Know How / Tractors Latest tractor articles 401+HPGoodyear's monster 1.4m-wide farm tyre to go on sale in UKGoodyear has gained European accreditation for its widest-ever agricultural tyre. The monster LSW 1400/30 R46 is designed for suitably sized combines and articulated prairie prowlers such as Case IH’s Steiger… TRACTORSPunchy new John Deere 8RX 540 maxes out at 634hpJohn Deere reckons it has produced the world’s most powerful rigid-frame tractor. The wheeled 8R 540 and four-track 8RX equivalent are rated to a maximum output of 594hp, rising to… TRACTORSAgXeed develops more powerful tracked driverless tractorA more powerful version of the tracked AgBot self-guided driverless tractor has been developed by Dutch specialist AgXeed to cater for growers who like the concept but want more muscle… TRACTORSNokian tyre monitor calculates tractor axle weightsNokian’s second-generation digital tractor tyre monitoring system has the added feature of measuring tractor axle weights and providing recommended inflation pressures for different scenarios, such as when spraying or spreading.… 401+HPFirst impressions: New cab major progress for Claas Axion 9Claas can rightly revel in its top-dog status when it comes to combine harvesters and foragers. But 22 years after swallowing Renault Agriculture, its tractor division continues to lag behind.… TRACTORSJohn Deere launches new 75-106hp narrow tractorsA three-model line-up of new narrow tractors has joined the John Deere family, for use in orchards, vineyards, top fruit, polytunnels, glasshouses and other confined-space applications. In size terms, width… TRACTORSDriver's view: Lee Henzell's Fendt 728 VarioFendt’s 700-series overhaul was big news in the summer of 2022, with the ever-popular 724 downgraded to mid-range status and a new 728 thrust to the apex. It strayed well… Tractor reviews and testsSee all TRACTORSVideo: First impressions - Fendt 1162 MT twin-track crawlerWhen Fendt announced it would be inheriting Challenger’s product range in Europe, questions centred on how the tracklayers and their crude powershift gearboxes – so obviously at odds with the… MACHINERYTop-end tractor test: John Deere 8335RPower Farming Verdict: 3.5/5 At certain points through the measurement curve for partial engine loading, the engine burnt more diesel than its competitors. But with a DPF the Deere needed… MACHINERYVideo: Furse four tractor test: John Deere 6930Watch the video and read the full report below. We’ve been very impressed with the 6930 and it hasn’t had any of the problems we experienced with previous Deeres. It’s… TRACTORSDriver's view: Case Rowtrac reduces compaction in SuffolkWhen it was time to chuck in the chief high-horsepower tractor at Home Farm Nacton, Suffolk, production manager Jason Smith decided to break from the norm and took a punt… TRACTORSDriver's view: Richard and Matthew Thomas's Zetor Proxima CL80Since Zetor tractors first arrived in the UK, they’ve been the tool of choice for Welsh hill farmers Richard and Matthew Thomas. The initial attraction to the Czech brand was… MACHINERYJCB Fastrac 4000 tractor gets first testJCB’s all-new Fastrac is finally here. It’s good, but is it good enough to grab sales from other marques? Nick Fone finds out. With its deeply furrowed brow and waspish… TRACTORSFendt's four-cylinder, 224hp 620 – small engine, big powerFour cylinders? 224hp? It’s hard to believe just what can be wrung from a relatively small engine these days – one that finds itself propelling the successors to Fendt’s uber-popular… TRACTORSOn test: Valtra N134 VersuValtra’s recent N-series revamp has at last dragged it into the 21st century. The cab is spacious, the engine and hydraulics are strong, and a tight turning circle makes it… TRACTORSVideo: Fendt Vario 516 on testThe Fendt Vario's 516’s four-cylinder Deutz engine might be low on displacement, but it conjures up an impressive amount of power and torque from its 4-litre capacity. It can’t quite… TRACTORSOn test: New Holland T5.140 DCTNew Holland has added a double-clutch transmission to its T5 range, expanding the options for stock farmers who crave a slicker alternative to the basic 12-speed Utility stick-shifter. While simple… MACHINERYVideo: John Deere 8R – tracks v tyresJohn Deere launched its range of high horsepower 8R tractors last autumn. Emily Padfield had a drive of both wheeled and tracked models to see how they perform in the… 301-400HPFirst drive: Case-IH’s Magnum 340 AFS ConnectCase-IH has cloaked its new Magnum range in an overcoat of technology as it bids to keep pace with the front runners in the high-horsepower tractor market. The original Magnum,… Tractor buying advice Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2025 What to look for when buying and fitting a tractor dashcam 6 simple, low-cost loader tractor options The inspection service helping buyers spot dodgy tractors Handy checklist for buying a second-hand tractor Buying a tractor? How to make sense of engine statistics Understanding CVT and powershift transmissions when buying a tra... Legal tips for buying and selling second-hand machinery Tractor guidesSee all TRACTORSHigh-flexion tractor tyres - how they work and what they costSlice open one of the latest high-tech tractor tyres to compare it with a “lesser” design and, without the trained eye of a tyre engineer, you would be hard-pressed to… MACHINERY110hp tractor test: John Deere 6115MPower Farming Verdict: 3.3/5 Deere’s build quality and logical arrangement of controls has been the force behind its perennial success. It also had a strong engine, but being the smallest… MACHINERYVideo: Fendt demos driverless tractorDriverless technology How it works Safety What's next? Several manufacturers are experimenting with driverless tractor technology, but it looks like Fendt will be the first to launch a viable system.… MACHINERYVideo: Fendt 828 v Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV [fwi_vidyard code="ERTd4JlyKIZRqdrGXQVCqA"] Power Farming Verdict There’s nothing new in Fendt’s approach – it’s still a driver’s tractor. Buy the tractor, send the driver on a course and you stand… MACHINERYSix of the best alternatives to dieselDiesel is less abundant and more expensive than ever. Oliver Mark goes on the hunt for the fuel best suited to power the tractors of tomorrow as the oil wells… MACHINERYMcCormick's first CVT tractor on testMcCormick has launched its first ever CVT (continuously variable transmission) tractor, which it hopes will mark the beginning of a new era for the brand. The company has forged its… WORKSHOP SKILLSMassey Ferguson tractors: Common problems and how to fix themFor the mechanically minded operator, it’s often possible to carry out minor repairs in the farm workshop. But with tractors getting ever more complex, there’s an increasing number of jobs… MACHINERY MAINTENANCEGuidance issued for farmers suffering biodiesel problemsFuel suppliers have issued guidance for farmers and contractors who say biodiesel is causing low fuel pressure and blocking filters in tractors. Some farmers have suggested the problems are related… CVT choice offers perfect tractor working speedWhen Fendt unveiled the first practical continuously variable transmission, it did more than just bring a new level of speed control and adjustment. It brought the engine and transmission together… TRACTORSFendt puts £200k price on base spec 75hp e100 Vario tractorFendt has slapped a £200,000 base list price on its first full-size plug-in electric tractor, which is now on sale in the UK. The 75hp e107S Vario is based on… MACHINERY110hp tractor test: Kubota M110GXPower Farming Verdict: 3/5 Plenty of potential but not the finished article – its weak engine was a disappointment and the cab finish needs some work. But there’s plenty to… TECHNOLOGYVideo: Auto-tractor to revolutionise Canadian field workThe lead in the race for a driver-free, super-efficient arable farming utopia has been taken up by SeedMaster – a little known name in the world of autonomous agriculture but… Tractor technologySee all MACHINERYVideo: Fendt demos driverless tractorDriverless technology How it works Safety What's next? Several manufacturers are experimenting with driverless tractor technology, but it looks like Fendt will be the first to launch a viable system.… CVT choice offers perfect tractor working speedWhen Fendt unveiled the first practical continuously variable transmission, it did more than just bring a new level of speed control and adjustment. It brought the engine and transmission together… TRACTORSFendt puts £200k price on base spec 75hp e100 Vario tractorFendt has slapped a £200,000 base list price on its first full-size plug-in electric tractor, which is now on sale in the UK. The 75hp e107S Vario is based on… Road legalSee all TRACTORSTaking your tractor test – all you need to knowThe Driving Standards Agency (DSA) tractor test gives budding farmers the chance to drive machines on the road at the age of 16, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. The… Tractor insights and practical adviceSee all TRACTORSDriver’s view: Versatile Delta Track - brawn on a budgetWhen Case-IH chose to bolt four track units to one of its articulated prairie monsters it created a new tractor concept that had no direct rivals for more than 15… 401+HPNew Holland slots a CVT box in T9 tractorsIn a 500+hp market only worth about 40 units/year, New Holland has upped its game to grab a few more sales by building the world’s largest wheeled CVT driven tractor,… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: Steam-powered tractorsBritain once led the world in developing agricultural steam power, with stationary engines arriving on farms in the 1790s, followed later by portable and traction engines as well as cable-operated… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: Wheel and tyre developmentsWhen the first tractors arrived on farms in the 1890s, they were equipped with steel wheels, and it took 40 years for inflatable rubber tyres to arrive. Steel wheels were… TRACTORSThe inspection service helping buyers spot dodgy tractorsMost farmers would back themselves to spot a dodgy tractor a mile off, but a burgeoning agricultural business is offering an impartial inspection service that goes a bit further than… TRACTORSFendt tractors: Common problems and how to fix themIt might be the premium brand of choice for large-scale farms and contracting businesses, but just like any other maker, Fendt’s tractors can suffer the odd mechanical gremlin. Engine problems… TRACTORSHandy checklist for buying a second-hand tractorHaving a comprehensive checklist to hand when going to view a second-hand tractor could make the difference between bringing home a stalwart and shelling out for a disaster. The second-hand… TRACTORSTaking your tractor test – all you need to knowThe Driving Standards Agency (DSA) tractor test gives budding farmers the chance to drive machines on the road at the age of 16, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. The… A buyer's guide to choosing a nearly-new tractorTwo years ago, the euro was trading against the pound at €1.15:£1, making for a healthy UK export trade. In just 24 months the picture has shifted drastically and today… MACHINERYTips for buying a 350hp Cat Challenger C-series on a budgetShopping for a 350hp tractor with less than £30,000 in your back pocket brings up precious few options in the UK. But if you keep your eyes peeled you might… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2025A flurry of newcomers in the 90-130hp range destined for livestock and mixed-enterprise farms are the main changes to this year’s Farmers Weekly Ultimate Guide to tractors. See also: Fendt tractors:… TECHNOLOGYCentral tyre inflation systems – the options and pricesPump ’em up for the road, let ’em down for the field. That is the essence of using a central tyre inflation system (CTIS) to actively manage inflation pressures and… VideoSee all TRACTORSVideo: John Deere four-track 8RX – an alternative to wheels?Since its launch at Germany’s Agritechnica show in November, the web has been awash with pictures and videos of John Deere’s shiny new 8RX tracked tractor range. The hype has… TRACTORSVideo: Claas Arion 550 Cebis Cmatic on testThe Claas Arion 550 Cebis Cmatic's modest proportions and respectable power make it a handy all-rounder. After testing it, we think it’s better suited to drilling and top work than… MACHINERYVIDEO: First glimpse of Case IH's JXU replacementCase IH’s replacement for the popular JXU range of small, simple tractors made its first UK appearance at Lamma 2012. The three-model Farmall U range offers 90hp, 100hp and 110hp… TRACTORSVideo: On test - New Holland T5.120 v Fendt 312This month’s tractor test sees the New Holland T5.120 go head-to-head with Fendt’s 312. You can find how they performed with a pair of four-furrow Ovlac ploughs by watching the…
