MICHELIN EVOBIB
The manufacturer says this tyre is for farmers looking for results in two key areas of farm transport – maintaining the soil and delivering good performance when travelling on roads. With this new two-in-one tyre, farmers can move from field use to road use with no compromise, according to Michelin. At the recommended pressure on the road, only the central portion of the tread pattern is in contact with the ground. This portion is specifically designed to target road performance (low rolling resistance and good performance). This zone is driven by the top belt, which is the tread pattern. Michelin says road performance is similar to that of a radial tyre, with a pattern specially designed to ensure continuous rolling with no vibration for greater driving comfort. In the field, working at low pressures, the tyre’s footprint spreads across a wider surface, boosting traction while improving soil protection. Compared with a Michelin AxioBib tyre of the same dimensions, the two-in-one tyre demonstrated a 20% increased ground contact patch.
TRELLEBORG VIP SYSTEM
This system, developed in partnership with Fendt, regulates the tyre pressure according to the actual load of a combine during harvesting. It adapts the tyre’s footprint to stay constant in the soil depending on the load carried by the tyre. With no action needed from the driver, the tyre pressure adjusts automatically, to reduce soil compaction. When the hopper is being emptied, the valve opens, and the pressure falls to the new load pressure setpoint, giving a wider footprint. This value may be half the working pressure under load, according to Trelleborg, which is of sizeable interest in terms of protecting the soil. While harvesting, as the hopper is gradually filled, the compressor raises that value to the original setpoint. The system consists of a set of sensors measuring displacement, pressure and temperature. An electrical device controls a compressor and a valve to adjust the pressure. The compressor is mounted on the tyre’s rim.
AUTONOMOUS MAGNUM
This tractor(top) took centre stage on the Case IH stand at SIMA. The manufacturer believes it can reduce the demand for labour without compromising on performance in the field. The concept is a cabless wheeled tractor that can operate autonomously with a wide range of Isobus tools. Case IH says it combines the latest breakthroughs in orientation mapping, telemetry, data sharing and agronomic management to provide managers of agricultural enterprises with additional working capacity. The autonomy of the tractor and the associated Isobus toolkit make it possible to work independently, day or night. On the tractor, which is based on a Case IH Magnum, removing the cab offsets the weight of the additional technology to make it work autonomously.
JOHN DEERE ELECTRIC TRACTOR
Electrical energy on the John Deere electric tractor is supplied by a set of 130 kWh/670 V Li-ion batteries. The SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machines) tractor can run for up to four hours on one battery charge, according to Deere. A mechanical transmission for driving distribution is retained using a modified Direct Drive driven off one electrical motor. The ancillary systems are driven from a separate motor. The two motors push out 175hp separately. The batteries are stored under the hood with the motors in the frame of a 6R. Like everything else in this area of technology at the moment, bulky batteries and low operational hours are the limiting factor. On the plus side, no noise and zero emissions are the goal of the concept.
DANGREVILLE SMART SPREADER
The Dangreville smart spreader was designed to respond to three issues according to the manufacturers – agriculture, the environment, and safety. To achieve this, the smart spreader combines five factors (remote inflation, scalable body volume, dynamic weighing, parcel mapping, load indicator) which, based on the load contained in the vehicle body, will automatically manage tyre pressure and spreading. The spreader is equipped with telescopic hydraulic raising blocks and a dynamic weighing system. A load indicator connected to the beacon light activates automatically when the loading threshold is reached. This spreader is equipped with a remote inflation system that automatically adapts tyre pressure to the load and forward speed. The type of tyres fitted on the spreader and the corresponding settings (speed/weight/pressure ratio) are inbuilt to the machine’s software. The pressure adjusts automatically in real time to the spreader’s weight and forward speed. Thus, a fully loaded spreader moving at 40km/h will have tyres inflated to 1.9 bar, while the same spreader, after emptying in the field, will have tyres pressured down to 0.8 bar. This reduces pressure on the ground via a broader contact surface, and limits compaction. Prices start from €70,000 (£60,637) to €110,000 (£ 95,288) for the largest model.
NEW VALTRA A SERIES
This tractor is exactly the same as its AGCO stablemate in the red colours. The big difference between the Massey Global Series and this new model Valtra is the Cab. The Valtra A series has a spacious cabin and integrated armrest controls for loader operation or SCR valves to the rear. The AGCO power unit comes with a 3.3l engine up to the A94 model and 4.4l engine from the A104. Overall there are seven models in the range, from 75hp to 130hp. The tractor is fitted with a simple 12x12 transmission in two ranges, and a power shuttle for forward and reverse selection. Hydraulics-wise the Valtra again is similar to Massey, with a combined flow option of up to 98l/min, and a maximum lift capacity of 5.3t at the backend. Pricewise, no figures have been released; it has a slightly higher specification than its sibling in the Massey shed, so it will probably reflect that in the price also.
NEW Q SERIES WITH Q-COMPANION
Quicke launched its latest Q Series at the show, which has been strengthened up at all major pivot and stress points. Suitable for tractors from 60hp to 300hp, four non-parallel and 16 parallel lift models are available, which retain the same mounting brackets as the previous Dimension Series. Along with the increased durability of the loader, the cross-member has been lowered, which Quicke claims has increased visibility by 35% for the operator. The Q Series is available with the Q-Companion, which fits sensors to the loader and relays information to an in-cab display (pictured). The system includes an indicator for attachment position and angle loader height and work status. It also indicates the reaming lift capacity when loading material and includes a maintenance reminder and a weighing function. The unit was demonstrated on a simulator at the show. Retail price for a basic Q5M loader, for a 100hp to 200hp tractor, is €7,000 (£6,000) approximately. The optional intelligence pack costs around €1,200 plus VAT.
JOHN DEERE 5100 M
The new 5M series tractors were on display at SIMA. The lower-specification John Deere tractors are now built in the US along with the 5R range. From 75-115 hp, this range is targeted at the mixed livestock farmer segment. The engine is built by John Deere in its French factory at Saran. The engine is compliant to Tier 4 Final and uses DPF only. A John Deere representative said this is a tractor to compete with Kubota in this class. The tractor uses an open-centred hydraulic system with top-link draft sensing. Output-wise the standard flow is 70l/min from the pump combined with 24l/min for the steering systems. The tractor is capable of lifting 3.6t. The range starts at €50,000 (£43,321)excluding VAT for the entry level 5075M, rising to just over €60,000 (£52,000) for the 115hp 5115M.
BERTHOUD SPRAYER CONTROLS
The EcoMatic operation completes Berthoud’s new package at SIMA. The innovation lies in the assembly of function valves fitted directly to the body of the GAMA spray pump and its unique control mechanism. Usually function valves are separate and connected to the pump by a set of pipes, which results in substantial residual volumes as well as multiple valves, depending on the number of functions. This complicates the use of the machine and can lead to handling errors. The single control offers simple and economic functions for the operator, according to Berthoud. The EcoMatic controls allow the operator to follow a step-by-step rinsing process to clean the sprayer. The Hermes mid-sized sprayer is available with a choice of three tank sizes – 800l, 1,000l and 1,200l, and a new range of ALSR rear-folding booms of 15m, 16m or 18m.
NEW JCB 419S
The new 419 loading shovel replaces the 418S which had been receiving a mixed response from Irish customers. The CommandPlus cab is now fitted to make it feel more like its big brother the 435. The loader can be pimped out a little with the optional Contractor Pro Spec. New axles from ZF replace JCB’s own axles. The 419S still uses the Cummins engine, six-speed ZF transmission and loader arm as the 418S. The rear chassis is 300mm longer, which allows a full turn tipping load of 7,000kg and the wheelbase has been extended by 80mm.
EXTENDED 8700 RANGE
Massey Ferguson has added the 8740, tackling the high hp market. The manufacturer has had impressive power-to-weight ratios with the latest 6700 Series, and this new tractor follows the same trend. Pumping out a massive 400hp, the 8740’s 26.7 kg/hp is the best in class, according to Massey. The muscle power comes from a Stage 4-compliant, six-cylinder, 8.4-litre Agco Power engine that boosts by 5hp to give a maximum of 405hp using engine power management.
The 8740 gets the new 9in, Datatronic touch screen terminal. The terminal screen can be split for monitoring machines and GPS and sectional control operated from here also.
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