Italy’s EIMA show returned earlier this month, offering manufacturers from around the world the chance to get their latest machines under the noses of a European audience.

We pick out some of the highlights.

See also: What’s in Your Shed? visits a Herefordshire mixed farm

New Holland excavator line gains electric model

Parent firm CNH Industrial recently purchased Italian excavator specialist Sampierana.

This means New Holland is now able to offer dealers that stock its light construction equipment line a range of 15 new mini 360deg excavators covering weight classes from 1t to 6.5t.

All are of either zero tail-swing or short-radius design and the width of the smallest two models is 790mm, enabling them to drive through 800mm domestic doorways.

In the 1.5-2t class, believed to account for almost 40% of mini excavator sales, there are three zero tail-swing machines and one short-radius variant.

These are all less than 1m wide once their variable track gauge has been reduced to its minimum.

Models in the upper end of the range – the E50D and above – feature reversible fans, and tiltable cabs are standard across the board.

The line-up also includes an all-electric alternative to the diesel E14D model, the E15X Electric Power.

The machine has a 21.5kW cobalt-free lithium-ion battery reckoned to be good for eight hours’ work, and it comes with a one-hour fast-charge function.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a combine 2023

Flagship Puma gets new cab

Case IH’s introduction of a new model at the top of its Puma range, the 260 CVXDrive, brings a number of new features.

It also fills a gap for those seeking a lighter high-horsepower tractor than the alternative Optum 250 or 270, offering a weight saving of more than 2t.

Important stats for the new model include a maximum power of 280hp, with up to 302hp available when Case IH’s “engine power management” kicks in as demanded during pto and hydraulic applications, and for high-speed road transport.

Key among the upgrades is a heavily reworked cab, offering similar operator accommodation to that introduced on the larger Optums.

It has 8% more volume than the existing Puma workspace and is also said to be much quieter during work, with a 66dB interior noise level.

]An optional new Advanced Vehicle Suspension package, which combines inputs from the front axle and cab suspension with the rear linkage damping, is reckoned to significantly enhance ride quality.

Revisions to the CVXDrive continuously variable transmission have enhanced the potential for fuel savings, allowing 50kph to be achieved at 1,550rpm.

Both front and back axles have been beefed up, and rear tyres of up to 2.05m diameter (710/70 R42) can now be fitted, resulting in an 18% bigger footprint.

Rear linkage lift capacity is 10,468kg, the hydraulic system is good for 170 litre/min and there has been a 15% increase in fuel tank size, up to 460 litres.

Meanwhile, MultiController armrest upgrades include a press-and-turn encoder dial for the larger 12in AFS 1200 monitor.

Lesser-known tractors take the limelight

Major European shows give manufacturers from beyond the usual pool a chance to test reactions and responses from potential importers and customers as they seek new markets, hoping to capitalise on currency differences.

This year’s event offered a fair crop of such firms showing UK/Europe Stage 5-compliant tractors.

For those who recall Romanian-made Universal machines from the 1980s and early 1990s, the country’s current offering, from manufacturer Irum, suggests it has come a long way.

Flagship of the range is a four-cylinder FPT-powered Tagro 102, with 12F/12R synchromesh/mechanical shuttle transmission and 4.4t rear linkage.

Meanwhile, alongside a line of compact machines, Indian firm Avenger displayed its range-topper from a line of four models starting at 65hp – the 100hp 100XT powered by the firm’s own engine, and again with a 12F/12R synchromesh.

Familiar face for Hattat tractors

Another lesser-known tractor marque at Eima was Turkish maker Hattat, which has been producing machines under its own brand since 2002 using local components, having previously been a Massey Ferguson licensee – a fact reflected in its familiar styling.

Not only does it manufacture its own components, including transmissions, differentials, front and rear axles and hydraulic elements, but it also contract-manufactures parts for other companies.

In 2003, it signed a technical co-operation agreement with another Agco brand, Valtra. Despite this, its tractors retain a strong MF resemblance, but are powered by FPT Stage 5 engines. 

The flagship T4000-series spans 68-122hp and runs 12F/12R synchromesh transmissions, while the 200-series pictured in the foreground comes in 50hp and 60hp variants and two- or four-wheel drive. 

Although Hattat has been imported into Ireland, there is currently no UK or Eire distributor.

Electric tractor from new Goldoni owner Keestrack

Belgian firm Keestrack, which specialises in mining, recycling and construction kit, last year purchased the factory and product lines of Italian compact and specialist tractor company Goldoni from Chinese manufacturer Lovol.

Since then, Keestrack has fully relaunched the Goldoni brand, colours and product line, and unveiled some other projects.

Among them is this B1e battery-powered tractor, aimed mainly at municipal markets, but with light horticultural applications such as glasshouse work also in mind – aided by its zero emissions and 1.32m width.

It has a maximum power output of 87hp and electrically driven 540/750/1000rpm ptos front and rear, plus a 1,500kg-rated rear linkage and 40 litre/min hydraulic system.

Pottinger acquires Italian precision drill maker

Pottinger has expanded its activities in the arable sector with the acquisition of Italian precision drill specialist MaterMacc, in a deal announced just ahead of the opening of Eima.

Based in San Vito al Tagliamento, northern Italy, MaterMacc was previously owned by the Chinese Lovol group.

They bought the business in 2015 as part of plans to enter the European machinery market with a full line of tractors and farm equipment.

Having now sold its Goldoni Italian tractor plant to Dutch firm Keestrack and the drill business to Pottinger, those plans have been halted and the Chinese firm has exited the European farm equipment scene.

Pottinger has taken on Matermacc’s factory and its 80-strong workforce. It says that, for now, the brand, sales and service network, and spare parts arrangements will remain unaltered.

Meanwhile, Matermacc won an Eima Innovation Award for its new MiPlus EVA precision drill control terminal, which allows key functions to be operated and altered via voice commands.

BKT enters replacement track market

After building its brand in the agricultural tyre market over recent years, Indian firm BKT has branched out into OEM/replacement tracked tractor rubber with the launch of its Agriforce BK T71 for high-horsepower machines.

As with most tyre/track manufacturers, BKT keeps the formula for its rubber compound a closely guarded secret, but goes as far as to describe it as a high-performance formulation designed to provide strong resistance against cuts, tears and abrasion.

Research into the ideal tread is reckoned to have produced an optimised pattern said to maximise traction and ride comfort.

Additionally, the shape of the positive-drive lugs are claimed to improve flexibility and the carcass is reinforced with four layers of high-tensile steel cord. 

Frandent shows electric tedder

Although widespread development of compatible power systems for tractors seems slow across the industry, electric implements continue to be a theme of major international farm machinery shows.

Italian power harrow, drill and rake/tedder specialist Frandent, in which a majority stake was acquired last year by Sulky and Sky parent Burel, showed this electrically powered six-rotor tedder.

Advantages are claimed to include quieter running, fewer moving parts and reduced running costs, as well as lower power/fuel demands.

The drive system allows rotor speed, working width and working angle to all be adjusted steplessly.

Updates for Maschio Alitalia drill

Maschio Gaspardo’s Alitalia combi drill, which is among the company’s products brought into the UK by Opico, has been updated for 2023.

The hopper has been redesigned to improve access, and capacity has been raised to 2,000 litres – aided in part by moving the two distribution heads outside.

Each is fed by its own volumetric distributor with electric transmission, enhancing the precision of seed movement allowing for automatic GPS-governed shut-off of the right or left half of the coulter bar.

Electric metering for each side also enables variable-rate sowing.

Alitalia drills can be specified with Suffolk, single disc, double concave disc or double straight disc coulters.

For the latter, solid rubber or pneumatic press wheels are available to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.