportive of the product, advocating the rollers for their benefits to health, fertility, milk yield and butterfat.

Dairy farmers report better yields and butterfat

Steve Little, a farmer in Cumbria who runs a 150-cow herd, contracting business and AD plant uses the Chevron for maize, wholecrop and AD plant. Speaking to Farmers Guide about his first season using the rollers, he reported much better processing of the crop, giving a wider range of dry matter to harvest – as well as better utilisation of the crop with no grains passing through. “It’s been better in every aspect,” he commented. “Customers have commented on how the processing has improved with these rollers.”

On the AD side, they have seen a faster, more complete breakdown of fibre and better mixing – plus more energy output – due to the increased processing of the stem and straw which opens up fibres of the crop.

Steve also noted that service had been “excellent” and Harvesting Solutions has been “proactive in ensuring we get the most out of the rollers”.

Pembrokeshire farmer Geraint Davies agrees, having struggled in the past to achieve the 3.5% butterfat required for the milk contract – but since his contractor started using the Chevron rollers, butterfat has been consistently over 4%. “We had problems with maize for a number of years, especially with wholecrop we’d see the grains were passing through the animal. So, since the local contractor bought the Chevron rollers, we don’t see the grains in the manure and butterfat and milk protein has improved dramatically – so has fertility.”

US farmer Glen Zimmerman, meanwhile, is a long-time user of Horning rollers for his 300-cow herd and contracting business. After his previous forage harvester failed to achieve the required processing scores, he started using Horning rollers 16 years ago, upgrading to Chevron rollers in 2020. Since then, he reports seeing improved kernel processing, milk yields and butterfat. Compared to a competitor product he also uses, Horning is also cheaper to operate, he adds.

The rollers are available for any forage harvester on the market and can be added to new or old machines; complete frames can also be bought.

For more information contact Harvesting Solutions or visit: https://www.horningmfg.com/harvesting-solutions-ltd

John Deere refurbishment with maize rollers.

Claas with wholecrop rollers refurb.

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