Choice of drivetrain

In the UK, there are four engine and gearbox combinations to choose from. Power outputs start from 170hp from the 2.0-litre TDI to 240hp from the 3.0-litre TDI. The 2.0-litre 170hp comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other variants have a 10-speed automatic. Selectable 2 and 4wd is standard across the range with either three or four drive system modes.

Well equipped

The model supplied for the week-long Farmers Guide test-drive was the PanAmericana 240hp version. This is joint top of four specification levels with more equipment than the base Life, and Style variants. There is also the Aventura with additional features adding to the appearance and drive comfort, but the main difference is the double wishbone rear suspension which enhances ride comfort and handling but reduces load carrying capacity to under a tonne, which means VAT relief isn’t available.

Smooth and powerful

The 240hp V6 engine is smooth and exceptionally quiet. Maximum power is at 3,250rpm and maximum 600Nm of torque is across a wide rev band from 1,750–2,250rpm. The only transmission option is the 10-speed automatic, and the number of gear ratios means that whether on- or off-road, there is always a choice of suitable gears. A rotary selector by the gear stick selects Auto 4wd, 2wd high, 4wd high and 4wd low range. The PanAmericana specification also includes a limited-slip rear differential.

Selectable drive modes tune the engine and transmission response to suit the environment. These include Normal, Eco, Mud/track, Sand, Slippery and Load/trailer.

The driver can also select manual gear shifting for maximum control, using three buttons on the right-hand side of the main gear selector. One button switches between auto and manual and the other two buttons shift up and down through the range.

Comfort and performance

With 230hp, the test car performed well. At 70mph in 10^th gear, the engine operates at approximately 1,700rpm and it is extremely quiet making it ideal for long journeys. Under gentle acceleration gear changes are smooth and barely noticeable, but when extra performance is needed such as for overtaking, then a suitable gear is quickly selected, and the system is very responsive.

This autumn’s consistently wet conditions provided plenty of opportunity to try out the various drive models on muddy farm tracks. Even with Normal mode selected there was no danger of becoming stuck, but selecting the mud or slippery modes moderated throttle response and movement was more controlled.

The Amarok has very little front and rear body overhang, giving approach and departure angles of 30 and 23 degrees respectively. Wading depth is up to 800mm, and ground clearance is 237mm, so it is extremely capable off-road.

Overall, during the test week we achieved fuel consumption averaging 24.7mpg overall, and 27.8mpg on longer journeys.

Interior

The Amarok design maximises space for both front and rear seat occupants, and five adults are carried in comfort. The leather seats are comfortable and practical and the front driver’s seat in the PanAmericana version has 10-way electric adjustment. For rear-seat occupants, there is plenty of storage in the pockets in the backs of the two front seats, and there are also smaller pockets at the top – ideal for a phone, wallet or similar size items. There is a decent amount of storage in the door pockets too, for drinks bottles and similar size items.

For front seat passengers there is also plenty of space, including two gloveboxes on the left-hand side – both with lids and one of which can be locked. There is also a large central storage box behind the gear selector plus smaller trays.

The dashboard layout is quite different to that of the Ford Ranger. All except the base Style variant come with an excellent 12-in touchscreen, which also includes VW Connect navigation. Large mechanical selector buttons at the bottom of the display are easily operated wearing gloves and provide quick access to the various menus – making it much easier to adjust driving and vehicle settings than trying to operate a touchscreen while travelling across bumpy ground. Menus include Driver assistance, Vehicle set-up, Climate and Parking.

The steering wheel is padded and comfortable, and the control stalks are large and easy to use. Some of the push-button controls on the steering wheel are quite fiddly, including cruise control and the speed limiting function.

One excellent feature is that the legal maximum travel speed for the road is displayed on the instrument panel and, rather than showing the standard car speed allowed which can cause driver confusion, it identifies the maximum for the Amarok pick-up.

Practicality

The rear load bed can take up to 1,054kg, and it has a maximum 163cm length and 157cm width near the base, reduced to 122cm between the wheel arches. The large roll bar encroaches on the load bed, so top access is slightly reduced. This means that items lowered in from above can be a maximum 147cm long and 137cm wide.

The tailgate has spring assistance making it easy to open and close, and provides a 136cm wide opening, with a loading height 89cm from the ground. There are six strong tie-down points inside the load bed, as well as handy LED lights recessed into the sides.

It’s a large pick-up, but very manoeuvrable and the excellent visibility makes it easy to operate in tight spaces.

Verdict

The Volkswagen Amarok is an excellent farm pick-up, and it does a good job of combining the ability to carry a full-size pallet weighing more than a tonne with transporting five adult passengers in comfort.

The large 3.0-litre V6 engine is smooth and quiet, but in reality there isn’t a great difference in performance compared to the 2.0-litre 205hp model, which is a lot cheaper and should be more economical.

The Amarok 3.0-litre PanAmericana has a recommended on-the-road retail price of £47,255 + VAT and options fitted to the test vehicle added approximately £500.

It comes with a three-year, 100,000-mile manufacturer warranty.

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Voltloader has recently ordered new Volvo FM trucks that will pull Weightlifter tipping trailers, which have been specifically configured for an optimum bulk payload.

The business is initially launching in the East of England to transport customers’ grain and agricultural goods across the region.

By offering a zero tailpipe-emission haulage service, Voltloader says it enables customers to achieve a sustainable solution for agricultural transport and reduce their carbon footprint.

In addition, the company is aiming to support its customers as they begin to transition their fleets to electric by providing access to its charging sites.

Dave Rose, Voltloader’s CEO and founder says: “The high capital cost of the vehicles, lack of charging infrastructure and reduced range present barriers that we are offering solutions to. By embracing electric haulage, producers and agricultural businesses can anticipate long-term cost savings while actively contributing to a cleaner, greener and quieter future.”

Furthermore, the company says it offers peace of mind through long-term fixed price haulage contracts, providing pricing stability in an ever-changing energy landscape.

Each truck will be equipped with a 540kWh battery capacity, allowing it to achieve around 160 miles on a full charge and fully recharge in as little as two hours when connected to one of Voltlader’s 150kWh DC chargers.

The team at Voltloader said they have been delighted at the overwhelmingly positive response to the service.

Dave Rose added: “Our customers in the agricultural sector not only have emissions targets that they are trying to address, but their customers, the food manufacturers and retailers, are also demanding this. Voltloader allows them to deliver their business needs and the needs of their customers today, whilst also partnering to support the longer term transition of their own fleets.”

Voltlader aims to launch the service in the first half of 2024 and is encouraging those who would like to learn more and show leadership in this space to get in touch.

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“This anniversary is significant for Land Rover enthusiasts; we are so looking forward to having this historic moment recognised at the show,” says show organiser, Elizabeth Halsall.

Bringing two Land Rovers is Mike Fincher, who has owned and restored Land Rovers since 1986. “The 1955 Series 1 is the ninth Land Rover I’ve owned; it started life with the Ministry of Supply, and those vehicles included ones which went to the auxiliary fire service and the civil defence organisation – unfortunately I don’t know how mine was used,” says Mr Fincher.

“The earliest record of ownership I have found is in the Borough of Lewisham, which it has painted on the vehicle door tops along with the Lewisham crest.”

However, when it came to Mr Fincher, it needed a rebuild. “Most of the mechanical components were in a dire state, and needed rebuilding or replacing, but I have managed to keep the original chassis and bodywork. I have had to do quite a lot of welding and repairs – it has since been galvanised to protect it.”

He is passionate that the Land Rover should reflect the life it has had. “Some people restore Land Rovers to as if they have just come out of the factory, but I’ve tried to leave the bodywork as untouched as possible, to show its history – it’s had a hard life.”

And it’s in daily use. “I have put a newer engine in it, to improve fuel economy, but I use it to go shopping, to take to shows, day to day, it’s not my only vehicle but it’s my preferred one.”

1952 Minerva Land Rover Series 1

Mr Fincher’s 1952 Minerva Series 1 Land Rover was purchased from eBay, unseen. “I went to collect it and most of the bodges were well disguised, so it was only when I got it home I realised how bad it was,” he says.

“I had some major welding work to do, and it was worse on its chassis and bodywork than I had assumed. It led to a change in gearbox, clutch and rear axle.”

As a military vehicle, it had spent most of its life with the Belgian army. “It was with them for 43 years, which is an incredibly long time. I expect its last years were spent in storage, ready to be dragged out if needed.”

Whenever Mr Fincher displays the vehicle, he also displays some Belgian army equipment alongside it. “I have the same ethos as with my other Land Rover – I don’t want it to look brand new, I want it to genuinely look like a vehicle which has had 20 to 30 years with the Belgian army, towards the end of its time and they were thinking about getting rid of it.

“A few years ago we actually won the trophy for the best military vehicle in show.”

Fans of the Land Rover Series 1 and other Series can celebrate the vehicles at the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show at Newark Showground on 4th and 5th November 2023. For a limited time only, discounted tickets are available for the show.

Buy tickets here: https://newarkvintagetractorshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/, or for more information about the show, visit: www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com.

The post Celebrating 75 years of the Land Rover Series 1 appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Suffolk event showground Stonham Barns Park held its very first Land Rover Show on Sunday 8th October, having invited the public and motor clubs to pre-register a host of vehicles for display alongside exhibitors.

A colourful sea of classic and modern Land Rovers greeted ticket holders, celebrating the iconic 4×4 manufacturer with a unique and wide ranging display of models. Seemingly, at least one example of every model that Land Rover ever produced was present to be admired by enthusiasts of all ages.

@farmersguide_ The Land Rover Show at Stonham Barns, Suffolk, today provided the perfect Sunday outing Seemingly, at least one example of every model the manufacturer ever made was present to be admired by visitors of all ages – including an immaculate 1949 Series 1 #LandRover #FarmVehicle #Defender #4×4 #UKFarming #RangeRover ♬ Born to Be Wild (from “Easy Rider”) – Movie Soundtrack All Stars

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The event was in late July, a short distance from the Claas company’s Harsewinkel headquarters. Claas previewed the new tractors during an ambitious evening presentation and then demonstrated in the field the following day. Unfortunately, the weather was like that of the UK in late July; chilly with frequent showers slowing harvest progress and preventing the new combines working for the event.

All the new products will be displayed at Agritechnica this November, but some are available to order now.

Small tractors with wide appeal

Three new series of small tractors have been added to the tractor line-up.

The entry Elios 200-series includes four models from 75–103hp. The base Elios 210 comes in cab or platform versions, and Elios 220, 230 and 240 models are available only with cabs. You can upgrade a base (24-forward/12-reverse), four-speed, three-range, two-mechanical ratio mechanical transmission with Twinshift (two-speed powershift) and an electro-hydraulic Revershift clutch-less reverser.

Rear linkage capacity is 3.2t and the gross vehicle weight is 5.1t, and the tractors have 30in rear wheels. Claas describes the Elios 200 models as ideal for simple yard tasks, with or without the optional Claas front loader.

A line-up of three Elios 300-series models starts at 85hp. They feature a five-speed transmission (30 forward/15 reverse) with Twinshift powershift which increases tractive power by 20%, and the Revershift reverser as standard. A clutch activation button on the back of the main gear shift lever eliminates the need for the foot clutch when changing gear. Optional Smart Stop disengages the transmission to bring the tractor to a standstill when the foot brake is applied. The transmission re-engages drive when the brake pedal is released.

Two Axos 200 models with outputs of 92 or 103hp slot in directly below the current Arion 400-series. These share the transmission of the Elios 300 models but have higher lift capacity and greater payload capacity than the Elios models. They are also equipped with rear wheels and tyres up to 34in. Axos models remain ideal for yard work with a 2.62m overall height, and an impressive 3.79m turning radius.

Shared engines for both types

All the new tractors except the base Elios 210 share the same FPT 3.6-litre, 4-cyl engine. They also include a wastegate turbocharger, intercooler and viscous fan for versatility and efficiency. These tractors achieve rated outputs from 83–98hp at 2,300rpm and produce maximum 85–103hp at 2,000rpm. Full engine torque is available across a wide rev range. The Elios 210 has a slightly smaller FPT 3.4-litre, 4-cyl engine delivering 75hp and 309Nm of torque. All models use SCR (AdBlue) to meet latest emissions requirements. One engine speed memory is standard. Two speed presets are an option – adding convenience for working with PTO-driven or hydraulic-powered implements.

Capable hydraulics

Standard rear lift capacity is 3.200kg for Elios models, and 3,350kg for the two Axos models. Front loaders with 3,200kg lift capacity are available. Hydraulic oil flow rates of 87 litres/min are standard but an optional third pump increases flow to 114 litres/min for faster cycle times. With the additional pump, an electrohydraulic operating system is available for Elios 300 and Axos 200 models and these tractors can be fitted with up to four spool valves.

Standard PTO is 1,000/540, but 540/540E is an option, and a front PTO can also be specified for the  front linkage with 1,000/540E and electro-hydraulic engagement.

Loader options

Claas loaders with mechanical or hydraulic levelling are available. There is a choice of operating systems to suit the application. E-Pilot S provides fingertip control of the loader only, whereas the Electropilot joystick can also operate hydraulic functions and rear implements. It contains direction change buttons too when Revershift is fitted.

Comfortable and functional

Elios 300 and Axos 200 models have a flat cab floor. Air conditioning and an air-suspended seat are options. A passenger seat is standard, and the steering wheel has height and angle adjustment. They display operating information on a 4.2in digital console behind the steering wheel. The display is also used to adjust functions such as the rear linkage operating speed, and spool valve flow rates and timings.

Power tractor – 650hp flagship

At the other end of the Claas tractor line-up, the Xerion 12-series provides a new option for large agribusinesses and contracting operations. There are two models – the 12.590 with up to 585hp, and the 12.650 with 653hp and 3,100Nm of torque.

Both models have a rigid chassis and four equal-size wheels or tracks and front and rear axle steering. Claas describes the tractors as highly efficient for the toughest draft work.

UK buyers are unlikely to choose wheeled versions as they need dual 800/70R42s to transfer the massive power to the ground. This makes the tractors excessively wide for UK roads. The much narrower four-tracked Terra Trac variant will therefore be the preferred option.

Low engine speed concept

Power is from Mercedes Benz 6-cyl, 15.6-litre engines which fit perfectly with the Claas low engine speed concept 2.0 strategy. Equipped with compound wastegate turbochargers, both models produce maximum power from just 1,600rpm and maximum torque down to 1,300rpm. Idling is at just 650rpm. Massive cooling packs maintain efficiency with the help of a reversible fan.

Drive and traction

The new Xerion design helps maintain 50/50 front to rear weight distribution to maximise traction. The 1,400-litre fuel tank is centrally mounted so weight distribution doesn’t change as the fuel level reduces.

The transmission, as would be expected, is a Claas CMatic CVT unit. Benefits of using CVT include gentle drive take-up which reduces shock loads on implements when starting off or altering speed. The new transmission is designed so that operators can utilise the full power for any application. Maximum torque is available from the minimum speed of only 50m per hour.

There are four drive modes with automatic selection. The drive management system transmits power continuously to both the front and rear axles and ensures maximum soil protection – regardless of the steering angle. This means that full traction is available even on sloping ground or when negotiating field obstructions.

The Terra Trac achieves a maximum 40kph transport speed at 1,400rpm. The wheeled version has a top 50kph road speed which is unique in its power class.

Technology maximises efficiency

Like Claas Arion and Axion conventional tractors with CMatic transmission, the new Xerion is available with a similar Cemos process optimisation system. This assists the operator by optimising power transmission, drive management and suggesting ballasting strategies based on the task and working conditions. You can achieve more than 10% fuel savings by using the system. It can recommend settings to increase soil protection too, as well as maximising working efficiency.

Phenomenal hydraulics

Up to three load-sensing pumps supply up to 537 litres/min at 1,900rpm. This means that even the largest drills with high hydraulic flow demands can be operated at low engine speeds, saving fuel. Up to
eight double-acting circuits can deliver up to 140 litres/min each. Cebis terminal displays flow rates for each spool.

New tracks

The new Terra Trac track assemblies have a positive drive, with at least eight drive lugs always engaged. There are two auxiliary steering cylinders per axle, and the track units are in two parts with rubber blocks between the undercarriage and main frame to absorb shocks and vibration. Two pairs of mid rollers on bogies adapt to ground undulations to maximise the footprint and traction. The Camso-manufactured tracks are available in 762 or 914mm widths.

Steering modes include standard trailed rear-wheel steering, four-wheel steering with the front and rear axles. These react simultaneously and there is also a reduced crab steering mode ideal for silage clamp applications. Dynamic steering can be selected – reducing steering wheel turns by 50% for fieldwork.

Largest cab of the range

The cab is like larger Claas Lexion and Trion combines, but it is extended by 27cm at the front giving even more space. The steering column has available footrests, and in the right-hand front corner by the A-pillar for use when the seat is rotated 40 degrees for an improved view of the rear implement.

Control is through a CMotion joystick; like Claas combines, and monitoring and set-up is through a Cebis touchscreen terminal.

The cab has four-point suspension. The company’s demonstration drivers at the event suggested that ride quality on- and off-road is exceptional and superior to a wheeled tractor, especially over rough ground.

Precision farming

A full range of Claas precision farming applications are available. The Cemis 1200 12in display allows remote transfer of field maps and guidance lines and is used for strategies including section control and variable rate applications.

Smaller combines with extra performance

There are two new Evion five-walker models, the Evion 410 and Evion 430 – both powered by Cummins 6cyl engines and using the Cemis 700 control concept. Replacing the discontinued four-walker Avero and smaller Tucano models the new combines slot into the range directly below the new Trion series.

The Evion has a 600mm threshing drum and a synchronised impeller combined with five 4.4m long straw walkers and a feeder housing 1,420mm wide. This gives a concave area of 0.95m2 and a separation
area of 6.25m2 provided by the straw walkers.

The Cemis 700 terminal infinitely adjusts the threshing drum speed between 480–1,150rpm. Like the larger combines, the concave clearance is also adjusted from the cab and has blockage protection. A Multicrop concave is standard so changes are rarely needed for different crops.

For improved secondary separation and higher throughput, the centre risers of the straw walkers have been redesigned for extra loosening of the crop and achieve faster transfer to the subsequent straw walker racks.

In addition to the anti-blockage system on the drum, there is new sensor-based monitoring of the straw walker crop flow. If blockages start to develop, then the operator receives acoustic and visible warnings. An optional Cemos Auto Crop Flow feature automatically deactivates the header and feeder if a risk of blockage or serious belt slippage is detected, to prevent more crop being taken in.

Enhanced cleaning

The upper and lower sieves move in opposite directions and have a total 4.8m2 sieve area. The sieve design is enhanced in line with Lexion and Trion cleaning systems. Electric sieve adjustment and loss monitoring is standard. The radial cleaning fan is adjusted from the cab and can be controlled automatically for uphill and downhill working with the optional Auto Slope. The optional 3D cleaning system compensates for lateral tilt to 20% on slopes.

Grain tank capacity

Grain tank capacity is 5,600 litres for the Evion 410 and 6,500 litres for the Evion 430. Unloading at 90 litres per second increases productivity when emptying stationary on headlands. The 105-degree tube movement means trailer filling progress is easily monitored from the seat. A pivoting end spout is an option.

Dynamic Power

The Cummins 6.7-litre engine is like that used in the Trion, and maximum power is available at only 1,900rpm. Dynamic Power Management delivers only the necessary power by ‘repositioning’ the engine’s power band and achieving significant fuel savings up to 10%.

The ground-drive transmission is hydrostatic with manual control and there are three mechanical gears.

Header choice

The Evion has a similar header mount to Lexion and Trion models so a wide range of attachments is available. Maximum cereal header width is 6.8m.

Contour ground adaptation automatically adapts the attachment to compensate for ground undulations parallel to the direction of travel. Auto Contour, programmed through the Cemis 700 terminal is an option, and allows the cutterbar to adapt to both parallel and transverse ground undulations.

Operator environment

The spacious cab has similar controls to larger combines, including the CMotion joystick. There is a large, clearly arranged keypad and a Cemis 700 touchscreen. Pre-programmed settings for a range of crops provide a reliable start point, and these can be optimised for the conditions during work and saved for recall later. The Cemis 700 terminal is fully Isobus compatible and can be removed for use in tractors and with other implements.

Automatic climate control is standard, and footrests and a cool box are options. LED lighting is also included, but optional upgrade kits are available.

Claas UK combine product specialist Rob Portman told Farmers Guide that most demand for the new Evion series will be from farms with 20–200ha which prefer operating new and more efficient combines with a comfortable cab, features and a choice of headers similar to the latest larger models.

Forage range grows

Claas has added the Disco 9700 RC Auto Swather to its line-up. The mower-conditioner with a belt merger is specially designed to provide high work rates even in very high yielding, bulky but fragile crops such as wholecrop rye and triticale.

The infinitely adjustable working width is from 8.8–9.5m, and both mower units can be drawn in to increase overlap and avoid misses on field headlands and cross-slopes, or pushed right out for maximum productivity – utilising the full 9.5m working width.

The roller-conditioner crushes the crop gently without seedhead losses which would result from a tine conditioning action. The counter-rotating rollers drive through a heavy-duty driveline including a specially developed scissor gearbox to ensure the heaviest crops are pulled through without blocking. The conditioner spans the full width of the mower bed for efficient crop transfer, then the forage is discharged uniformly onto the wide belts of the Auto Swather to create a perfectly shaped swath.

In demand from professional contractors

The grouper belts are 1.1m wide with Kevlar reinforcement to handle heavy and bulky crops. The grouper units are individually controlled and when working without swath grouping, with less regrowth or when less wilting is required, one or both belt units can be folded up hydraulically to consolidate a working width of 19m to 12m for the next pass with a 12.7m four-rotor swather.

The new Disco 9700 RC Auto Swather is rated for tractors up to 500hp, and it was tested last year in a crop of wholecrop Triticale yielding 60t/ha in Texas, where it performed well at speeds of 15–20kph.

Claas UK forage product specialist, Dean Cottey said that most demand for the new mower will be from professional contractors harvesting a range of crops including high volume biomass, wholecrop rye or triticale as well as grass.

Read more machinery reviews.

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Crowds gathered at Moorhouse Farm dispersal sale earlier this year.

While farm dispersal sales are usually held in the autumn, Halls has led auctions nearly every month this year as farmers have retired, changed farming policy or, sadly, passed away.

Auctioneer Jonny Dymond, manager of Shrewsbury Auction Centre, said the increased number of dispersal sales and buoyant prices for second-hand farm machinery are the result of a combination of factors.

On the one hand, the high cost of new machinery and supply chain problems have increased demand for genuine, well-maintained second-hand machinery. Inflation, bank interest rates and the rising cost of living are other contributory factors.

The favourable prices have also prompted many farmers to cash in on surplus machinery.

Mr Dymond reflected on the outstanding run of sales at Shrewsbury Auction Centre this year, adding the upturn has helped grow the reputation of the business and attract new clients.

“Traditionally, the autumn is the busiest time of the year for dispersal sales, but we have been busy since January,” he said. “We have more sales booked for August 12 and 18, September 8 and October 21.

“Part of the success is that sales have been held when they have not clashed with other auctions,” Mr Dymond added.

He proceeded to thank clients for supporting the sales and said the company will continue to provide good value and service to buyers.

This year, Halls have organised farm dispersal sales from across the West Midlands to Mid and North Wales, while collective farm machinery auctions are held in Shrewsbury and Kidderminster throughout the year.

Bidders unable to attend the auctions can either bid and purchase online through the MartEye platform or leave telephone bids with the auction team at Halls, which has a network of offices across Shropshire, Powys and Worcestershire.

For more information about the sales, contact Shrewsbury Auction Centre on 01743 462620.

The post Auctioneers report above-average machinery sales amid busy year appeared first on Farmers Guide.

A new Bill given Royal Assent today (21^st July) has been welcomed by farming organisations, as it gives the home secretary additional powers to deter equipment thefts and resale.

Fitting ATVs with immobilisers and forensic markings and ensuring the owner’s details are registered on a database will help make these essential utility vehicles less attractive for criminals.

Responding to the news, NFU vice president David Exwood said: “Farmers across the country will be delighted that the government and police now have wider powers to tackle increasing incidents of equipment theft on farm.”

Quads often attract criminals onto the farm, which then leads to further thefts. If the new powers can deter criminals in the first instance, they will drive a reduction in further instances of rural crime, he added.

“This legislation is a big step forward in protecting Britain’s farms and I thank Greg Smith MP, Lord Blencathra and the Home Office for working with us so closely on it.”

Mr Exwood urged the government to pass secondary legislation to widen the scope of the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to include other agricultural equipment, especially GPS systems – which saw a stark rise in thefts this year.

Bob Henderson, NFU Mutual’s engineering lead on rural crime, added: “We know the role that measures such as forensic marking, registration and immobilisation play in preventing crime and we have a huge opportunity to protect farmers and tradespeople through this legislation.

“The Equipment Theft Bill receiving Royal Assent comes at a time when we are seeing an increase in theft of vital equipment and machinery.”

The post New equipment theft law described as a “win” for farmers appeared first on Farmers Guide.

With agricultural vehicles being subjected to increased workloads, varying terrains, and extended periods of use, it is essential to ensure their tyres are in optimal condition. TyreSafe, the UK tyre safety organisation, is working with other industry groups such as the NFU to raise awareness about tyre safety and provide guidance and support for farmers.

Run annually by farming charity Yellow Wellies, Farm Safety Week from 17^th to 21^st July provides a timely reminder for farmers to assess and address any potential tyre issues that could compromise their safety and that of other road users.

TyreSafe encourages farmers to follow key guidelines to maintain tyre safety, using the acronyms ‘A.C.T’ – air pressure, condition and tread.

1. Correct Tyre Air Pressure: Ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure levels as specified by the manufacturer. Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.

2. Condition: Inspect tyres regularly for signs of wear, bulges, cuts, and punctures. Pay particular attention to sidewall damage, as it can lead to sudden blowouts.

3. Adequate Tread Depth: Monitor tread depth regularly using a reliable depth gauge. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, for agricultural trailers, it is recommended to have a minimum tread depth of 3mm for optimal performance.

Farmers are also urged to check load capacity, ensuring trailers are not overloaded, as it puts excessive strain on the tyres and increases the risk of tyre failure. Operators are advised to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum load capacities.

In addition, if using agricultural trailers, the following checks should be performed pre-season and then daily to ensure:

• Tyre pressures are set for the imposed load and the speed of travel.
• Check the load and speed index of the tyres on the trailer to make sure they are going to have sufficient capacity for the imposed load and speed of operation.
• There are no gouges/blisters or bulges / deep cuts to the tyre casing. The casing should be checked for signs of ageing (such as ozone damage to the sidewalls) which will be evident by multiple cracks (perishing) in the sidewall.
• There are no steel or textile cords showing anywhere (sidewall or tread band).
• The tread band is not loose or detaching from the casing (can be common if someone is using a cheap truck remold or cold cap product on their agricultural trailer).
• The tread band is free from deep cuts and is not harbouring any flint or stone in the tread.
• The wheel nuts are correctly torqued and ideally wheel nut indicators are in place to enable a quick visual check to take place.
• The wheel rim is in good condition with no cracks or broken welds. Pay particular attention to the nave of the rim around the fixing holes to make sure there are no cracks in this area.
• If using an “old lorry” type trailer with dual wheels check between the twins to make sure there are no stones/rocks trapped between the tyres.

If in doubt, TyreSafe advises those towing to seek professional assistance and advice from reputable tyre specialists for expert guidance on selecting appropriate tyres for agricultural trailers, taking into account load requirements and usage conditions.

TyreSafe chair Stuart Lovatt commented: “The safety of farmers and all road users is of paramount importance. Agricultural trailers are an integral part of farm operations, and it is crucial to prioritise tyre safety. By conducting regular checks and following recommended maintenance practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by tyre-related issues.”

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Pictured: Yamaha Viking EPS

The trade-in bonus will apply to part-exchange of any recreational off-road vehicle regardless of make, model or year.

The trade-in bonus scheme is aimed at helping more drivers enjoy and benefit from the features of Yamaha’s latest side-by-side vehicles. The offer is valid until 31st August 2023 and applies to all off-road vehicles, regardless of brand, being traded in against a new Yamaha recreational off-road vehicle (ROV).

Pictures: The Yamaha Wolverine 2

The scheme will be supported by all participating members of the Yamaha dealer network and those looking to benefit should contact their local dealer for more details. The trade-in bonus will be provided in addition to the part-exchange value offered by the dealer.

“The versatility of the Yamaha ROV range means there is a model to suit every driver and purpose whether that is for fun, work, or leisure. These machines offer fantastic value for money and with this offer we hope to make a new Yamaha ROV more accessible and affordable for those looking to trade up,” adds Gareth Sloane, Yamaha’s power products manager.

The post Buy a new Yamaha farm vehicle with their £1,750 trade-in bonus appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Latest theft claims figures from the rural insurer show a 26% annual increase in the cost of quad theft, bringing the total value to £2.8m in 2022. A continued increase in thefts into 2023 has highlighted the need for adopting additional security measures to deter criminals.

With thieves targeting many sheep farms where quads are a vital tool, further thefts can leave farmers struggling to look after their sheep as lambing season approaches.

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual said: “Quads are a vital tool for farmers who often look after hundreds of sheep single-handedly.

“A shortage of new machines has driven the price of second-hand quads higher and this has led to a feeding-frenzy from criminal gangs who steal the vehicles to sell on in the UK and across the globe.

“The thefts leave farmers with extra work when their sheep and new-born lambs need constant attention, and bad weather means quads are often the only way to get to them in remote hilly areas.”

The supply chain issues which are driving prices up are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their vehicles are stolen, Mr Henderson explained.

To help protect farmers, NFU Mutual is working with quad manufacturers to provide customers with free tracking and immobilisation equipment on vehicles bought to replace stolen quads and ATVs, following a paid claim.

“Today’s criminals will spend time watching farms to see where quads are kept and then come back with tools to break in and steal them,” Mr Henderson continued.

“To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of quad theft it’s vital to always remove keys when not on the machine and always secure your quad when it’s not in use.

“Thieves often will return to a farm where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its replacement. To beat repeat quad thefts, we’re working with manufacturers to provide our customers who have had a quad stolen with free tracking devices and immobilisers,” he added.

DC Chris Piggott, from the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), which forms part of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), said tracking, immobilisation and security markings can effectively deter thieves and make it easier for police to catch the gangs behind these crimes.

“To avoid buying a stolen piece of kit and fuelling the criminal trade, we’re urging farmers to obtain serial numbers for the quad and check these with companies such as HPI who can fully provenance them.”

Mr Piggott also recommends obtaining records or copies of original invoices when purchasing quads from local dealerships. What’s more, he strongly advises against conducting business in lay-bys or service stations and proposes meeting people in their homes instead to ensure they are a resident there.

“Anyone who has any information about quad theft should report it by calling 101 or sharing information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” Mr Piggott added.

To encourage investment in crime prevention, NFU Mutual has introduced  new discount scheme for Scorpion security products, in addition to its existing agricultural vehicle insurance policy discounts for members who use measures such as CESAR marking, approved trackers, immobilisers and mechanical devices.

The rural insurer is also working closely with MPs and the Government to help support legislation going through Parliament which will hopefully see increased security as standard on new ATVs being sold in the future.

Safety advice for farmers

NFU Mutual and the NRCU have issued the following advice to prevent more farmers becoming victims:

• Always remove keys and keep them stored securely, away from the vehicle
• When not in use, keep quads and ATVs locked up out of sight
• Install tracking devices and immobilisers to make it easier for police to recover stolen vehicles – most modern tracking devices are GPS enabled, with alarms/alerts that will send a message informing you if your machine is being tampered with. You can also set working hours and geofences to alert you if a machine is being moved outside of a pre-set working area
• Use CESAR marking to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen machinery
• Target-harden your quad by creating a security cage or use a mechanical device such as steering brake/lock, ground anchor or wheel clamp when not in use – these devices are both visible and physical deterrents to thieves
• Know what you own – keep records of serial numbers and photographs of your kit including unique identifying features
• When buying a new quad ask for a chipped key and immobilisation system

For more information on quad and farm vehicle security, NFU Mutual and the NRCU have produced theft prevention videos which are available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVjesU8sd06u8

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