Several big companies have been busy launching new farm-friendly tools, including ZF with its clever do-it-yourself oil analysis kit, Karcher with a new-look pressure washer lance and Draper, which has an updated range of heavy-lifting trolley jacks.

See also: Video: 20 handy workshop tools, gadgets and knick-knacks

Sealey’s towing socket tester

Sealey has launched an MoT-approved, one-man testing kit to check trailer lights are working.

The simple unit has a 4.9m cable that will reach into most cabs, so a single person can work the switches and check that the lights are turning on.

It plugs into the 13-pin euro-type socket on the rear of the vehicle (or there’s an adapter for the older style 7-pin sockets) and it runs from the vehicle’s 12v ignition supply.

On the test box, there are lights for indicators, brakes, fog and side lights, and it also checks for continuous ignition feeds and reversing lights that aren’t currently part of the MoT.

It is available online for £54.53, with free delivery.

ZF oil analysis kit

Transmission specialist ZF has introduced a clever oil analysis kit that allows operators that service their own vehicles to check the health of various oils and make informed decision on oil change timings and gearbox wear.

The off-highway kit allows users to draw a sample of fluid from the transmission, axles or other components and use the pre-paid envelope and form to send it to a lab for testing.

Analysis usually takes 48 hours and results are sent via email or can be viewed online and the kit can be used to sample all makes of axles, transmissions and gearboxes.

The analysis will highlight if the oil is due for change or if there is excessive wear on the component parts, which could potentially save costly failures.

Each kit includes a five-step health check guide that explains how to take the sample, using either the valve located on the equipment or a pump to draw a sample from the oil reservoir.

The price is £17.50 (including the kit, return postage, analysis and email results), while the extraction pump is priced at £22.50. Both are available from stock at ZF Nottingham.

Karcher Easy Force trigger gun

Following extensive research into the effects of prolonged pressure washer trigger pulling on users’ muscles, Karcher has developed a new Easy Force trigger gun.

Available across the full range of hot and cold washers, the Easy Force has the trigger located at the rear of the gun and is operated by the palm rather than fingers.

The reduced action prevents hand and finger strain and should reduce the likelihood of muscles cramping up after a long day’s washing, says Karcher.

The asking price for the new trigger gun is £119.99.

Draper Expert’s range of pneumatic jacks

Hand-tool firm Draper has added a range of five new pneumatic jacks designed for both lightweight work and heavy lifting of agricultural and plant machinery.

The basic models have 30t, 40t and 50t capacity and feature an adjustable three-stage handle with a fixed slow down and self-return for added safety.

The chrome-plated cylinders and industrial-strength seals should prolong the life of the jacks, we’re told.

The three units come with 45mm and 75mm height extensions, along with a 1/4in BSP airline connection.

There’s also a 30t pneumatic high-lift model capable of hoisting its claimed capacity to a height of 772mm with 45mm and 100mm extensions.

Finally, a 40t long-chassis, low-profile jack is available for hard-to-reach areas – it has a dropped height of just 125mm and total reach of 2,210mm.

Sealey 230v impact wrench

Sealey has launched a new 230v impact wrench designed to bust off the most stubborn nuts.

The mains-powered IW230V produces 300Nm of torque in both forward and reverse and comes with a 2m heavy-duty rubber cable.

It is supplied with a case and four impact sockets – 17mm, 19mm, 21mm and 22mm – and retails for £72.50 online.

Echo 58v battery-powered chainsaw

Battery-powered chainsaws are growing in popularity and Echo has added to its range of lithium-ion tools with a 58v machine.

The CS-58V4AH uses a 4Ah battery and Echo says the new saw has the cutting performance to match 35-40cc petrol-powered models – ideal for felling small trees and logging.

The power comes from a brushless motor that requires minimal maintenance as there are no wearing parts and the unit weighs just 4.8kg.

Handily, the 58v battery is universal and fits Echo’s other electric products such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers and blowers, with run time estimated to extend to 112 cuts on a 15cm log. The quick-charger can fully recharge a battery in just 60mins.

The CS-58V retails for £450.