Taking place last month, the NORMAC Cultivations Demonstrations was the only working machinery show scheduled in East Anglia this year, and one of the first machinery focused trade show to go ahead since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On a gloriously sunny day, manufacturers had the opportunity to highlight the latest new products in working conditions, with visitors being able to ask questions and get an idea of how equipment may work on their farms.
The Ryetec Restorer ALD
Ryetec’s low disturbance subsoiler for arable ground, complementing the grassland Restorer GLD, is available in a 3m rigid or 4m hydraulically folding configuration. A neat feature is the ability to fold the 4m model down to a 3m working width and continue operations.
To reduce surface disturbance the heavy-duty pivoting legs follow a row of cutting discs. The legs then break up compaction to improve drainage and root development in the subsequent crop.
Tungsten-tipped legs and points are said to reduce downtime and running costs, with a choice of wearing parts to suit conditions and the legs are made from Hardox steel, are 20mm wide and can work down to a depth of 300mm.
Depth control is via pivoting wheels to maintain a constant toolbar height in undulating conditions.
The legs are shearbolt protected as standard, with the option of auto-reset if working in difficult conditions.
Increased versatility is offered by the fact that the Restorer can be front-mounted to work in combination with other tools. When rear-mounted, it can be equipped with a consolidating packer or with a rear-linkage to equip additional cultivation tools or a drill for one-pass operations.
Merlo Cingo
Filling a niche for operators working in compact environments or on sloping ground, Merlo’s Cingo range can be specified as a small-scale transporter, or as a larger multifunctional machine with the capability to handle various attachments including handlers, snowblowers, winches and bush cutters.
Like the rest of the range, the M4.3 Turbo features a hydrostatic transmission and a Kubota engine, rated to 33hp. It has a maximum speed of 6kph and boasts an extendable track width from 679mm to 929mm. The operator can stand on the platform at the back of the machine, with levers on the control panel controlling every aspect of the unit. The maximum capacity is 400kg.
Unlike the rest of the range, the M4.3 has a base chassis to mount attachments, instead of the quick-coupling system. This is said to broaden the range of attachments and speed up mounting and dismounting. Its narrow width also makes the machine ideal for the growing UK vineyard market, as well as in low buildings such as poultry sheds.
Case IH and Bednar join forces
Despite being announced last year, the NORMAC Cultivations Demonstration was one of the first events to showcase the new distribution agreement between Case IH and Bednar FMT. The partnership means that Bednar equipment will now be available exclusively through Case IH dealerships across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Bednar distributes its cultivation, drilling and fertilising equipment to 39 countries worldwide from its base in the Czech Republic, and the UK team, headed up by managing director Warren Rivers-Scott, will continue to be responsible for sales, demonstrations and support of Bednar equipment. However, the two companies will now work together at dealer, regional and national events to support the growth of both businesses.
Amazone introduces a new ultra-shallow cultivation disc for Catros range
The Catros+ and Catros XL ranges of disc harrows offered by Amazone can now be specified, or retrofitted, with a new 480mm diameter X-Cutter disc with a wavy profile for very shallow tillage operations.
Designed to work at depths between 2cm and 8m, the new disc is said to intensively move the full surface area of the soil and chop and mix crop residues for faster breakdown. As the soil is only worked shallowly, volunteers are not buried but are left to germinate for mechanical control in subsequent tillage operations.
The construction of the disc also makes it ideal for destroying cover crops as it effectively shreds the plant for a faster breakdown, putting nutrients back in the soil.
Hardi Aeon trailed sprayer
On a static exhibit, Hardi showcased its new Aeon Centura trailed sprayer, available with capacities of 4,200 litres or 5,200 litres and boom widths up to 39m. It features a new styling, including a revamped tank design to reduce moving liquid affecting balance during transit. Balance is further enhanced with two DualRinse tanks fitted on either side to keep weight on the drawbar, which also aids traction in the field.
Hydraulic axle suspension keeps the machine steady during operation while the ParaLift system dampens the boom to maintain a consistent spray height. Also fitted is the ComfortTrack steering system, turning up to 27 degrees with automatic and manual operation.
The TechZone is on the right hand side and contains the FlexCapacity pump, offering 450 litres per minute to provide high application rates without impacting agitation. On the other side of the machine is the WorkZone filling station, with the FluidBox 800 terminal for direct access to all main functions, including AutoFill, AutoAgitation and AutoWash.
The TurboFill hopper is 35 litres with a built-in rinsing system and a TurboDeflector system integrated to create a cyclone effect to handle difficult compounds.
Precision systems include AutoNozzleControl for individual on/off and drift can be reduced by specifying the Twin Force air-assisted boom, available in working widths up to 30m.