Amazone has added three trailed versions of its compact disc harrows in 4, 5 and 6 m working widths. The Catros-2 T models are equipped with a newly-designed running gear consisting of a drawbar and integrated running gear rocker arm. This design allows smaller tractors to be used than with a mounted disc harrow, as linkage lift capacity is not a limiting factor.

Amazone says that the new compact disc harrows run smoothly even at high speeds, because their running gear is folded completely above the operational area when in work and is not just lifted behind the machine. In addition, the weight of the running gear is said to increase soil penetration. The main working frame has rows of discs with diagonally angled concave discs equipped with rubber mounting elements to follow ground contours and offer overload protection. Discs have maintenance free bearings and adjustment of the disc stagger is achieved via an offset slide.

For flexible operations, Catros-2 T disc harrows can be equipped with cage, tooth packer, tandem or wedge ring rollers to match conditions. Standard specification includes a drawbar for Cat. III lower linkages and also road lights.

Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, one of the UK’s leading utility contractors, has invested more than £1.3m in 33 new John Deere 5M and 6030 Series tractors, all equipped with front loaders. The machines have been purchased to support ongoing overhead line projects and increase operational capacity.

The company uses tractors extensively while installing and renovating overhead electricity lines. The new tractors will be equipped for one of two key roles; as either winch or tow machines. The winch tractors will each be fitted with a 2000kg winch to enable them to raise and lower insulators and other equipment to teams working on towers. Tow tractors are used to move equipment around sites as well as towing tensioners – machinery used to raise and tighten the main power cables – to and from site.

In a change from the traditional green and yellow of John Deere tractors, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions’ machines have all been finished in the companies’ distinguishing blue livery.

Steve Drissel, John Deere factory product marketing manager, says the 2510H gives producers and commercial fertilizer applicators the versatility to apply anhydrous with unmatched productivity and performance. "With a working width of 57.5 feet and a working speed of up to 10 mph, the 23-row 2510H covers more ground in a shorter amount of time, which is critical when there's a narrow time window to get fertilizer on the fields," he says.

The 23-row applicator utilizes a 5-section flex-fold frame that allows the implement to hug the contours of the field. The hydraulic down pressure system helps to optimize the 23 openers to maintain proper operating depth, even over uneven terrain.

A major advantage of the 2510H Nutrient Applicator is that it delivers three-season use capability. "In the fall, it applies anhydrous in tough corn residue with disk openers that cut the stalks and allow for smooth crop flow through the machine. In soybean stubble, the low soil disturbance keeps residue intact and minimizes soil erosion during the winter and the following spring," Drissel explains.

"Reaching 500,000 self-propelled combines is a significant milestone for us and our dedicated employees." said Dennis Muszalski, Factory Manager, John Deere Harvester Works. "We are proud of the legacy we've built and the singular goal we've had since our inception: To provide our customers with products that deliver the quality and value they've come to expect from John Deere while also partnering with farmers to help feed the world."

The factory first began producing binders in 1910 and broke ground on John Deere Harvester Works in 1912. The factory initially manufactured horse-drawn grain binders, mowers, rakes and corn binders. In 1927 John Deere introduced its first combine, uniting harvesting and threshing in one operation. Twenty years later, John Deere manufactured the company's first self-propelled combine.

Kubota has announced four more roadshow dates in its Live! series for September 2010. Visitors will get the opportunity to put the complete Kubota line-up of tractors, groundscare equipment and mini excavators through its paces at the events at Wetherby Racecourse (14^th September), Writtle College, Essex (16^th), Bath Racecourse (21st) and Weston Park, Shropshire (23rd).

Visitors to the free events in September will be among the first to try their hand at new machines including the M130X, Kubota’s biggest tractor to date, the B2420 compact tractor, the new HST version of the L4100 and the T1880 petrol ride-on mower. The company will also be exhibiting all the ‘old favourites’, from the GR1600 ride-on mower through to the M Series tractors and the RTV 900 all-terrain utility vehicle. This will be complemented by the range of mini excavators from Kubota Construction, which range in size from 980 kg to 8 tonnes. Three new machines will be introduced at the show, including the much-anticipated five-tonne models.

Vital Recovery by TRACKER as Tractor Theft in Cambridgeshire Increases

Stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER, is warning farmers in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire to be extra vigilant after a recent wave of tractor thefts in the regions.  The North Level District Internal Drainage Board became the latest victim, when its £60.000 tractor was stolen whilst on site at Tydd Gote, Wisbech in the early hours of the morning.

Two hours after reporting the theft, the tractor was recovered in Essex on an articulated lorry along with two other vehicles.

The North Level District Internal Drainage Boardis in an area in the heart of the Fens that is heavily reliant on pumped drainage to evacuate surplus water from agricultural, industrial and urban properties.  Therefore the recovery of the tractor was vital in completing essential work.

Peter Leech has been appointed the new President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers.  Peter has been Manager, Customer Support for John Deere in the UK & Ireland for many years and has just recently been promoted to the position of Regional Training Manager for Deere & Company.

Peter started his career with John Deere in 1971. He developed and initiated the John Deere Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech  apprentice training programmes for dealers.  More recently he has been heavily involved in the development and implementation of the Landbased Technician Accreditation (LTA) scheme.  Peter said “It is a great honour to be appointed to this important and distinguished role and a great time to be leading a dynamic and growing Institution.  With an ever expanding world population and increasing demand for alternative energy solutions there has never been greater need for inventive, professional land based engineers and a professional Institution to support and represent them.”

Peter has been actively involved with the Institution for 18 years and was presented with an Award of Merit in 2005 for his work in connection with young people and education.    He is a Fellow of IAgrE and is registered as an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council.   Until recently he was Chairman of the Education and Training Committee of the AEA, where he served a five year term, and was instrumental in leading that group through the development of the LTA scheme.  He is also a member of the Lantra Industry Group for land based engineering.