LAMMA Show 2020 preview: Machinery launches set to be revealed at the NEC

A new range of more powerful stepless transmission tractors will be represented by the top model in the McCormick X7 VT-Drive series, making its UK debut on the Argo Tractors stand.

The X7.624 VT-Drive with up to 240hp is the most powerful model in the series, which also features extended engine service intervals to 1,200 hours, a more comprehensive 360 degree LED lighting package set into a new cab roof panel, and new control features in the cab.

The new tractors also get the same styling as the larger 264-310hp X8 VT-Drive flagship models.

JCB will use the 217hp 4220 to showcase its refreshed range of Fastrac 4000 Series tractors with uprated axles, new tyre options for increased traction in the field and the ability to work with swan-neck drawbar trailers and tankers.

The package of upgrades, which also includes a locking front differential and a new factory-fitted precision guidance option, coincides with the introduction of Stage 5 emissions-compliant engines.

Visitors will also get chance to inspect the World’s Fastest Tractor, a modified Fastrac which clocked up a Guinness World Record speed of 135.191mph at Elvington Airfield with TV personality and motorbike racer Guy Martin at the wheel.

Kubota returns to Lamma with its new M7000 tractor series, featuring the manufacturer’s latest Stage 5 engine from 130-170hp.

Powershift models now comes with a ‘brake to clutch’ feature and another development is variable speed steering control, which reduces the number of revolutions the steering wheel needs to be turned from lock to lock.

The company will also feature its popular livestock farmer tractors, specialist M5091 power crawler and utility vehicles.

Kubota’s expanding implement range will also be on show, courtesy of re-branded Kverneland and Vicon products (all part of the Kubota group). This includes conditioner mowers, round balers, fertiliser spreaders, rakes and flail toppers.

Same Deutz-Fahr will present a number of Same tractors on its stand – the brand has long been a favourite with livestock farms. Same models offer a simpler specification than their Deutz-Fahr counterparts, but with trademark ease of operation and solid build, says the manufacturer.

A Deutz-Fahr with a difference will also be on show (pictured above); the 113hp 5115 DS TTV, which features all-wheel steering technology for work in tight spaces, and offers a substantially smaller turning radius than conventional machines.

Using a new rear axle, the rear wheels achieve a steering angle of 20 degrees. Their position is controlled by an electronic control unit which allows the operator to choose between different operating modes. It is also said to be the first narrow tractor with a continuously variable transmission.

Zetor is to launch its new Proxima range which features upgraded air- conditioning packages as well as transmission and engine cooling updates, while an enlarged roof window improves visibility for loader work.

There are three variants, which deliver 80 to 120hp, including the flagship HS which gets power shuttle transmission and 24 by 24 gear box. All models are powered by Zetor engines, without the need for AdBlue.

Valtra will be using the show to launch the new F Series vineyard and orchard tractor, with four models from 75-105hp. Ranging from 1.3 to 1.5m wide, standard equipment includes a heated and air-conditioned cab.

Also at the show will be a special T234 Direct tractor equipped with the manufacturer’s Unlimited Studio options including black rims, black wheel weights, full LED light package and dark interior, finished with a unique colour wrap.

There will be plenty of tech to inspect including a new design for Valtra’s SmartGlass heads up display, which allows the operator to see vital information about the tractor without needing to look away from the work at hand.

Likely to attract plenty of attention on the Fendt stand is the Cargo T955, the company’s first loader, built in partnership with industrial handling specialist Sennebogen.

With a load capacity of 5.5 tonnes, the T955 also features a lifting cab which takes the operator up to a viewing height of 4.25m for a 360 degree view. A rear hitch and trailer brakes make the telehandler suitable for transport work too, says Fendt.

The top of the range TL43.80HF Agri telescopic loader will be shown for the first time on the Bobcat Stand, part of its newly expanded B range of seven telescopic loaders for the farming market, covering maximum lift capacities between 2.6 and 4.3 tonnes with lift heights from 6 to 8m.

Bobcat will also present its tracked loaders, including the first appearance in the UK of the Bobcat S70 concept machine, featuring four tracks that are bolted on to the frame of the loader.

Schaffer will show its new 23e electric compact loader which delivers emission-free operation, ideal for use in buildings.

Customers can choose between two lithium-ion battery packs; a standard 6.7kWh battery system for most farm duties, or the 13.4kWh power battery system which extends operating time and can be retrofitted.

Batteries are said to last 5,000 charging processes or five years of operation. Maintenance requirements are also significantly lower than those of the diesel model, says the manufacturer.

Avant is to introduce its 800 series loaders, designed with increased lift height and capacity, greater reach and more power.

Its quick attach plate is now high tensile cast strength, and the new design also features two cylinders for bucket tilt, offering more even force distribution to the plate.

Albutt will show a number of new attachments, including new smaller capacity shear buckets for tractor loaders and telehandlers.

With lift capacities from two to four tonnes, they are designed to allow the cutting of silage and handing of feed materials, eliminating the need to swap between bucket and shear grab.

Featuring increased capacity, Kuhn is to launch a new range of large square balers.

SB balers have a new crop guard design, which combined with increased torque on the rotor and feeder fork driveline, gives these models up to 15 per cent higher intake capacity and greater endurance, says Kuhn.

The SB 1290iD version offers 25 per cent higher density with the same tractor power as the standard baler, using the firm’s Twinpact double plunger system. Control is via the tractor’s IsoBus terminal or via Kuhn’s CCI 50 or CCI 1200 terminals.

Being displayed on Tanco’s stand will be its new Q-Series, linkage mounted square and round bale wrapper, of which a limited number will be available in the UK for 2020.

It can be specified with either two or three wrapping arms and features 200mm longer rollers to accommodate larger bales than the company’s 1540-EH. Telescopic cut and start, proportional hydraulics and a more compact chassis and direct gear drive to the satellite arms are features.

The Q-series is fully automatic, offering automatic load, start, bale level and unloading, and uses the manufacturer’s Expert 2 in-cab controller.

Krone will show its XCollect 900-3 maize header with the world’s first integral front guard, designed to improve road safety and operator comfort.

The guard allows operators to prepare the machine for road travel without leaving the cab – folding the unit to transport width, securing it in transport position and fitting the lights.

Agrifac will show the new Condor Endurance II self-propelled sprayer, with 8,000 litres capacity and booms up to 54m. An extensive chassis redesign places the filling pump and induction bowl at the front of the sprayer, with the fuel and clean water tank between the front and rear wheels for improved balance.

In the cab, a completely new control layout features a large format display with integrated joystick and armrest, allowing control functions to be customised for screen or joystick activation. A suite of technology includes the firm’s AiCPlus which uses camera imaging processed on the sprayer to offer site specific application targeting weeds.

KRM is to introduce a new range of twin disc fertiliser spreaders for small to medium scale farmers, featuring improve spreading performance and operator ease of use.

The new L-line consists of two models with capacities to match 600kg bag sizes, holding up to two or three bags using bolt on extensions, and spread widths up to 24m.

The L15 and L20 have an overall hopper width of 2.1m for safe transport on narrow roads or where access is limited. There is a choice of in-cab electronic control systems, including tablet or IsoBus control.

Joskin will show 13 machines from its extensive portfolio, including the new T5513/14V muck spreader from the Tornado 3 range which has two vertical beaters and a 13 tonne/14cu.m capacity.

Also on display will be three tankers from the series-production Advantage concept, built to UK specification: the 11cu.m single axle Modulo2 with 7.5m Pendislide Basic trailing shoe; the 12cu.m twin axle Modulo2; and the 16.5cu.m twin axle Volumetra, plus a twin axle 18 tonne grain trailer and a pair of grass harrows.

Tramspread will exhibit its latest remote controlled, contractor trailer pump unit with compressor, 2,000m of hose capacity and 900 litre fuel tank.

The Bauer SX2000 slurry pump is powered by a 170hp diesel engine and controlled via a SIL Vision IV remote control. The four cubic metre per minute compressor and diverter valve are also remote controlled, giving the operator detailed information and control via a large colour display.

Developments to Vredo’s VT4556 series self-propelled slurry applicators make them suitable for attaching 24m wide dribble bar or trailing shoe implements, with the booms folding in next to the tank to keep the transport width below 3.5m.

The tank can also be loaded with the booms folded next to the tank, as the reload docking arm is mounted at the front of the vehicle.

Implements can be equipped with section control to minimise overlaps, and automatic pump control ensures that the dosage per square metre always remains the same when a section opens or closes.

SlurryKat will introduce the Duo, Dual Purpose dribble bar range for umbilical and tanker application systems, available in 10 and 12m widths.

Features include a lower frame height in order to maximise visibility to the rear when operating the system on an umbilical set up. The heavy duty frame is designed to be capable of carrying the new Bak Pak Reeler system which can supply up to 1,200m of 127mm (five inch) umbilical hose.

Bunning will unveil an addition to its Farmstar HBD spinning disc muck spreader range. It is targeted at small- to medium-sized farms requiring a wider spread pattern than is possible with a vertical beater machine, particularly with materials such as chicken manure, gypsum and composts, as well as general farmyard manure.

Designed as a light yet robust spreader capable of sustained workloads in conjunction with smaller tractors, the 8cu.m model can be equipped with extension sides to increase heaped capacity to 10.2cu.m. Maximum payload is 8.5 tonnes.

Vaderstad will show its new CrossCutter Disc, available on the Carrier XL 425-625, allowing this cultivator to work at ultra-shallow depths of 3cm.

The Carrier XL with the 510mm diameter CrossCutter Disc is said to be ideal for conserving moisture in the seedbed, while efficiently mixing crop residues within the topsoil and encouraging an early weed chit.

Sky Agriculture will introduce a host of updates for its EasyDrill and MaxiDrill ranges on the Opico stand.

These include a new electronics package with blockage sensing, individual row shut off and IsoBus control, as well as a fourth hopper allowing four products to be individually metered and distributed at once.

With grain and fertiliser main tanks as standard and the possibility of adding one or two smaller ‘Pro-Hoppers’, the operator can now place seed, fertiliser, companion crops and plant protection products all in one pass.

All four metering units are controlled from the colour touchscreen Quartz 800 control box, and variable rate seeding on all four hoppers is now a possibility.

Weaving Machinery will introduce a new version of its Sabre Tine drill, with relocated depth wheels, hydraulic depth control and improved trash handling capabilities.

Driven by a hydraulic fan via an electronic metering system, the drill can sow a wide range of seeds accurately at rates as low as 2kg/ha, with working widths up to 6m.

The addition of a fourth row of high clearance tines and a settling area for trash behind the third row is designed to reduce blockages in trashy conditions.

Depth control can be hydraulically adjusted on the move from the tractor cab and the Sabre Tine drill is available in working widths of three, 4.8 and 6m.

Sulky UK will launch its Progress multi-hopper combination seed drill, designed to offer effective drilling management, high work output and planting accuracy.

Up to three independent hoppers, driven from a single interface, can be used to place seeds from different crop varieties or plant species, and granular fertiliser at once.

Suffolk-based sprayer maker Landquip has announced a deal to manufacture, at its own factory, cultivation equipment from Ukrainian firm Lozova, and will present examples at the show.

The range of Landquip Lozova cultivation machinery includes seedbed cultivators, rotary and tined inter-row cultivators, subsoilers with boron steel quick-change points, and the heavy-duty Ducat single-pass disc harrow line, in which there are models spanning 2.5 to 16m working widths with power requirements of 80 to 500hp.