Agco warned of further pain in farm equipment markets as the maker of Fendt and Massey Ferguson tractors unveiled a 90% slump in earnings, with its North American division returning to the red.

The machinery group said that "weakening farm economics" would continue to hit Western European sales, following a quarter marred by an "accelerated slowdown" in France and Germany, the region's two biggest markets.

In North America, demand from professional farmers would "continue to soften" while, in South America, the hangover from drought was continuing to dent Argentina takings.

There have been some new additions to the CLAAS tractor range: with the ARION 400 model series, the ARION 410, ARION 420 and ARION 430 are now making their debut in the field and on the farm. With six engine variants, the new compact tractors from CLAAS cover the power range from 100 hp / 66 kW to 130 hp / 92 kW (R24  ISO TR 14396). All models feature a 4.5 l four-cylinder engine from DPS with the latest common rail injection and charge air cooling. The new, larger radiator unit is easily opened to allow for quick access, keeping service time to a minimum.

The new ARION 400 range has been purposely designed to position itself between the ARION 500 and the AXOS, hence the continuation of the already familiar ARION name. The modular system of the tractors allows the driver to set up his tractor to meet his specific requirements. The range thus extends from the ARION 400 Standard right through to the top of the range ARION 400 CIS model. The CIS version features a boost concept which gives the machine 10 hp more power as standard. It also features the QUADRACTIV power shift unit, which allows fully automatic, clutchless driving. Furthermore, the CIS package also includes automatic power take-off engagement and disengagement and an on-board monitor for setting the transmission functions including hectare counter etc.

Keeping up its commitment to the Indian market, Goodyear, one of the world’s largest tyre companies, today announced the launch of its specially designed tyre for the Indian farm segment - 'Vajra Super'. The Vajra Super with its super abrasion resistant quality will ensure that the Indian farmers’ everyday problems of fast wear and tear and punctures in the field are taken care of. Specially manufactured for the Southern and Western markets, the Goodyear Vajra Super will address a core need of the Indian agricultural sector.

A collector who auctioned his farm machinery, including 133 classic and vintage tractors, says it was like "losing part of the family".

Peter Bourne, 75, of Ynyslas, near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, who built up his collection over 20 years, saw it sell for more than £650,000.

The most expensive lot was a 1974 Leyland County tractor, which went for £33,000.

Hundreds of people from around the UK and Europe attended the auction.

Specialist equipment has been brought in from America to help reduce disruption caused by Yorkshire Water's £11 million pipeline project.

The project, which began in the summer, involves installing 60 miles of pipes connecting water treatment works in East and North Yorkshire and work may affect local villages including Haisthorpe.
But the project has been boosted by the arrival from Houston, Texas, of TESMEC – an impressive innovation in the world of plant machinery which promises to reduce the number of lorries needed during construction.