Technical events

Recovery and realism were two overarching themes at this year’s German machinery extravaganza, Agritechnica. Ben Briggs reports from Hanover on the mood among manufacturers and event organisers.

Finnish manufacturer Elho continues to produce trailed forage harvesters, highlighting the consistent demand for the machines in its home market where smaller farms continue to make multiple, smaller cuts of silage, and can utilise larger tractors typically purchased for forestry and utility tasks.

Following its launch earlier in the summer, the Xerion 12 Series has been awarded 2023 tractor of the year (TOTY).

Shown at a limited press event in September, Agritechnica was the first public viewing of Fendt's new mid-range tractor offering. Providing a power output of between 164 - 224hp, the 600 range sits between the 500 Vario and the 2022 launched 700 Vario Gen7 ranges

With a maximum power output of 425hp, Massey Ferguson’s 9S has been launched to provide a genuine competitive tractor in the increasingly popular 300-400hp tractor market

Technological advancements in sprayer manufacture have opened the door to new possibilities to aid the reduction of chemical use in agriculture and John Deere is one of a handful of manufacturers now breaking into the market with smart spraying solutions.

Amazone add a new high-capacity Pantera to their sprayer range in a bid to close the gap with competing manufacturers.

Knight follows a growing number of sprayer manufactures, striving for ever bigger capacity sprayers with new additions to the Trailblazer range.

Successful ploughing involves correct maintenance, preparation and plough settings according to Kverneland plough specialist Adam Burt, who provides useful pointers for those seeking a quality finish from a reversible plough.

Poor weather yielded opportunities for manufacturers to demonstrate the versatility of their products at this year’s Tillage Live.