Top 10 highlights of LAMMA 2022

Thousands of visitors attended the successful two-day LAMMA Show at the NEC, Birmingham, on May 4 and 5.

The show celebrated its 40th year showcasing technology and machinery that will help the industry work towards being more sustainable, efficient and profitable.

For the first time at LAMMA, there were speaker zones with discussions from industry leaders covering a range of topics including careers in agriculture, product development and health and safety.

Farmers and machinery enthusiasts enjoyed looking at the new machinery, and for some, this was the first time they were able to examine and touch new products due to the pandemic.

One young farmer said: It has been a really good experience, meeting lots of people and learning a lot. The information was so helpful.

Another visitor, who was there for the first time, told Farmers Guardian: It was very educational. Because we are an organic farm, we do not get to see much of the big machinery and different sorts of fertilisers. It was really informative and I will be back next year.

LAMMA returns next year on January 10 and 11 2023.

1. Lively red diesel debate in the speaker zone

The debate was a particular highlight for visitors as HMRC clarified permitted usage of rebated fuel. It was chaired by National Association of Agricultural Contractors chief executive Jill Hewitt. Attendees were able to ask questions to the team from HMRC as the new rules on the use of rebated or red diesel came into effect on April 1, 2022.

From the questions many visitors asked, it was evident there was confusion around the use of red diesel in farm machinery and the specifics of what it could and could not be used for. Steve Clarke, HMRCs lead foroils and fuel duty policy implementation, provided some clear guidance.

2. Young Engineer Award winner announced

LAMMA, in association with IAgrE and Househam sprayers, established this new award which aims to champion an individual or collective of young agricultural engineers who have created a piece of agricultural machinery which significantly improves efficiency, profitability or sustainability on-farm.

The winner was Stephen Davies from Davies Technology Limited, for his feed bucket that grabs silage, mixes it with other feeds and then distributes it out of the side of the machine. Stephen was presented the award by Robert Willey from Househam sprayers on the second day at LAMMA. Stephen hopes to launch this mix feed bucket in October 2022.

3. McCormick reveals new tractor range

On the first day, McCormick revealed live on their stand the all-new X6 four cylinder tractor range. The tractor was developed ground up as a new design and is supplied in three models between 120-150 hp. It is offered with a FPT engine and in-house manufactured 24x24 transmission.

Changes to the cab include a new upper windscreen, offering improved visibility, and the armrest mounted joystick can be configured to operate a loader, with an additional third service. Front axle suspension and a 50kph transmission is available as an option.

4. Manitou launched ULM models

While LAMMA celebrated its 40th year, Manitou were celebrating 50. Manitou showcased their two new ULM compact telehandlers at the show. The Ultra Light Manitou was designed to be easily transportable and versatile with a range of attachments. Not only are Manitou targeting this at the agriculture industry, but also the landscaping sector.

At 1.5m wide, 1.92m high and weighing as low as 2.55 tones, it is the smallest telehandler Manitou has and can be transported on a 3.5 tonne trailer. However, the company says it is suitable for rough terrain work.

5. 4. INEOS launched new farm-fit 4x4

It was the first time INEOS had attended LAMMA, or any other indoor show, and they brought the Ineos Grenadier, a new 4x4 aimed at a farming audience. It is designed by leading businessman and Defender devotee Sir Jim Ratcliff.

The vehicle is powered by BMW B57 or B50 petrol or diesel engines. The stand was busy both days, with visitors sitting inside the vehicle and getting to see the product closeup for the first time.

6. Krone Big Pack 1290 HDP Gen.5

German green harvest manufacturer Krone presented the Big Pack 1290 HDP Gen 5 baler, which has been subject to several technical updates to offer improvements in output and operator working.

Supplied as standard, the twine boxes are now hydraulically lowering and are contained in a much tighter sealing structure which forms part of the main side panel. This is claimed to reduce dust ingress into the cabinet and lowers to ground level for easier filling.

The bale chamber now includes Krones variable fill system, which is expected to create consistent wads regardless of the crop-type being collected, which should produce more uniform bales.

Hydraulically-driven cleaning fans with a revised housing are designed to offer improved airflow and knotter cleaning.

7. Mzuri launched their IPASS drill

For over ten years, the Mzuri system has been popular with farmers looking to reduce cultivation and invest in a reliable one-pass establishment system. The well-thought out design has delivered reliable yields, quick, even establishment, and a reduction in input costs for growers ever since its inception.

The Mzuri IPASS has been developed to offer growers higher output, efficient low disturbance seeding.

The IPASS boasts a 5000-litre pressurised tank to metre and convey high application seed and fertiliser rates accurately at higher forward speeds.

The large capacity tank features four variable speed electric metering units for efficient delivery across the width of the machine. Two units control fertiliser and two control seed, giving operators the option to shut off half of the width.

8. Albutt push-off folding buckrake

Attachment specialist Albutt has introduced a high capacity folding push-off buckrake in response to feedback from customers who wanted a wider rake, but with the control offered by being able to fold to 2.94 metres for transport.

Switchover from pushing out to folding the wings is achieved from an in-cab control, via a single hydraulic service using an anti-collision valve. It is fitted with double side tines to contain the crop when pushing up grass.

9. McHale V8 Variable Chamber Balers

McHale has expanded its range of variable chamber balers with the introduction of the V8, designed to produce bales from 0.6 metres to 1.9m in diameter, said to contain 30 per cent more crip in a 1.9m bale than in the companys 1.68m V6 bale.

It is being aimed at some of the companys international markets, but is also expected to appeal to straw contractors in Scotland, for example.

A three-belt chamber is used to manage the higher loads. Features include a higher capacity adaptive intake, comprising a new pick-up with a choice of five-tine cam track or cam-less designs, larger lateral feed augers and rotor.

10. Trioliets new WP automatic feeding robot

Trioliet brought their new automatic feeding robot to LAMMA, which uses the same system as Trioliets trailed machines. It was created for use in multiples for bigger herds.

It is part of a range including wheeled and rail-suspended versions that suit different building layouts. The product is designed for multiple loads per day.

You can find out more about this new product range in our LAMMA special in next weeks Farmers Guardian.