Know How / Tractors

Latest tractor articles

TECHNOLOGY

Converted Leyland 255 powered by used electric car parts

A quick drive-by of Ben Bament’s low-key workshop in Farmborough, Somerset would reveal nothing of the wizardly engineering cloaked under the most ordinary of machines berthed outside. Among his curious…

TRACTORS

Claas pulls the wraps off revamped 264-313hp Axion 8 tractors

As part of an update programme across its entire tractor range, Claas has launched revamped versions of its 800-series machines. Three new variants – the Axion 8.240, 8.270 and 8.290…

TRACTORS

Quicke improves weighing on tractor-mounted Q-Series loaders

Tractor loader control and automation is reckoned to have reached new heights with the latest updates to Quicke’s Q-companion digital system introduced alongside changes to the flagship Q-Series loaders. Existing…

TRACTORS

Cereals 2026: John Deere 6M tractor and 500R sprayer updated

Cab size is now the only real differentiator between John Deere’s 6R and 6M series tractors, thanks to a handful of new optional extras on the latter. These include a…

TRACTORS

Revamped John Deere 6R gets new cab and sharper handling

John Deere has overhauled the top end of its popular 6R tractor range, fitting a bigger cab and uprating the running gear for better handling. For now, only models on…

301-400HP

First impressions: New 8340’s cab is a Deutz-Fahr revolution

Not for the first time, green tractors of German provenance stole the headlines at November’s Agritechnica show. Only this time, John Deere, Fendt and Claas bods were among the spectators…

Tractor reviews and tests

See all

MACHINERY

How to pick a good used 150hp tractor

Tractors around the 150hp mark are now some of the most sought after second-hand buys and finding a good one is no easy task. Nick Fone takes a look at…

TRACTORS

Video: We try out John Deere's monster 8400R

If you missed our test report from the week we spent with John Deere’s monster 8400R, you can now watch the video to give you a flavour of what the…

TRACTORS

Video: On test - New Holland T5.120 v Fendt 312

This 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…

MACHINERY

Deutz-Fahr 5100C on test

Deutz-Fahr 5100C Price £59,015 RANKING: 4th   Cab The Deutz’s four-pillar cab wasn’t the biggest on test, but it was a comfortable place to sit. The controls were well laid…

MACHINERY

Video: Fendt demos driverless tractor

Driverless 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.…

TRACTORS

First impressions: Fresh Fendt 832 puts power to the ground

Fendt has finally cut all ties with engine manufacturer Deutz. Its new 800-series is the latest to get a heart transplant from sister company Agco Power, and with it comes…

MACHINERY

Video: Driven: John Deere 6190R

In avoiding the use of AdBlue exhaust treatment to limit emissions, John Deere has managed to tweak the new engine so that it is torquier and more thrifty than before.…

TRACTORS

On test: Massey Ferguson 5713 SL Dyna-6

The 5713 SL put in a solid, if slightly underwhelming performance, that saw it slide into last position. Engine and hydraulic outputs were below par and the ageing cab is…

TRACTORS

Driver's view: Why Norfolk grower runs trio of Deutz 7250s

Deutz-Fahr tractors are now the go-to prime movers for Norfolk-based potato grower Ian Mason Farms, primarily because of their keen up-front costs and driver-friendly controls. The business runs four of…

MACHINERY

Video: First Drive: Claas Arion

The old Arion was a pretty good tractor so the fact the new one shares many of the same internals is no bad thing. The five-pillar cab is a big…

MACHINERY

Mid-range tractor test: Fendt 724 Vario

Power Farming Verdict: 4.2/5 As usual, the Fendt delivered on working and driving comfort as well as performing well at the DLG testing station. This is reflected in its high…

MACHINERY

Case IH Maxxum 130 EP on test

Power Farming Verdict: 3.7/5 CNH was represented by the red-liveried Maxxum and its economical FPT engine scored highly. But it had a limited number of transmission settings and the monitor…

Tractor guides

See all

MARKETS AND TRENDS

How tight margins on farm are hitting ag machinery sales

Machinery dealers are feeling the pinch as reduced demand from farmers for new kit hits their bottom line. With fewer than 9,000 machines being registered in 2025, the Agricultural Engineers…

401+HP

First impressions: Claas Xerion 12.650 takes on US artics

To the casual observer, Claas’ Xerion 12.650 looks like any other articulated crawler – just a Quadtrac, 9RX, or Versatile Deltatrack dressed in a different outfit. Yet it’s nothing of…

TECHNOLOGY

JCB's hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine examined

JCB is one of the first agricultural engine makers to successfully modify its conventional powerplants to run on compressed hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions without any impact on performance. Its gas-fired,…

CVT choice offers perfect tractor working speed

When 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…

MACHINERY

Video: John Deere e23 tractor v Autopowr

John Deere’s high-horsepower tractors have been hankering after a new powershift transmission for years and at last it’s here. Nick Fone and Oliver Mark find out if it is any…

TRACTORS

Video: Fendt Vario 516 on test

The 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…

TRACTORS

On test: Case's double-clutch gearbox in the 145hp Maxxum

Double-clutch gearboxes have long been a must-have for Audi’s slick-shifting saloons, but the DSG concept has now found favour with farmers looking for similarly snappy acceleration in their tractors. John…

TRACTORS

On test: Claas Arion 440 CIS

The Claas is all geared up for loader work, with brilliant views through the roof window, a clever speed steering system and clutch-pedal-free braking. However, it was short of power…

A buyer's guide to choosing a nearly-new tractor

Two 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…

TRACTORS

Video: On test - Case IH 300hp Optum CVX

There is a growing demand from shoppers in the 300hp market for machines more versatile than the traditional tillage-grade tractor.  In response, the major manufacturers have been scrambling to fill…

TRACTORS

Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2025

A 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:…

MACHINERY

What to look for when buying a used tractor

Intro 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Purchasing a used tractor can be a pitfall-laden process for even the most seasoned buyer, with a wide range…

Tractor technology

See all

TRACTORS

John Deere to phase out support for old Starfire iTC kit

Users of John Deere’s Starfire iTC receivers are being urged to upgrade their kit as Deere will end basic correction signals for these devices by January 2021. See also: LH Agro…

TECHNOLOGY

JCB's hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine examined

JCB is one of the first agricultural engine makers to successfully modify its conventional powerplants to run on compressed hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions without any impact on performance. Its gas-fired,…

CVT choice offers perfect tractor working speed

When 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…

Road legal

See all

ROAD LEGAL

Tractor driving - the law for 16-year-olds

Suffolk PC Mark Bryant has reminded farmers to check which machinery items their 16-year-old workers can legally drive on the road. Holders of the category-F qualification (for agricultural tractors) are…

Tractor insights and practical advice

See all

MARKETS AND TRENDS

How tight margins on farm are hitting ag machinery sales

Machinery dealers are feeling the pinch as reduced demand from farmers for new kit hits their bottom line. With fewer than 9,000 machines being registered in 2025, the Agricultural Engineers…

TECHNOLOGY

JCB's hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine examined

JCB is one of the first agricultural engine makers to successfully modify its conventional powerplants to run on compressed hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions without any impact on performance. Its gas-fired,…

A buyer's guide to choosing a nearly-new tractor

Two 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…

TRACTORS

Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2025

A 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:…

MACHINERY

What to look for when buying a used tractor

Intro 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Purchasing a used tractor can be a pitfall-laden process for even the most seasoned buyer, with a wide range…

TRACTORS

Is a future of methane-powered tractors viable?

If you remember New Holland’s first attempt at a methane tractor back in 2013, you’ll probably recall being hugely sceptical and quite underwhelmed by what was a T6 tractor with…

MACHINERY

Compare tractors and combines with our buyers guides

Farmers and contractors looking to take several options into consideration when choosing a new tractor will find the new specification and price guide published on FWi this week a useful…

TRACTORS

Farm machinery giants: The Fendt success story

Village blacksmiths started many of the big-name companies in the farm machinery industry, but the family who founded Fendt buck that trend. Sylvester Fendt began his clock-making business in the…

TRACTORS

Best sellers: Our top 10 tractors of the noughties

Modern tractors are getting ever more complex, with layers of electronic controls, fancy touchscreens and a medley of soot-stifling gizmos to keep exhaust emissions in check. When the tractor is…

TRACTORS

11 biggest tractors of all time

The average horsepower of new tractors in the 1920s was just 25hp, but it's now nearing 160hp. Michael Williams takes a look at the 11 most powerful tractors built over…

ROAD LEGAL

Tractor driving - the law for 16-year-olds

Suffolk PC Mark Bryant has reminded farmers to check which machinery items their 16-year-old workers can legally drive on the road. Holders of the category-F qualification (for agricultural tractors) are…

TRACTORS

Valtra tractors: Common problems and how to fix them

When Valtra joined the Agco stable in the early 2000s, it brought with it dependable Sisu engines that have since been given the parent company’s branding. They are still solid…

Video

See all

NOW IN VIDEO: New Holland's fuel cell tractor

New Holland's NH2 fuel cell tractor - the first hydrogen-powered tractor to be shown by any tractor maker - finally broke cover in Turin, Italy last Friday. Based on a…

MACHINERY

Video: John Deere e23 tractor v Autopowr

John Deere’s high-horsepower tractors have been hankering after a new powershift transmission for years and at last it’s here. Nick Fone and Oliver Mark find out if it is any…

TRACTORS

Video: Fendt Vario 516 on test

The 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…

TRACTORS

On test: Case's double-clutch gearbox in the 145hp Maxxum

Double-clutch gearboxes have long been a must-have for Audi’s slick-shifting saloons, but the DSG concept has now found favour with farmers looking for similarly snappy acceleration in their tractors. John…