Latest addition to Kuhn’s Primor feeder/bedder range, the Primor 3570 is designed to handle forages of varying quality. The trailed Primor 3570 has a 3 cubic metre capacity, so will carry two 1.5m diameter round bales, and is capable of feeding any long fibre forage and distributing bedding straw up to a distance of 18 metres through a single top chute.

Like the 5.5 cubic metre capacity Primor 5570 model launched last year, the 3570 is fitted with a hydraulically-operated regulator at the entrance to the feed rotor. This allows throughput to be adjusted according to material quality. Key to the Primor’s ability to chop and distribute straw and silage is a robust two-speed gearbox. This is typically operated at its lower rate mainly for silage and at the faster rate when distributing straw. Power is transmitted from the gearbox through a shaft, which in turn drives a four-strand power-band system, which is engaged/disengaged using a hydraulic cylinder. The power band provides high horse power transmission to the distribution beater rotor, whilst also acting as a safety device.

The bed chain conveyor operates independently to draw material into the beater rotor. This can be operated at varying speeds, and put into reverse, to control the flow of material into the distribution area. Distribution is through top chute, which is height adjustable. There is also the option of a 300 degrees swivelling chute for greater accessibility in restricted spaces. The rear door of the Primor 3570 is hydraulically controlled, allowing self-loading if required. All functions are controlled electronically from the tractor cab. The standard Primor 3570 comes with electric controls and costs £15,430. The 300 degrees swivelling chute costs an additional £555.

Landini’s latest six-cylinder tractor range features a heavy-duty cast iron chassis designed to cope with operating heavy grassland and arable implements front and rear. The Landini 7 Series comprises six models derived from the existing 145hp to 162hp Powermax and 171hp to 225hp Powermaster models. Engine power and torque outputs, and hydraulics performance, continue as before – but there is a new addition to the range.

The 7-185 model’s 6.7-litre engine produces up to 171hp for draft work and 183hp when ‘power boost’ automatically increases output for transport and pto operations. As well as the cast chassis, all Landini 7 Series tractors now use the same Vanesco electronic system for control of the three-point linkage; and there are now three combinations of transmission and spool valve controls to suit budgets and preferences. The 6.7-litre six-cylinder Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engine is now carried on ISO mounts by the chassis instead of being part of the tractor’s load-bearing structure.

UK agricultural tractor registrations in the first quarter were 3,394 units, down 14.3 per cent on the first quarter of 2009, reports the Agricultural Engineers Association.

Economist Chris Evans comments: “This decline is far from dramatic and largely in line with industry expectations as the first three months of last year saw registrations of vehicles ordered in 2008 but not available for delivery then. The trade is presently expecting the market to settle at around 13,000 units for the year, which would be around an average figure for the last decade.”

There's a new YouTube channel devoted to all things farming: www.youtube.com/NewHollandNA. New Holland's dedicated YouTube channel is a resource for a wide variety of farm equipment-related information. The channel currently has 36 videos covering topics ranging from making great hay to equipment at work in the fields, as well as, how-to tips and animated videos that reveal the inner workings of farm equipment.

"Our YouTube channel creates an incredible opportunity to broadcast our brand and engage our audience with compelling content," says New Holland's North American Senior Director of Marketing David Greenberg. "We plan to keep adding new videos weekly that inform and entertain. We invite all viewers to subscribe to the channel and upload your agriculture, outdoor and farming related videos."

Case IH has appointed Chris Armitage (pictured) as Harvesting Sales Manager, a new role responsible for all of its baler and combine sales in the UK and Ireland. Mr Armitage moves to the position from his role as an Area Sales Manager, which, in addition to his family’s farming background, gives him valuable experience of the company’s products as well as the issues facing farmers and contractors.

“Case IH has made significant market gains in recent years, particularly with its Axial Flow combine range, LBX large balers and RBX round balers. We will capitalise on this, working with our dealer network to develop our product range and expand our customer base,” said Mr Armitage.

Richard Beadman, Business Director for Case IH UK and ROI, highlighted the need for this new specialist role. “We’ve seen strong growth in the harvesting market for Case IH. This new role will allow Chris to provide further support to our Area Sales Managers, dealers and customers as we continue this growth.”