Profi March 2021

Editor, profi international Legend has it that the concept for profi international came about after a few beers had been sunk by Manfred Neunaber, the editor and driving force behind German profi, and Mick Roberts, who at the time was the machinery editor at Farmers Weekly. And the rest, as they say, is history … indeed, 25 years of history from the first March 1996 issue of profi international to the mag that lies open in front of you today. The ethos of the magazine has never changed: to provide in-depth, independent coverage of all things farm machinery, so you can make informed purchasing and management decisions for your business. As a result, there are now over 3,500 articles in our online test centre, a useful resource for anyone who…

The more powerful 4.8-litre block is not the only update in the Stage V versions of JCB’s TM telescopic wheeled loaders, which also come with a 50km/hr eight-speed powershift and a new high-visibility cab. Lift capacities and heights of the four models continue at 3.2t and 5.2m for the TM320 and TM320S, and 4.1t and 5.45m for the TM420 and TM420S; the latter is a new 129kW/173hp flagship. Based on the components of the current six-speed unit but with two extra forward gears, the top-spec 50km/hr version of the new transmission is standard on the TM420S and an option for the TM320S (base spec 40km/hr in TM320 and TM420). Both versions can be operated manually, shifting through the gears using joystick buttons, or by switching to intelligent auto powershifting for gears five…

A total of 10,380 new 50hp+ tractors were registered in the UK last year, reports the AEA. Down 14% on 2019 numbers, most of the year-on-year decline took place between April and July, when supply chains were adversely affected by Covid disruptions. For the final five months of the year, registrations were 11% higher than in August to December 2019 and from September onwards volumes were slightly above the average of recent years. Almost all parts of the UK saw a decline in registrations between 2019 and 2020. The decline in registrations was seen across most of the power range, but 25% more tractors over 320hp were registered in 2020 than in 2019. The rise in registrations at the top end of the power scale meant that the average tractor…

Lemken’s IQblue connect module, a device that allows soil-engaging implements to automatically control a tractor, has received AEF (Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation) certification for Tractor Implement Management (TIM). Allowing the implement to control certain tractor functions, such as spools and forward speed, the first step with ploughs is GPS-based working width control where implement data on the position and working width are transmitted to the TIM to enable the hydraulic control unit on the tractor to automatically control the vari-width cylinder. Connected to the tractor via ISObus, the mobile unit can be transferred between implements. IQblue will be available from the autumn on ploughs and semi-mounted Karat cultivators.…

The reverse drive package for John Deere 6R, 7R and 8R tractors developed by Dutch engineering firm Vlastuin Mechanisatie uses the CommandArm in combination with rear foot pedals and/or joysticks to control all machine functions. Most of the 15 John Deere 6Rs modified so far have been for tree nurseries using them with a rear-mounted crane, or with local authority and forestry contractors where it is used with a wide range of kit, such as tree stump removers. The company is now keen to gauge interest from farms and contractors, possibly for mowing grass. It depends on the level of specification, but the modification costs from €6,000-€8,500.…

With several hundred machines in the country, the Spanish plough and cultivator manufacturer feels the time is now right to commit more directly to the UK with a wholly owned subsidiary; Ovlac UK. Ovlac has been present for nearly 10 years in the UK, first with RECO and, since its closure, with Halse South West. Responsible for all sales, marketing and service of UK machines, one of the tasks of Ovlac UK, which is headed up by Nick Clark (formerly Ovlac sales manager for Halse South West), is to expand the dealer network. “We have 30 or so dealers currently in the UK with most in northern England and Scotland,” said Mr Clark. “We are actively seeking more dealers in the Midlands and Eastern Counties and increase the numbers to…