The last LAMMA show at the East of England showground is believed to have pulled in a record number of visitors on its first day, before the weather cut it short. CPM joined the crowds to find the highlights.
We were all set for a fond farewell to Peterborough.
By David Jones
A sunny but cold and windy Jan morning at the East of England Showground ensured a large crowd – on one day, at least – for the final staging of LAMMA’s annual machinery show before next year’s move to the NEC.
Among some exhibitors, there would seem to be an element of scepticism over the new venue – a view that’ll be tested as the time for trade commitments to 2019 draws closer. But this year it was business as usual on the first day of the event, with a number of – mainly UK – manufacturers unveiling new kit and ideas, others bringing machines launched at Agritechnica two months earlier.
Inter-row hoe
It’s been said that some of the best ideas are often quite simple. Described as a low cost mechanical method of controlling weeds in all band-sown crops, the Claydon Terrablade has been found to be highly effective at rooting out blackgrass plants in particular.
Designer and company proprietor Jeff Claydon explains the thinking behind it: “Being a by-product of modern farming systems, blackgrass has become increasingly resistant to current herbicides,” he states, “with some growers already spending £40/ha or more on a product that can sometimes be only 50% effective – even less where they have resistant weeds.”
In an independent trial conducted by Agrii UK in a location where grassweeds had become a problem after years of conventional crop establishment, a combination of Claydon stubble management and herbicide programmes achieved a remarkably high level of control.
“In the no-treatment control zone,” Jeff reports, “Agrii’s trials team counted more than 900 blackgrass seed heads/m², while in the surrounding area, where a combination of herbicide treatments, a Claydon Straw Harrow and TerrabBlade passes were used, the number of blackgrass seed heads was just 13/m² – a reduction of 98.5%.”
TerraBlade comes in four working widths between 3-6m and can be mounted on either the front or rear three-point linkage. Claydon recommends front mounting when steering manually and on the rear linkage when RTK-based guidance is being used.
Ultra-low disturbance
No-till specialist Weaving Machinery chose the LAMMA event to reveal its latest soil preparation implement – the ultra-low disturbance, mounted LD Top Soiler – designed and built to fit no-till or min-till systems by relieving compaction in the soil’s top 225mm.
In addition, according to the company’s Simon Weaving, the LD can perform a useful job of reducing compaction in conventional arable systems. “We’ve designed it to lift the soil without disturbing the profile’s structure, so helping to preserve soil nutrients and retain moisture,” he states. “The narrow spacing of the carbide-tipped loosening legs allows the movement of soil across the machine’s full width.”
Structurally, the LD uses high grade steel, with a heavy-duty frame and carbide faced lifting wings and loosening legs, together with shear bolt leg protection. The working depth range can be pin-hole adjusted in 25mm increments.
Combi Disc options
A new, wider 5.5m trailed Combi Disc from He-Va made its debut on the Opico stand, with the option of adding twin 600mm V-profile rollers. An all-round, high output soil preparation tool, this is designed to subsoil, surface cultivate and consolidate in a single pass, with the benefit of a finishing roller to weather proof the soil surface.
In common with existing Combi Disc models, this bigger version provides the ability to vary the depth of the subsoiler legs and discs hydraulically from the cab. The legs can also be lifted out and folded hydraulically, allowing the machine to work down ploughed surfaces using the two rows of discs and press roller.
WindControl feature
Two of Amazone’s spreader models – the ZA-TS mounted and ZG-TS trailed – will shortly be available for the first time with the new WindControl feature. This development has the effect of expanding the Argus Twin spread pattern monitoring system in which the entire spread fan is constantly monitored on both sides by 14 radar sensors.
As wind strength imposes a deviation from the desired spread pattern, lateral distribution of the fertiliser is adjusted automatically via the electric delivery system. Amazone’s Simon Brown explains that the primary benefit of this technology is that it widens the windows when spraying can be undertaken without compromising on accuracy.
“However, if the force of the wind is so great, or when strong gusts are too frequent,” he adds, “the Windcontrol function sends an alarm signal to the operator automatically.”
Amazone also selected the LAMMA event to take the wraps off its new mounted sprayer, the UF 2002. With a nominal volume of 2000 litres, a smooth, specially designed polyethylene tank around which a new rigid construction has been developed and the low position of the sump at the base of the tank, the company believes that this machine sets a new benchmark in sprayer development.
Pioneering technology
With its Axis range, Kuhn has come up with some pioneering technology which it says takes precision fertiliser application to another level. One element of this is SpeedServo, which introduces a rotational action, as opposed to the current push-rod actuator, to accelerate the metering and drop-point adjustment process by 2.5 times. The new system is being introduced on certain models in the Axis spreader range for the coming season.
The new concept is said to significantly enhance the operation of the company’s EMC (Electronic Mass Control) system – which is already, Kuhn points out, 10 times faster than weigh-cell technology. Designed to enhance the machine’s precision farming capability, the system delivers 21% greater accuracy in irregular-shaped fields, together with improved timing for the on/off control at headlands.
Grass sensor
Fertiliser manufacturer Yara has developed a version of the proven N-Sensor specifically for grass to allow real-time variable rate applications of N to be made that are dictated by the differing growth rates across a field.
Intended as a means of realising the full yield potential of silage swards, the N-Sensor’s oblique view of the grass crop from the cab roof uses crop-specific light reflectance to vary the spreader’s application rate accordingly.
Largest drill
The new Campaign drill range from Brock is to be introduced initially in its largest format – the 900S, with a working width of 13.4m – to be joined by subsequent models down to 8m. The 900S is being launched following exhaustive long-term trialling on farms around the company’s Essex base.
The Campaign features a large capacity hydraulic fan that diverts to provide an integrated blowdown of the tank and all operational areas. This includes air routing through the machine’s chassis to all seed, fertiliser and micro-granular units. Pipework conveying seed and fertiliser is kept free of condensation by a diesel-powered chassis heater, while all electric control units and cabling are fully enclosed.
Operating depth settings on individual wheels are easily adjusted using a simple and secure pin system, with each wheel designed to run on uncultivated ground aided by integral wheel scrapers and at least two tines running behind.
“What we set out to achieve in the design and specification of the Campaign drill,” Philip Brock explains, “is greater adaptability, by extending the weather window in which can work effectively. We’ve also made it more operator friendly and given it greater stability in transport mode.”
Radical re-design
The first new product from Lincs manufacturer Stanhay for seven years had its market launch at the East of England event. That time has been spent, the company says, working on a radical re-design of its precision seed drills, resulting in the ProAir.
This new arrival is 40% lighter and 30% shorter than the model that preceded it, the Star Plus. The ProAir offers growers a compact and durable precision drill that Stanhay states is easy to set up and offers a higher degree of adjustability than any other unit on the market. It incorporates Stanhay’s award-winning metering unit and a new infinite depth control, measurable to 0.1mm accuracy, thanks to a mechanical counter.
A sealed, maintenance-free flexible drive shaft provides slip-free drive from the lay shaft to the metering unit – proven on maize drills, but a first for the vegetable sector. Other enhancements include a 6m horizontal folding frame and a vacuum seed emptier fitted as standard.
Low hp tractor debut
A new lower-to-middle range of tractors in McCormick’s X6 Series made its debut at LAMMA, offering a choice of basic or more advanced levels of specification. The new models span the 110-126hp bracket, with a choice of features including simple or enhanced powershift transmissions, cab suspension, touchscreen terminal, ISObus and GPS-guided steering option.
Moving up the power scale, the X7 Series gets a new transmission – the P6 – which the company says adds both speed and refinement. The extended range now has more power in the form of X7.690 P6-Drive Tier 4 Final engines that now have the distinct advantage of not requiring any additional emissions hardware.
Extensive line-up
Case IH had an extensive line-up of new tractor models to display in the UK for the first time. LAMMA-goers were unlikely to have missed the new Quadtrac CVX – now available for the first time with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and creating the world’s most powerful CVT tractor.
Once the preserve of mid-range tractors, this technology has been grafted into the 540 (614hp), 500 (558hp) and 470 (525hp) Quadtracs enabling stepless progression from 0-40kph and set to work at either the desired forward speed or engine speed.
Further down the Case IH power scale, the Puma range has been expanded with the addition of a new entry-level model, and upgrades introduced to other versions of the Puma.
Telehandler choice
UK debuts were given for two new ranges of Claas machines – the Torion wheeled loader and the Scorpion telehandler.
The seven-model Torion line-up is billed by the manufacturer as representing the first loading shovels specifically designed for use on farms. They’re described as combining reliability with efficiency and featuring a spacious cab with optimal all-round visibility and operator-friendly features. The new range provides tipping abilities of between 3.45t and 12.4t, with maximum output of between 63-168hp.
The new Scorpion telehandler range has been developed in conjunction with specialist manufacturer Leibherr. Again, seven models are offered, with improved handling capabilities – higher lift capacities, together with new advanced driver-assistance systems and greater comfort levels safety and reliability.
First in the UK
Massey Ferguson claimed that every machine it brought to LAMMA this year is new for 2018. In the case of its tractor ranges, the addition of the letter ‘S’ to its mainstream tractor models – MF 8700S, 7700S, 6700S and 5700S – signified a range of updating features: new styling, the option of Fieldstar 5 touch-screen terminal and a range of improvements in terms of comfort, efficiency and safety.
The exception is the introduction of two new models in the MF 5700 Dyna-4 range – the 85hp MF 5708 and 95hp 5709 – both of which have the Dyna-4 transmission as standard and the option of cab suspension.
LAMMA lashed by violent winds
The last LAMMA event to take place at the East of England showground, Peterborough, was cut short following high winds that led to widespread damage to many of the 900 stands before it opened on the second day.
Show organiser AgriBriefing claims it was on track to be the most successful yet with visitor numbers believed to tip over 20,000 on site on Wednesday 17 Jan. But then the weather took a turn for the worse overnight, and violent winds battered the site before daybreak of the second morning.
This led to the suspension of the second day, explains AgriBriefing’s Elisabeth Mork-Eidem. “When I arrived on site at around 5am, the storm had already got hold and ripped open a number of the larger marquee structures.
“The decision to cancel wasn’t taken lightly and the team is devastated. However, it was made based on the advice of our health and safety team, our contractors and the operational team.”
At its peak, gusts of wind over 65mph were recorded on site. As soon as it was safe, contractors inspected various structures for integrity and to assess the internal damage. This is when the true picture of what had happened emerged, continues Elisabeth.
“There was structural damage to some of the smaller stand marquees together with extensive damage internally in a number of halls and also outside. This included the shell scheme collapsing, twisted metal, broken glass and stands that were half collapsed, with the potential of falling further when moved.
“We assessed timelines for making the site safe, but in reality this would’ve taken too long. Based on the information we had, we then made the call to suspend the second day of the show. Our main focus was to keep people safe.”
There was one serious casualty in the early hours of the storm, who was taken to hospital for treatment, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Next year’s event moves to the NEC in Birmingham, which, as well as remaining free to visit (both in terms of entry and car parking) should keep visitors and exhibits protected against weather, she notes.
“We were all set for a fond farewell to Peterborough and the feedback we’ve had from a number of exhibitors is that the Wednesday was the best day in LAMMA’s history.” LAMMA ‘19 will take place at the NEC on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 Jan 2019.
Awards for innovative machinery
Some of this year’s most innovative ideas on display at LAMMA were picked out as winners of the show’s Innovation Awards. Over 80 entries were put forward, from the new products exhibited at the event. The competition is split into five categories, judged on best product or innovation by a panel of 10 experts.
Crop production equipment
Winning the Loven Cup was Halse South West, importer of machinery from Spanish manufacturer Ovlac, with the Reptill, a multi-purpose short disc harrow designed to reduce the number of inter-row cultivations in vineyards.
The machine consists of two gangs of discs, between which are mounted a row of de-compacting, height-adjustable tines. It can cut roots and mulch while eradicating pans and improving drainage in one pass. An optional hydraulic headland frame lift for narrow headlands lifts the rear of the machine vertically towards the tractor.
The Judges liked its multiple function lift mechanism for tight headland turns and tines for root cutting and compaction relief.
Farm Machinery and Equipment Innovation Award
Keith Mount Liming won in this category with its Phieldtek PCN210. This is an on-the-go soil sampling device designed to improve the quality of a PCN soil sample. The machine permits increased sampling intensity, collecting 210 cores of soil/ha rather than the standard 50 cores.
The PCN 210 extracts cores at around 3m intervals. The machine can be towed behind a quad at speeds up to 10mph. A spring-loaded auger is pushed into the soil to pick up a core. The core is then pushed into a collecting container, before springing back into position for the next sample. Each 1ha grid can be sampled without stopping.
The judges were impressed by the mechanism that efficiently collects core samples and speeds up the process and collection prior to testing. This ensures more accurate samples for potato cyst nematode.
Technological
Alltech and Keenan received the LAMMA trophy for InTouch – a live nutrition service providing real-time diet support, with a loading sequence and mixing process to generate consistent, accurate and optimum diet presentation. It’s collected data on more than 1.3 million cows from nearly 10,000 farms in 25 countries. Full connectivity means instant transfer ration updates and loading reports between the
