Profi September 2022

No we haven’t developed a rubber fetish but there is certainly a tyres and tracks theme going on in this issue of profi. We are now starting to see a few more manufacturers offer factory fit central tyre inflation/pressure systems but there is an even bigger list of suppliers in the retrofit market which must tell you that there is demand for such technology. While German farmers and contractors have been using CTIS, the Dutch would appear to be even bigger fans of running their tyres at the optimum pressure. Looking at what you can get for your money our colleagues at German profi have been comparing eight systems, not just checking at how long it takes for these systems to release air and pump the tyres back up, but…

A ‘drop in’ kit is now available to convert Land Rover Defenders to fully-electric power. As well as being quiet and nippy, it is said to improve off-road and towing performance. Electrogenic, the maker of the system, reckons the cost can be recouped after just four years. The conversion sees the diesel engine swapped for a low-voltage electric motor. Bolted to the Defender’s existing clutch bell housing, the 120hp and 235Nm of torque the electric powertrain develops is said to be comparable to the diesel block. Electric vacuum pump, power steering and heating are added, together with LED lighting. The 53kWh battery pack simply lifts into the engine bay in the form of two 135kg boxes that plug together. Said to be good for 200,000+ miles, a full charge provides…

The modern design is not the only update to the third generation of the Varitron 470 self-propelled harvester, which also has a new suspension system to simplify attachment and removal of the haulm topper. The input power of the haulm topper has been increased. Other new features include Speedtronic-Web, which provides automatic speed adjustment allowing the main webs to be controlled according to forward speed and crop load. Also, the direction of rotation of the extraction unit can now be reversed, allowing the rollers to rotate either in the extraction or transfer mode and next season’s Varitron 470 comes standard with the CCI 1200 operator terminal. The updates, which are included on both the wheeled and Terra Trac versions, also include brighter LED work lights. Powered by a 460hp Stage…

It is 55 years since Delvano produced its first self-propelled sprayer. To mark the occasion, the Belgian family business has given one of the current models, the ST20, this striking black and yellow livery. The special edition model, which is fitted with a 5,000-litre tank and 33m boom, is finished with 55-year anniversary stickers, a curved LED bar at the front of the cab, air horns and extra lights. If you would like to own one of the special edition models then you will have to be quick because only five have been made.…

The new Exclusive specification packages available for all RB Xtra Solo round balers uses the tractor’s load-sensing hydraulics to automate repetitive tasks, such as raising the pick-up when reversing and opening and closing the tailgate after tying. The option also includes bale moisture sensing, bale weighing as well as automatically leaving the last bale layer uncut (when knives are engaged) for a flatter outer surface. LED maintenance and service lights are also part of the package. The second Exclusive option is developed for use with RB balers operated by Tractor Implement Management enabled tractors. Called Exclusive TIM, it provides the same levels of automation but also includes automatically stopping the tractor for tying and does not require load-sensing hydraulics. The entry-level BaleControl 5-inch touch-screen control terminal is also new. Replacing…

REA VALLEY TRACTORS SWITCHES FROM DEERE TO NEW HOLLAND Taking effect from November, the move will see the blue brand represented for all of Shropshire, part of Staffordshire, Cheshire, parts of Lancashire as well as mid and North Wales. RVT currently has four branches, employing 130 staff. There are also changes on the JCB front, as the Sudbury depot is to become a dedicated JCB Agriculture sales, service and parts outlet for customers in Staffs, Derbyshire, Shropshire and mid-Wales. From January next year Cheshire will be added to the list from a new depot – an area currently served by John Bownes at Winsford. COMBINE JOYSTICK STEERING OPTION The Idealdrive joystick steering system is now available to replace the steering wheel on the Massey Ferguson Ideal 7, Ideal 8 and…