Know How / Tractors Latest tractor articles TECHNOLOGYConverted Leyland 255 powered by used electric car partsA 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… TRACTORSClaas pulls the wraps off revamped 264-313hp Axion 8 tractorsAs 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… TRACTORSQuicke improves weighing on tractor-mounted Q-Series loadersTractor 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… MACHINERYHow new sprayer lifted poultry shed disinfectionIn a bid to maintain its high standards of welfare and bio-security, Herefordshire bird producer Farmpoint has invested in an XTA air-blast trailed sprayer to carry out poultry shed disinfection… TRACTORSCereals 2026: John Deere 6M tractor and 500R sprayer updatedCab 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… TRACTORSRevamped John Deere 6R gets new cab and sharper handlingJohn 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… 301-400HPFirst impressions: New 8340’s cab is a Deutz-Fahr revolutionNot 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 testsSee all MACHINERYFirst drive: Kubota’s biggest ever tractor – the M7171Kubota’s top brass harbour dizzying ambitions to outsell John Deere as the world’s number one tractor manufacturer. James Andrews and Oliver Mark run the rule over the biggest machine ever… MACHINERYVideo: First drive: Fendt’s 415hp 942 VarioFendt has spent the past decade tightening its grip on the high-horsepower tractor market, to the point that it now claims one-third of all new tractor sales above 200hp. But… 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… TRACTORSDriver's view: Ollie Raybould's 7-year-old John Deere 6155RAs one of the best-selling models from the most popular brand in the UK, few tractors dominate the farming landscape like John Deere’s 6155R. Built from 2015 to 2021, it… TRACTORSDriver’s view: Case-IH Quadtrac 600When 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… MACHINERY110hp tractor test: McCormick X60.50Power Farming Verdict: 3.2/5 The little McCormick was the surprise package. Simple, manoeuvrable and with a library-quiet cab, it’s got to be worth a look when you come to replace… 101-200HPOn test: Deutz-Fahr 6150.4 with peculiar RVshift transmissionPostnatal electronic surgery has transformed the Deutz family’s CVT transmission into a faux powershift that aims to offer the best of both worlds. This non-binary gearbox, born a TTV at… MACHINERYVideo: McCormick sticks to what it does best with the X60In the market for a new loader tractor? Nick Fone and David Cousins take a look a two new arrivals on the scene – McCormick’s X60.40 and Valtra’s A93. Intro… MACHINERYDrivers view: JCB Fastrac 3185Driver's verdict I would certainly consider buying another Fastrac. Arguably, they are not the best cultivation tractors, but ours have worked extremely well. You get a lot of tractor for… MACHINERYDriven: Zetor Proxima 85Summary Power Transmission Cab PTO/Hydraulics Zetor has found a new lease of life recently with powershift gearboxes and a 180hp model due for launch in the near future. The Proxima… TRACTORSDriver's view: Tom Dirom's Valtra Q285Valtra’s long-awaited Q-series finally broke cover in 2022, filling a void between its existing T and S ranges. Second biggest in the five-strong line-up is the Q285, which matches the… 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… 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 TRACTORSVideo: Valtra's new 135hp G-series tractor on testValtra recently unveiled a completely new 105-135hp tractor range, but its choice of components marks something of a departure from traditional Finnish form. Rather than using home-built gearboxes, the new… TRACTORS10 scraper tractor options for dairy farms of all sizesNo tractor is less mollycoddled than the one hooked to a muckscraper. Slathered in slurry from dawn ‘til dusk and shunting back and forth with monotonous regularity, these machines have… MACHINERY7 versatile 300hp arable tractor newcomersThree hundred horsepower to pull a trailer? That sounds excessive, but it is one of the roles envisaged for a new breed of powerful tractors that makers say are not… 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… MACHINERY110hp tractor test: Valtra N113Power Farming Verdict: 3.4/5 Valtra’s combination of good gearbox, torquey engine and comfortable ride set it apart from its test rivals. Downsides included our usual Valtra gripe of bad switchgear… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2022The tractor guide listings for 2022 contain a significant number of changes. New and upgraded models having been introduced over the past 12 months, and the last tractors in our… TRACTORSTractor buyers guide 2017Times might be tough in the current farming climate, but that hasn’t stopped the major manufacturers making big changes to their tractor line-ups. High-horsepower models have been beefed up, the… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: Centenary for iconic Lanz BulldogThe introduction of the Lanz company's first Bulldog series tractors 100 years ago set the wheels in motion for one of the European tractor industry’s biggest success stories. Tractor history… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2024Fans of big tractors laying down lots of power are well catered for in Farmers Weekly‘s latest Ultimate Guide, with all-new models not only breaching the 600hp threshold but also… MACHINERY7 common agricultural engine remapping questions answeredMore farmers are choosing sophisticated agricultural engine remapping technology to increase power, torque and work efficiencies from their tractors, combines and farm machinery. Avon Tuning HD has been offering professional… 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… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: The most unusual tractor launchesPublicity spectaculars featuring tractors are unusual, but they have been used to give an extra boost to new developments that prove difficult to sell. An example is the introduction of… Tractor technologySee all Tractor drivers get in-cab audio upgradeDrivers looking to replace an ancient or broken in-tractor entertainment system might take a look at Clarion’s latest offering. The CZ505E DAB radio-CD player, designed and engineered as a direct slot-in replacement for all… TECHNOLOGYRetrofit autosteer gives RTK accuracy to older tractorsMachinery guidance systems may be getting more sophisticated, but that is benefiting those at the lower-priced end of the scale too. There are now several manufacturers offering retrofit kits that… TRACTORSCanadian arable farmer builds driverless tractor for £3,000Fully autonomous farm equipment is something the big brands haven't yet offered customers to buy, so Manitoba farmer Matthew Reimer decided to save waiting by building his own robotic tractor… 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 TRACTORS10 scraper tractor options for dairy farms of all sizesNo tractor is less mollycoddled than the one hooked to a muckscraper. Slathered in slurry from dawn ‘til dusk and shunting back and forth with monotonous regularity, these machines have… 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… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2022The tractor guide listings for 2022 contain a significant number of changes. New and upgraded models having been introduced over the past 12 months, and the last tractors in our… TRACTORSTractor buyers guide 2017Times might be tough in the current farming climate, but that hasn’t stopped the major manufacturers making big changes to their tractor line-ups. High-horsepower models have been beefed up, the… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: Centenary for iconic Lanz BulldogThe introduction of the Lanz company's first Bulldog series tractors 100 years ago set the wheels in motion for one of the European tractor industry’s biggest success stories. Tractor history… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2024Fans of big tractors laying down lots of power are well catered for in Farmers Weekly‘s latest Ultimate Guide, with all-new models not only breaching the 600hp threshold but also… MACHINERY7 common agricultural engine remapping questions answeredMore farmers are choosing sophisticated agricultural engine remapping technology to increase power, torque and work efficiencies from their tractors, combines and farm machinery. Avon Tuning HD has been offering professional… 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… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: The most unusual tractor launchesPublicity spectaculars featuring tractors are unusual, but they have been used to give an extra boost to new developments that prove difficult to sell. An example is the introduction of… TECHNOLOGYDiesel-electric drives offer give cheaper tractor powerThe Autonomous Tractor Corporation (ATC) has found a way to recycle old tractors to get another 25,000 hours of labour from a wornout workhorse. The US company, tucked away in… 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… TRACTORSWhat to look for when buying and fitting a tractor dashcamDrive a tractor on the road for any length of time and you are bound to see some form of reckless manoeuvre from an impatient motorist. Most of the time,… VideoSee all TRACTORSVideo: Valtra's new 135hp G-series tractor on testValtra recently unveiled a completely new 105-135hp tractor range, but its choice of components marks something of a departure from traditional Finnish form. Rather than using home-built gearboxes, the new… MACHINERYFurse four tractor test: Landini Landpower[fwi_vidyard code="8qOu6xRxi3jTPc2R1xlF1Q"] Furse verdict Star Star Star Star Star The Landini is a really good all rounder and is perfect for running around jobs that don’t require sophistication. It is… MACHINERYVIDEO: Up close with Deere's most powerful tractorSummary Engine & transmisson Cab & controls Lamma 2012 was the first UK show appearance for John Deere’s largest and most powerful 9R series tractors. The three-model line up ranges… MACHINERYAgritechnica 2011: Case IH Magnum 370 CVX[fwi_vidyard code="QSZevEhsB2B3Nxap5f271g"] Case’s long-awaited stepless gearbox for its big Magnum tractors has officially arrived. Essentially based on the same principle as the firm’s smaller CVX tractors, the transmission is built…
