Essential Farm Machinery - September 2025

Essential Farm

covering East Anglia and the Midlands

STRIGER 100 STRIP-TILL SYSTEM

Exceptional output and work quality

The STRIGER is the perfect agronomic tool developed by KUHN for strip-till. In the row, you benefit from soil preparation, just like a conventional machine and in the inter-row, you capitalise on the advantages of direct seeding while preserving a cover of residue.

“By using the STRIGER,we have halved our fuel usage and tripled our output compared to our conventional system”

Neil Sharpe,

TH Clements

Buying a new baler? Get the maximum performance out of it with the worlds premium net wrap.

Machinery sales gear up for record-breaking September

Auctioneer Cheffins is set for its busiest September on record, with more than 3,000 machinery lots going under the hammer across nine major sales.

The East Anglia-based auctioneer will offer 320 tractors, 14 combines and ten self-propelled sprayers in September alone. Sales will take place in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Hampshire.

Reasons for sales on behalf of farmers include changes in farm policy, succession planning, end of tenancies and fleet renewals. One highlight is a sale on 10 September on behalf of Eastern Farms Limited, in Somersham, Cambridgeshire.

‘Exceptional sale’

The Eastern Farms auction is set to be a sale of both quality and quantity, with a series of high value, low-houred John Deere 9RX tractors and a John Deere X9 1100 combine going under the hammer.

Essential Farm Machinery

Editor: Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

Advertising sales: Danny Lewis | T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk

Advertisement production: Jade Soanes | T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

from 16-26 September

Essential Farm Machinery is published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties and the Midlands. It is mailed with Anglia Farmer and Midland Farmer magazines and is also available at selected farm machinery and supplies outlets.

© Countrywide Publications 2025 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk T: 01502 725800

Ltd. It takes place on 23 September due to change in policy. This sale will include a series of high value John Deere tractors, JCB loaders and other fantastic machinery.

Similarly, there is a timed online sale which will run from 16-26 September on behalf of Sutton Scotney Manor Farm also in Hampshire, and which will include a Claas Lexion 760 combine as well as a series of tractors and other machinery.

‘Significant autumn’

Charles Wadsley, Director, Cheffins says: “September is shaping up to be the busiest month we’ve had in 2025, and potentially one of the most significant autumn sales calendars in our 200-year history.

“With rising machinery costs, ongoing uncertainty around government

with the best opportunity to secure quality, second-hand kit direct from farm.”

The regular Cheffins monthly machinery sale is on 1 September at Sutton, near Ely. It will feature a series of cranes, excavators and other construction items direct from the Construction Industry Training Board.

Highlights include a 2020 Valtra N154 Active Tractor with only 400 hours from new, a superb 2017 Sands Horizon 5500 Sprayer and a 2015 Terex CTL 140-10 Luffing Tower Crane to name but a few.

Mr Wadsley said: “There are a series of other flagship major live sales taking through October and November for significant farming operations throughout the country. We expect these to increase in regularity over the coming months.”

Ukrainian farmers visit Suffolk machinery firm

A successful four-day visit to Claydon pays dividends for all involved

Farmers and agronomists from Ukraine paid a rare visit to the UK – to see the latest awardwinning agricultural equipment from manufacturer Claydon.

The first-ever visit by customers from Ukraine lasted four days . It in cluded a tour of Claydon’s factory in Suffolk to learn more about the com pany’s Opti-Till crop establishment system and see its range of machin ery being manufactured.

Visitors toured the Claydon family’s arable farm and visited other leading agribusinesses which successfully use the strip-till approach to establish agricultural crops in the UK.

The group included Volodymyr Husiev, key account manager for Technotorg, Claydon’s sole distributor in Ukraine. Owned by Yuriy Kalyuzhnyy, it is the country’s largest agricultural machinery sales company, based at Mykolaiv, near the Black Sea.

Successful visit

It was a first-time visit to the UK for Anatoliy Penzin, Claydon’s national territory manager for Ukraine and Kazakhstan, since he was appointed to the role in August 2020.

Claydon export sales manager Simon Revell said: “Onerous travel restrictions which apply in Ukraine meant this visit took months to organise but was highly successful.

He added: “Farmers and supply chain businesses there face signifi-

Temperate climate

Ukraine has a mostly temperate climate. The mean annual temperature is 7-9°C, with summer rangeing from 18-22°C. Winter is much colder, ranging from -4.8- 2°C. Raindall is mainly in summer to autumn, with June and July receiving 67 mm.

Claydon sold its first machinery in Ukraine in 2017. An increasing number of farmers have since enjoyed tangible benefits from using the company’s unique approach to crop establishment, providing them with a more secure future.

The strip-till system enables farmers to establish crops more cost-effectively than traditional plough-based systems. With less soil disturbed, it is increasingly popular with farmers who practice regenerative agricultural techniques.

Enabling any seeds that can be airsown, from herbs and grasses to cereals and maize, to be drilled at the right time, in the right conditions and ulti-

Visitors from Ukraine inspect a Claydon Hybrid trailed direct drill, a model which is popular on large-scale farms in Eastern Europe.

and stability, increase moisture con servation and reduce erosion.

Higher levels of organic matter and lower carbon emissions are also factors set to become increasingly important going forward.

Adoption

One of the first largest farming businesses in Ukraine to adopt the Claydon Opti-Till system, Continental farms almost 200,000ha and over the last three years has very successfully used it to establish crops such as oilseed rape and wheat.

This has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of crop establishment, with reductions in the number of tractors required, the amount of fuel used and the labour required –all important considerations due to the ongoing conflict.

Viktor Serhiyovych, farms director at Viktoriya Farm, says: “High-quality crop establishment is the key to farming successfully. Without it you cannot expect to achieve high yields.

Correct depth

“Our region regularly suffers from a lack of rainfall and to optimise plant establishment, growth and development we must sow seed at the correct depth, rate and distribution.

“With our previous drill we had to compensate for low germination due to the lack of seedbed moisture by increasing the seed rate for winter wheat from 160 kg/ha to 250 kg/ha, wasting tonnes of seed every season. That made us reconsider our approach.”

Opti-Till had proved to be very versatile, said Mr Serhiyovych.

“It avoids bringing moist soil to the surface, evenly distributes seeds in bands at a consistent depth, is manufactured to an extremely high standard and has been dependable.”

Triton is now accepted as the go-to direct and conventional drill for extending the drilling window in catchy conditions whilst increasing yields through deep soil release. The Triton uses the patented self cleaning side presses to close the seeded slot in all conditions. As one heavy soil farmer said ‘If the field will hold the tractor the Triton will drill’ The Triton gives the grower the ability to grow the most profitable crop sequence which is vital in the current climate.

Continuous Winter Wheat with occasional early drilled spring wheat for grass weed control is the most profitable simple low cost cropping solution.

Please call us to discuss why we are so sure of this ‘rotation’ and why the Triton is essential to getting the spring wheat tillering by mid March to ensure a yield more akin to winter Wheat and less vulnerable to spring seed bed drought.

www.tritonseeddrills.com (Built by Cousins of Emneth)

Triton UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands)

Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri)

Southern agent: 07979 852943 (Gary) Midlands agent: 07930 811988 (Richard)

New trailer campaign gets to root of farm safety

Industry leaders have joined forces to highlight the importance of trailer safety this autumn.

The Root to Success initiative is promoting all aspects of safe towing following a 16% spike in trailer incidents over the past 18 months. It is highlighting the need to comply with the law and safe working practices.

Operators and employers have an obligation to comply with DVSA roadworthiness rules and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 [PUWER], as well as the NEW British Standard 14200/2023.

“Managing risk is an essential part of modern farming,” said co-ordinator Jane Gurney, of the Tilly Pass safety campaign. Autumn was a key time for accidents, especially when transporting root crops, she said.

vide evidence to you of their full compliance of qualified maintenance and record keeping. This could not be more relevant than at the

“Making a risk assessment around this or indeed any hazard is an essential part of everyday agriculture. The person making and sharing these must have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience.”

ar. campaign, said it prioritises safety from farm to factory.

A British Sugar spokesperson said: “We work together with several stakeholders across the beet growing area to ensure that we are setting high standards within this area.

“Every year, we remind hauliers transporting beet loads into the factory of safe load guidance, and work hard to make sure all of our industry partners are aware of any changes.

“When employing the services of a contractor on your farm or estate, they must pro-

The Root to Success campaign is being supported by police, safety experts, trailer manufacturers and industry bodies. They include sugar beet processor British Sug-

For farm safety checks and inspection details, visit www.tillypass.co.uk

A new dimension in handling

The JCB Folding Grass Forks are perfect for the handling of silage or any loose material. Extensively tested to ensure efficiency and productivity and maximised for your machine, available in 12ft, 14ft and 16ft wide models. Scan the QR code for more information and to request a price.

Versatile subsoiler offers more options

Tillage specialist Lemken has launched a new subsoiler – for working depths of up to 60cm.

Designed to meet the highest demands, the tined Onyx implement is available in two rigid versions: the Onyx MR/300 with a 3.0 metre working width and the Onyx MR/400 with a 4.0 metre working width.

Lemken says the subsoiler stands out thanks to its simple and exceptionally robust design. The frame structure is not assembled, but carefully welded together to ensure stability and durability.

A notable feature is the 90cm underframe clearance, which provides ample space to the base frame even at the maximum working depth. The frame has two beams spaced 84 cm apart, ensuring easy access for inspection and maintenance.

Share system

The centrepiece of the Onyx subsoiler is its sophisticated share system, which comes in two variants with a 42.5 cm line spacing. It can be used with the OM (Onyx Mixing share) or the OL (Onyx Loosening share).

Both shares are hard-faced as standard and optionally available with carbide coating to withstand wear-intensive operating conditions.

The Onyx subsoiler loosens soil to a working depth of up to 60 cm

The OM share, which is designed to move and intensively mix the soil, is mounted on a curved stalk with a guide plate. With a working depth of 25-40 cm, it is designed for medium-depth loosening and subsequent levelling.

Thanks to the hydraulic depth adjustment, the Onyx can be operated conveniently directly from the tractor, making it ideal for variable operating conditions.

Organic matter

The OL share, on the other hand, is mounted on a straight stalk and is designed for deep loosening at working depths between 40 and 60 cm.

This lifts the soil, creating cracks due to the lifting action and the weight of the soil itself.

Both share variants can also be equipped with wings. These ensure a wider and more homogeneous loosening of the soil, as well as a better mixing in of organic matter.

Roller technology

For levelling and reconsolidation of the loosened soil, Lemken recommends two rollers adapted to the Onyx: the DSW 580 double spiked roller and the RSW 600 tube bar roller. A quickchange roller system enables the rollers to be changed quickly.

The Onyx will be available in limited numbers from 2026 – completing Lemken’s range of products for arable systems ranging from conventional tillage with ploughing to minimum tillage or strip till.

Demonstration day for British carrot growers

The British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA) annual demonstration day takes place next month near Norwich.

The one-day event – including trial plots – is being hosted by Tompsett Growers on Thursday, 2 October, at Honingham. Sponsors include Elsoms Seeds, BASF Nunhems and Hazera.

Attendees will get to explore over 80 carrot plots featuring both existing and emerging carrot varieties as well as gaining insights into the latest breeding advancements.

This year sees about 10 parsnip variety trials incorporated into the event for visitors.

Networking

There will be a large exhibition area in the marquee, providing ample opportunities for networking and engagement with industry professionals. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will also be provided inside the marquee.

Tickets are now available and can be booked through Eventbrite. If you are interested in exhibiting at this year’s demonstration day in Norwich, please contact Holly Jones holly.jones@britishgrowers.org.

Entry is free for BCGA members. Tickets for non-members are available at £30+VAT. For details, visit britishcarrots.co.uk.

Next generation celebrate engineering awards

Three young technicians are celebrating after seeing their achievements recognised by the Land-based Engineering Technician of the Year Award.

The We Are Land-based Engineering initiative is run by the Land-based Engineering –Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC Ltd). The award recognises the next generation of engineering talent across the landbased sector.

With record-breaking entries received, technicians across the country were nominated by their peers, colleagues, employers and lecturers to this year’s awards, answering questions set by the We Are Land-based Engineering panel.

Charlie Nicklin, chief executive of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), said: “As judges it was a challenge to get to our three winners from the fantastic array of entries we had this year.

The three technicians chosen are a credit to their employers and have individually shone through for a variety of reasons, including technical ability, commitment and passion in their roles. They are all great ambassadors for our industry.”

Alfie Holstead, representing Grimme UK, was awarded first place in the award. Nom-

inated by Reaseheath College, he stood out for his exceptional technical ability, dedication to continuous learning, and passion for agricultural engineering.

Judges said Alfie’s achievement highlighted the importance of apprenticeships and education in shaping the future of the industry. He was awarded a Kubota Tool Box as his prize.

Afie said: “I was already over the moon to hear I’d won first place, but to find out what my prize was, it’s incredible. Thank you to those involved in the judging process and to Kubota UK for the prize”.

Expertise and skills

Second place went to Joe Sweetmore of B&B Tractors, whose nomination came from his service manager. Judges praised his handson expertise, problem-solving skills, and high-quality service. He received a Makita UK radio.

Third place went to Anna Welland of Rea Valley Tractors, nominated by Writtle College. Anna’s strong academic performance, practical aptitude and enthusiasm made her a standout candidate. She received a Makita UK Tool Kit.

The Land-based Engineering Technician

of the Year Award continues to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions of young professionals in agriculture, horticulture, and groundcare machinery.

The We Are Land-based Engineering initiative seeks to build awareness of the career opportunities on offer in the sector by reaching out to younger generations and potential career changers alike.

For more details, visit visit www.wearelandbased.engineering today.

Anglo Plant design and construct reservoirs for the agricultural and horticultural industries using the latest membranes and geotextiles. We build reservoirs for Anearobic Digester Plants and install the Cuspal Drainage system to comply with the new Environment Agency criteria.

We can get all the relevant planning permissions and on many occasions get government grants for large and small schemes including rain harvest projects.

We also do bulk excavation work, construct hard standing areas, roadways, land reclamation and landscaping using the latest GPS/laser technology.

Vegetable grower celebrates anniversary with 50th tractor

for the ones we own to surpass 11,000 hours – which is testament to the quality of the machinery and the backup we receive.”

ANottinghamshire vegetable grower has chosen to celebrate 125 years in business by updating its machinery fleet with a new Fendt 620 Vario from B&B Tractors.

Trading as T Hammond Farms, Jon and Andy Hammond are the fourth generation at New Farm, near Nottingham. The family started farming in 1900 and has always specialised in vegetables.

The 620 Vario is the 50th Fendt purchased by the farm from B&B. The first was bought 2000. In the intervening 25 years, the farm has grown from 1100 acres to 2750 acres while adding two members of staff as technology has efficiencies.

Turning circle

The business grows potatoes, parsnips, carrots, beetroot, brassicas, rhubarb and squash along with cereal, maize and oil seed rape crops. 10 Fendt

tractors make up the fleet that cultivates, plants and harvests the crops.

“B&B has helped us as we have grown, and Fendt makes the type of tractors we need with a high power to weight ratio, tight turning circles, good fuel economy and excellent residual values,” says Andy Hammond.

Give Gen 6 720 Vario tractors on the farm currently clock around 2000 hours each annually. Andy says the 620 is every bit as good and has proved better for the farm because it is lighter, more economical and has a tighter turning circle.

“We run a mix of leased and owned tractors and B&B has always been responsive at keeping us moving. The 620 is likely to be a mainstay in our fleet as we strive to produce the best crops in the most efficient and sustainable way.

“The leased tractors are run for 6000 hours and it’s not uncommon

Reflecting on the 25-year relationship, Colin Blood from B&B Tractors said: “We have always looked to offer

Ben Burgess joins Kuhn big baler network

Kuhn Farm Machinery has added Ben Burgess to its specialist big baler centres –offering customers improved access to sales, service and back-up at dealer level.

The addition covers all Ben Burgess depots and is centralised at the Coates outlet in Cambridgeshire. Existing and prospective baler customers will now have access to dedicated demonstrator machines.

A demonstrator programme will be running throughout the season. Ben Burgess staff will also receive factory level training from Kuhn to support users throughout the season and optimise the machines for greater performance.

Kuhn UK sales manager John Hulland says the appointment strengthens the baler network across a key area. “The SB range is aimed at high-capacity contractors and farmers. Ben Burgess is ideally located to support its larger customers using these machines. Understanding the pressures of harvest and the back-up and service required at a busy time is essential to maximising output.”

Kuhn’s network of large square baler centres include Oliver Landpower (Stratford and Colchester); Robert Davies (Shropshire); Guy Machinery (Lancashire); Hardwick Agricultural (Yorkshire); Johnston Tractors (Cumbria and Dumfries); and RSM Beare (south west England).

Vegetable handing equipment specialists Tong Engineering has made two new appointments to its sale team.

Jordan Wilson has been appointed sales manager following his work developing Tong’s aftersales support division TongAssist. He is focusing on delivering automated, efficient handling solutions to streamline operations of all sizes.

Also joining the sales team, Ian Evison has taken the role of sales-operations manager. After nearly 25 years in Tong’s aftersales department, he will focus on ensuring smooth project delivery and providing knowledgeable support throughout the sales process.

“As a growing business, our teams naturally evolve, and we are committed to upholding our promise of firstclass service as we strengthen connec-

tions with customers in the UK and worldwide,” says Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering.

“Our core values have always been built on a Sales team dedicated to providing personalised expertise and project support, working closely with customers to improve the efficiency of their post-harvest handling operations.”

The newly evolved Sales structure blends experience with fresh momentum, ensuring expert guidance and tailored handling solutions for both new and existing customers. Simon Lee, Sales Director since 2021, continues to lead the Tong Sales team.

The new appointments join established Sales Managers David Wilson and Richard Knighton, who now also leads Tong SwiftLift as General Manager. Ian Hodgson also continues to support the Sales team as Sales Office Manager.

Tong sales director Simon Lee said the new team would continue delive personalised support throughout the sales process. “With customer care, technical expertise, and innovation at the heart of what we do, we’re in a strong position to support our growing customer base.”

£11,500

TP 200 PTO Chipper

3yr warranty. Simple, flexible and e cient chipping of branches and trees up to 200 mm in diameter. The obvious choice for park and golf course maintenance and for municipal and agricultural grounds.

£19,995

MultiOne 5.2K Multifunction Loader + 130CM General Bucket 25HP Kubota D905 Diesel Engine, 36 L/ Min Auxiliary Oil, Flow (for attachments) 1,110KGS Max Tipping Load, 2.75 Metres Max Boom Height, 23x8.50-12 Skid Tyres (Can be upgraded) 1,020KGS Gross Weight, Comes with free bucket!

£21,500

TP 176 Chipper

Only 5hrs use! 3yr warranty. Lightweight, high-performance machine, auto start-up, auto-reverse feed, adjustable discharge & advanced monitoring, designed for easy transport & e cient chipping.

£23,995 +VAT

B31-749 Stump Grinder

Comes with free Grinder Guard. No daily maintenance & elimination of V-belts lower operating costs. Enhanced manoeuvrability & stability with counter-rotating tracks & low centre of gravity. 74cm wide!

Stump Grinder

Comes with free Grinder Guard. HWD for e ortless mobility in terrain or up ramps. Turntable design with balanced pivot point & individual wheel brakes. Narrow access walk-behind stump grinder.

FOR HIRE: FSID30 Stump Grinder

Economical 35L diesel engine. This robust machine generates torque at low RPM, minimising noise & increasing comfort.

FOR HIRE: AS Motors Ovis RC RC flail mower for steep, hard-to-reach areas, 23HP engine, 100cm cutting width & stable low-profile design.

£9,995 +VAT

Grasshopper Zero Turn Mower

Ex-demo, very low hrs, excellent condition. 124V. 54” 4XRD cutter deck. 24hp engine. Extra comfortable seat. Fast cutting speed. Still with full manufacturers warranty. Available immediately.

AS Motors 65 4T Mower

£3,950

Ex-demo. B&S Series 3 INTEK 5-speed manual 13HP engine, inclines up to 35°. Powerful, slope-capable mower designed for tough terrain & grass up to 150cm, o ering reliable performance.

FOR HIRE: AS Sherpa 920 2WD Ride-on mower, 90cm cutting width, 27HP engine, designed for mowing dense grass & vegetation up to 1.5m tall.

NEW & USED STOCK

6 Blade Kit, 8 Wheel Kit, Led Lights, Hydrogas Suspension, 6 Spline PTO, 7 Year Gearbox Warranty

£24,950 +VAT