Know How / Tractors Latest tractor articles 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… 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… TRACTORSUpdated Claas Xerion 12 capable of semi-autonomous drivingA clutch of powertrain and digital technology upgrades are being released for the biggest tractors in the Claas range, including autonomous working – albeit with an operator in the driving… TRACTORSChallenger gets reverse drive conversion for tree pruningAfter decades of hauling heavy cultivation kit, a 1990s twin-track crawler has found an unlikely second career in the cider orchards of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The Caterpillar Challenger 55 is… Tractor reviews and testsSee all TRACTORSDriver's view: Fisher Farms’ Claas Axion 960 TTAfter dropping a teaser about its development of a half-track Axion at Agritechnica 2017, Claas officially launched 355hp and 445hp 900-series Terra Trac machines in 2020. Promising 15% more traction… MACHINERYMcCormick X5.30 on testMcCormick X5.30 Price: £55,305 RANKING: 6th Cab The X5.30 was so new at the time we carried out the tractor test that McCormick had to field a pre-production model,… 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… TRACTORSContractor rates his 500hp artic-steer John Deere 9620American farmers have a deep affection for the meaty roar and unrestrained pulling power of a 20t articulated tractor, but the prairie monsters have never quite made themselves at home… MACHINERYFirst impressions of Valtra’s redesigned T-series tractorsValtra’s six-cylinder, T-series tractors have been crying out for a refresh for years... and at last they’ve got it. James Andrews travelled to Germany to see if it’s been worth… 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: John Deere DirectDrive gearbox on testIt’s fair to say John Deere has lagged behind a bit in the gearbox stakes over recent years. While nearly all the other main players in the tractor game have… MACHINERYDriver's view: McCormick MTX 150Driver's verdict I like the simplicity of the McCormick. The gearbox is easy to use, the hydraulics are basic and there are no high-tech electronics to make things complicated. It… 101-200HPDriver’s view: Claas Arion 450 CIS QuadrishiftPacking 130hp and 500Nm of torque, the Arion 450 is the third most powerful model in Claas’ compact four-cylinder tractor range, behind the 140hp 460 and 155hp 470. Since 2014,… TRACTORSDriver’s view: John Deere 9620RX power proves the differenceWhen 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… TRACTORSDriver's View: Ben Sharp’s Case IH Optum 300Case IH’s Puma 260 might be the obvious match for the 300hp tractors featured in this series, but, with the near-identical T7.300 already covered, we’re instead focusing on a model… TRACTORSVideo: On test - John Deere 6250R v 7250RThe 250hp tractor market is bulging at the seams, so picking the model that provides the best balance of power, chassis size, transmission and fuel consumption requires careful consideration. In… 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 TRACTORSOn test: JCB Fastrac 4220 iCONThis time last year we pitted JCB’s Fastrac 4220 against a Fendt 724 Vario to see just how close the high-speed specialist’s in-field performance could get to that of a… TRACTORSFirst impressions: Fendt's swish new cab updateFendt is rolling out new-look cab controls that it reckons will finally put to bed the myth that its tractors are hard to drive. Comfort, quietness and a raft of… TRACTORSBuying a tractor? How to make sense of engine statisticsHands up who knows the difference between a tractor’s rated and maximum power? Or what the perfect torque curve should look like? How about torque rise? Or six-point fuel tests?… TRACTORSDriver's view: Kubota M6-132Kubota is now a respected player north of 100hp, having gradually introduced more four-cylinder models that have helped shed its reputation as an amenity and scraper tractor specialist. The most… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: How safety and comfort reformed tractorsDriver safety and comfort are among the top essentials for today’s tractors, but they remained near the bottom of the priority list during the first 100 years or so of… MACHINERYKubota M135-GX first driveFrom a driver’s perspective, the M135-GX has loads going for it:A roomy four-post cab with the best views around, loads of clever gadgets and an incredibly smooth ride, combined with… 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… 401+HPFirst impressions: Claas Xerion 12.650 takes on US articsTo 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… MACHINERYOn test: Fendt 720 VarioThe other tractors on test New Holland T 7.230 Case IH Puma 175 CVX Valtra T 214 Direct Massey Ferguson 7720 Dyna It’s the same old story with the Fendt… 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… 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… How to avoid buying a dodgy used crawler tractorTracked tractors are widely recognised as being the best means of putting serious horsepower to the ground. They’re expensive to buy new, yet here in the UK we still lap… Tractor technologySee all TRACTORSAgritechnica 2019: Steyr shows zero emissions hybrid tractorSteyr is no stranger to out-of-the-ordinary tractor launches, and the Austrian firm maintained its reputation with a wacky diesel-electric hybrid concept unveiled at the show. Having made headlines a decade… TRACTORSYanmar launches small autonomous tractorsJapanese maker Yanmar has finished the development of its fully autonomous tractor, working together with Hokkaido University. The so-called Robot Tractor is available now and can work alone or as… 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… Road legalSee all ROAD LEGALTracked tractor test mandatory for new operatorsOperators of twin-tracked tractors must ensure they have a category H test before getting behind the wheel this harvest, and advanced booking is advised after a testing backlog. The disruption… Tractor insights and practical adviceSee all TRACTORSBuying a tractor? How to make sense of engine statisticsHands up who knows the difference between a tractor’s rated and maximum power? Or what the perfect torque curve should look like? How about torque rise? Or six-point fuel tests?… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: How safety and comfort reformed tractorsDriver safety and comfort are among the top essentials for today’s tractors, but they remained near the bottom of the priority list during the first 100 years or so of… 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… How to avoid buying a dodgy used crawler tractorTracked tractors are widely recognised as being the best means of putting serious horsepower to the ground. They’re expensive to buy new, yet here in the UK we still lap… TECHNOLOGYHow technology that can control tractors worksIf the idea of driving into a field, punching a few settings into a touchscreen and letting a computer take charge of key tractor and equipment controls sounds a bit… 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… 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… 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… How to get the best price for your old tractorPreparing to sell a used tractor should begin pretty much as soon as the machine is bought. After all, it is not just buyers of cars, vans and other vehicles… TRACTORSUltimate guide to buying a tractor 2019Manufacturers appear to be preparing to unveil their next round of major updates at the same time as introducing engines to the European Stage 5 emissions regulations that came into… TRACTORSMachinery Milestones: UK tractor-building revolution failureAgricultural and General Engineers (AGE) was formed in 1919 to help Britain’s tractor and machinery industry compete against the big American manufacturers, but it ended up putting some of its… Tractor tyres v tracks: which is best?Low ground pressure, unbeatable traction and greater productivity potential. That sums up the attraction of high horsepower tracked tractors to arable farmers who run them for cultivation and drilling in… VideoSee all 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… 401+HPVideo: Fendt's 943 MT twin-track crawler on testAgco has breathed new life into its flailing twin-track fleet with a major rebranding and upgrading exercise for the long-in-the-tooth Challenger tractors. And the firm’s prairie monster range needed some… NOW IN VIDEO: New Holland's fuel cell tractorNew 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… 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…
