The National Ploughing Championships are underway in Screggan, Co. Offaly and all of the top agricultural machinery manufacturers are showcasing their range of tractors and machinery at the event.
Manufacturers such as Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Claas and New Holland have a variety of tractors on show, from as little as 80hp to giant work horses of close to 400hp.
But as is the case, when the size of the tractor or machine increases so does the price. Here are six of the most expensive farm machines on display at the ploughing.
1. Fendt 1050 Vario
Fendt 1050 Vario
The Fendt 1050 Vario was voted the Tractor of the Year in 2015, it has a 12.4L Man engine putting out close to 517hp.
This top of the range Fendt has a list price of €388,000 plus VAT and is capable of doing a top speed of 60km/h.
With an unladen weight of 14t, this tractor is lighter, more manoeuvrable and has better visibility compared to conventional design concepts in the 500hp power class, according to Fendt.
2. New Holland CX8.70 Combine
New Hollands CX8.70 Combine on show at the ploughing.
New Hollands CX8.70 combine proved a very popular machine at the Ploughing Championships, with children begging their parents to get a picture with the impressive machine.
This combine has a maximum engine output of 374hp, while the machine can be purchased with a grain tank capacity of either 9,500L or 11,500L.
The combine can be fitted with headers ranging between 5.18m to 7.32m in width, while it also has six straw walkers.
The New Holland Combine retails at €280,000 plus VAT, with the cost of the 7.32m header in the picture included in that price.
3. Massey Ferguson 8737 Dyna VT
The black Massey Ferguson 8737.
This Massey Ferguson 8737 tractor breaks away from the traditional red colour and has a six-cylinder 8.4L engine under the bonnet.
This tractor has a retail price in the region of €250,000 plus VAT, while it also has a rated engine power of 340hp which can be boosted to close to 400hp.
4. Claas Tucano 430 Combine
Claas Tucano 430 combine
The Claas Tucano 430 combine is capable of cutting 20 to 25t of grain per hour and has a 6.4L, six-cylinder engine.
The 286hp horsepower machine retails at €175,000 plus VAT, while the inclusion of the an 18ft header would increase the price to close to €227,000 plus VAT, according to Claas salesmen.
5. Case Optum 300
The Case IH Optum 300 CVX
The Case IH Optum 300 CVX tractor has a rated engine power of 300hp, however this can reach close to 315hp thanks to a boost.
The six-cylinder engine can reach speeds of up to 50km/h on the road. Coming with both a front PTO and linkage this tractor retails at €195,000 plus VAT.
6. JCB Fastrac 4220
JCB Fastrac 400 series
The JCB Fastrac recently celebrated 25 years in production, with this 4220 Fastrac boasting a 6.6l engine with 240hp.
The Fastrac is designed for high road speeds, while also being able to carry out heavy duty fieldwork and costs €160,000 plus VAT.
