Tractor and loader manufacturers had plenty of new and updated models on show, with the odd surprise thrown in for good measure. Jane Carley, Geoff Ashcroft and Alex Heath report from the packed NEC halls. Pictures by Marcello Garbagnoli and John Eveson.
Valtra Unlimited specifications
Valtra showcased its Unlimited offering with a T234 in this striking iridescent blue wrap. As well as allowing purchasers to personalise their tractors with bespoke colour schemes, cab comforts and lighting, the services for specialist attachments such as a universal hitch plate for snow clearing or forestry equipment can be factory fitted.
The company says that one in five tractors sold go through the Unlimited programme, including those designated as MPVs for municipal or military applications, a nod back to the company's heritage.
McCormick X7.624 tractor
McCormick debuted its new tractor in the form of the 240hp, FPT-powered X7.624 VT-Drive, available exclusively with the TPT20 continuously variable transmission sourced from ZF.
It has a 12 tonne lift capacity at the rear, and in addition to styling derived from the larger X8 series, work lights, operator convenience and automation have all been given a boost over current X7s. As an option, semi-active hydraulic cab suspension can be specified. Service intervals have also been extended to 1,200 hours.
Kubota returns
Kubota celebrated its first NEC LAMMA by showcasing the prototype M7153 model from its M7003 series. It features a 150hp Stage 5 engine, using a new emissions package which is mainly contained below the bonnet, retaining a narrow exhaust for maintained forward visibility.
The M7003 series also brings tractor implement management and the firm's Quicksteer steering option which offers three modes to reduce steering effort for loader and headland operations, for example.
Functions can be controlled via a single terminal display which can be configured to operate the hydraulics, precision farming operations, pto, etc.
Fendt Varioterminal re-vamp
Show visitors got the feel of Fendt's new Varioterminal control concept which is being piloted on 700 series and the new 314 Vario tractors.
It features a digital dash, 12 inch main screen and an additional roof mounted retractable screen. A new auxiliary joystick can also be specified which can operate the hydraulics or act as a loader joystick, complete with forward/reverse shuttle control. The main joystick has a familiar layout but adds a new dedicated autosteer button.
The roof mounted screen can be deployed for easier viewing of functions such as implement control, while monitoring of tractor functions, for example, can be done via the main terminal. Screen layouts can be configured to suit the operator and touchscreen commands can be swapped to a dial and soft keys when in transit.
Zetor Proxima CL110 tractor
Czech maker Zetor has overhauled its Proxima range, giving the 80 to 110hp tractor series a sharp new look and refreshed cab interior.
The new styling is practical and affords improved cooling and heat management for the engine and hydraulic system. In addition, Zetor boasts a 56 per cent efficiency gain in cooling capacity for the tractor's optional air conditioning.
The Proxima CL gets a 12 by 12 transmission, while the return of the higher-specification Proxima GP series brings a 16 by 16 gearbox, complete with a two-speed splitter. Prices start from £46,861.
Landini 6 Series tractor
Landini was keen to extoll the virtues of it new addition of a stepless box in a stockman's style of tractor. The manufacturer reasons that due to the nature of work, such as shuttling around yards, often with a loader attached and operating feeders and bedders that need precise speed control, the V-Shift CVT is ideal for stock farm work.
In addition, options of a suspended front axle, mechanical cab suspension, 50kph road speed and DSM screen with IsoBus capability round off the new range.
Manitou MLT420-60H telehandler
For tight spaces, Manitou's latest telehandler combines a 57hp engine sourced from Kubota with a two tonne lift capacity to 4.35 metres.
The MLT420-60 has a redesigned headstock for increased visibility and a turning circle of 3.06m. Initially based on a construction-spec machine, it has had a number of adaptations to make it ag-suitable; a range of cleated tyres, air con and a reversing fan, as well as a relocated air intake and external hydraulic dump button have been added.
Zetor Compax HT35 tractor
Compax is the new range of compact tractors from Zetor. Spanning 25 to 40hp, and in two- and four-wheel drive, the Compax range cab be specified in open-station or full-cab format, with the choice of mechanical (CL) or hydrostatic transmissions (HT).
All Compax models are pre-configured with a loader joystick and mid-mounted control valves, reducing the cost of retro-fitting a loader. Zetor's Compax range is priced from £13,782 for an open-station, Compax CL25.
