The new-generation LAMMA event marked great success this week, drawing in more than 40,000 visitors across the two days following the move to an indoor venue for the first time. CPM reports.

Held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, 2019 marked a major change for the event – and it went down a storm with visitors, though thankfully not in the same fashion as 2018 when strong winds closed down the old Peterborough site.

Despite notable absences from brands such as John Deere, Massey Ferguson and New Holland, the overriding message that emerged during the show was that the new indoor venue had proved ideal for a national event of this size and stature. It provided a comfortable environment in which to view and discuss the vast array of agricultural kit on show and to talk business, leading many exhibitors to comment on the high quality of conversations they had with visitors.

Taking to Twitter, Hereford farmer, Ally Hunter Blair said: “I think the most enjoyable part of LAMMA was the atmosphere. In such uncertain times there was an overriding sense of positivity.”

Headline sponsor Asset Finance Partners (AFP) also commented on the success of the event: “It was great to see so many people from the wider agriculture industry under one roof and the indoor format at the NEC created a real positive energy which reflected in the discussions we were having on our stand,” said the firms Jon Hercman.

For those who couldn’t attend, here is a quick look at five launches from this year’s event.

Kuhn

Among some of Kuhn’s established ranges, new launches included:

  • Merge Maxx 950, a bi-directional grass rake using two adjustable merger belts to give a maximum grass pick-up width of 9.5m.
  • Maxima 3, a new generation precision seed drill available in six and 12 row versions and capable of drilling crops with row spacings from 37.5cm to 80cm. Accuracy has also been improved thanks to a new seeding unit parallelogram, with reinforced areas like hinges and linkages for added stability, robustness and longevity.
  • Oceanis 2, a new fully ISOBUS-compatible trailed crop sprayer with a tank capacity of up to 7,700 litres and electric nozzle holders to enable in-cab nozzle selection.
  • Optimer XL 5000, a stubble cultivator featuring two rows of independent discs. Each disc is mounted on four elastomer blocks which enable them to move independently over obstacles, thereby maintaining an even working depth across the machine’s full width, even when working in stony conditions.

Deutz-Fahr 5D Keyline

Adding to its existing line-up, Deutz-Fahr introduced the new 5D Keyline series at LAMMA 2019. Available in four models ranging from 65-100hp, the 5D boasts a brand-new cab design featuring curved rear windows and a roof window to maximise visibility.

The new series also features Deutz-Fahr’s own FARMotion, three-cylinder engine as well as availability in two transmission options: 15+15 or 30 +15 gears.

Bridgestone VX tractor tyre

Bridgestone’s latest high-performance agricultural tyre is the VX-Tractor. It boasts longer and wider lugs to increase wear life, while extra body in the rubber increases strength. In addition, the six-layer tread belt also helps to protect against damage and potential punctures.

Fendt Ideal combine

Fendt’s new Ideal combine made its first UK appearance at the Birmingham event, and arguably dominated the room. In its design, the firm paid special attention to efficiency, grain and straw quality, reliability and logical user-friendliness as well as impressive sensor technology for optimal machine setting.

Both the Ideal 8 and 9 models boast high-performance MAN engines to ensure maximum output alongside efficient fuel consumption. All models also offer the Helix threshing unit and separating system which requires much less power and increases the output and machine efficiency.

Claydon OptiTill 6c

Claydon Drills launched its new compact 6m trailed drill, the OptiTill T6c. The latest addition to the T6 fleet is 20% lighter and more compact than the standard version. Available in 3m to 8m models, the T6c combines the high output of a 6m seeding platform with the nimble handling characteristics and manoeuvrability of the 4m T4 trailed drill, which the firm says will be well suited to farmers who favour lower costs and greater manoeuvrability over hopper capacity and output.