Mastenbroek has introduced a new generation of drainage trenchers. The M3500 features a mechanically driven trencher chain, simplified controls and an all-new operator’s cab designed to be ergonomically efficient.

The first M3500 was delivered to German drainage specialist Mors GmbH, in February. With a gross weight of 22 tonnes, the machine comes with a European tier three Cummins QSM 11 construction diesel engine delivering 350hp. Digging depth is up to 2.6m, with trench widths of between 160mm and 400mm.

The new machine is designed to cope with difficult terrain and comes with side slope levelling; additionally, it can be slewed for curved trenching applications. Undercarriage features independent hydrostatic track drive and 650mm wide triple grouser pads on oscillating tracks.

New Holland has announced plans to ensure that its range of machinery complies with Tier 4A emissions regulations which will become a legal requirement in 2011 for medium- and heavy-duty engines above 174hp.

“We believe that a one size fits all approach just won’t work in modern farming,” explains Pierre Lahutte, director of global marketing and communication for New Holland Agriculture. “We are committed to integrating the best available engine technology for every machine and operation.”

The company has adopted Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology for machines with engines above 100hp and Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR) for engines below 100hp. These solutions have been developed in partnership with Fiat Powertrain Technologies who have already produced over 100,000 Cursor and Nef engines that effectively use SCR technology.

Throughout this process, the technology has been continually developed and refined, with the goal of reducing operating and maintenance costs, while increasing productivity and meeting emission requirements at a competitive price.

Valtra Experience Days 2010 have finished their tour through west, east & north regions – now on in Scotland!

26 January 2010 saw the start of the Valtra Experience Days at dealer Barnes Agricultural Services at Wiltshire College Lackham.  From there the Valtra team along with tractors covering the whole range; A Series (74hp) to S Series (370hp) have travelled through the west, east and north regions.

Each day has been run by dealers with key Valtra support.  The events have varied in format, most of which allowed customers who attended, the opportunity to drive the tractors and to speak one to one with Valtra dealers and Valtra staff.  Sales material was available to take away along with posters and of course some good food.  Customers attending the events also got entered into 2 prize draws.  The first is an opportunity to win £250 worth of merchandise/accessories from your local dealer and entrants then get put into a National prize draw where one person could win £5000 worth of free optional extras on a new tractor (terms and conditions apply)

The John Deere 900 K-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers pack plenty of power. The largest, the 953K and the 959K, come with an industry-first 330-hp engine standard, while the smaller 903K and 909K have dual power options at 300 hp and 330 hp, respectively.

The 900s feature a larger displacement Tier 3 PowerTech Plus™ 9.0L engine that delivers the power needed to get the job done, with the lowest daily fuel cost in the industry and a 295-gallon fuel tank that lets you get more done between fill-ups.

"The word in the woods is the 900 K-Series Feller Bunchers have noticeably superior hydraulic multi-functioning, including swing torque, boom performance and tracking, and a power management system that makes sure no power is wasted," said Elliott Little, Product Marketing Manager, Tracked Harvesters and Tracked Feller Bunchers.

"These machines are packed with customer-driven features and are sure to provide superior uptime and productivity while lowering daily operating costs."

Designed with a quick-recovery saw that never slows down, best-in-class felling head accumulation that picks up more trees at once and high-tractive effort-to-weight ratio with low ground pressure for smooth operation, the 900 K-Series makes the most of an operator's time.

A new electric power-assist steering option (EPAS) is now available on the JCB Groundhog 4x4 UTV. This automotive-type system is a bespoke off-road unit, specifically tailored to the JCB UTV.

The EPAS system alters its responsiveness depending on travel speed. If the UTV is stationery or driving at very low speed, the unit will give maximum assistance, making steering effort light and easy. The steering effort at low speed is 75 per cent less than that of a non power-steer machine. This gives the benefit of being able to manoeuvre much more easily in tight areas as well as reducing operator fatigue.

When travelling at the maximum ground speed of 50 kph, the level of assistance is significantly reduced, said to ensure positive feel and control. The EPAS unit is fitted underneath the dashboard, on the steering column. The rack and pinion steering remains unchanged.

This power-assist option comes with a dashboard-mounted warning lamp fitted for legislative requirements. It warns the operator in the event of power loss or other fault in the EPAS unit.