National Ploughing Championships 2017: Tractor highlights on-site

Landini and McCormick tractors are back at the National Ploughing Championships this year under a new distributor – AgriArgo UK. Will Doyle, the new national sales manager for Ireland, said: ‘At our first Irish dealer meeting, we were told that returning to the ‘Ploughing’ is essential to give the brands and the tractors the profile they deserve.’ The eye-catching 6-145L (on the left) is fitted with a 16-valve, 4.5L, 4-cylinder, 143hp NEF engine

Claas has brought a range of tractors and equipment to the ‘Ploughing’, including this Axion 810 (215hp maximum). Slightly more unusual is the Cargos 8300 silage wagon on the rear; the 8300 is the smallest in this three-model wagon line-up from the German giant

Tempted? The sticker indicates that this Same Explorer 120 can be bought for €37,499. The 120 is the biggest model in the Explorer line-up; it has a rated output of 110hp (116hp maximum), thanks to a 4-cylinder, 3.8L engine. This tractor weighs upwards of 4.3t

Valtra, part of the sprawling AGCO tractor and machinery empire, is putting on a showing of force at this year’s ‘Ploughing’. Front and centre are a brace of new or recently-updated models, including a fourth-generation T Series unit (right)

There is a veritable army of New Holland tractors on-site at Screggan, close to Tullamore, Co. Offaly. These are chiefly T5, T6 and T7 models, covering most power brackets of consequence in the ‘farmer’ and ‘contractor’ sectors

Is Ursus on the way back? Once a formidable presence in the Irish tractor sales league, the latest generation of Ursus tractors certainly does look the part. The tractor pictured – a C-380 – is fitted with a familiar 4.4L, 4-cylinder Perkins 1104D-IIIA engine. It has a simple Carraro 12F 12R transmission with a synchromesh shuttle

A small Fendt tractor – for a change! The 211 Vario is the most powerful model in the 200 Series line-up; its rated output is 101hp (111hp maximum). That’s courtesy of a 3-cylinder, 3.3L AGCO Power engine, which is mated to a Fendt ML75 stepless (hybrid mechanical/hydrostatic) transmission

Valtra’s fourth-generation A Series (or A4 line-up) is one of the more recently-introduced tractors on display at this year’s ‘Ploughing’. The new A Series is available in three chassis types – S, M and L – and is available from 75 to 130hp. 3.3L and 4.4L AGCO Power engines provide the muscle

There aren’t particularly many Krone machines on-site this year. Nonetheless, visitors to the ‘Grassmen’ stand will surely spot this uber-wide, triple-unit combination

Landini’s sister brand – McCormick – is also out in force at this year’s event. Earlier this year, Argo Tractors – the manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors – appointed AgriArgo UK, its distributor in Great Britain, to also handle whole-goods and parts distribution throughout Ireland

Valtra has given one of its N Series tractors an unusual ‘make-over’ to raise money for a breast cancer awareness charity. The tractor is currently on-site at the ‘Ploughing’; it certainly makes for an eye-catching sight. Is this the softer face of farming?

Tumosan tractors, from Turkey, are imported here by Tumosan Tractors (Ireland) in Cloghan, Co. Offaly. The line-up currently stretches from 50 to 95hp – available in both the ‘Classic’ (pictured) and ‘New’ series. ‘Classic’ models have an old-school Fiat ‘look’; this 85hp 8085 is a basic mechanical tractor; it sells for around €25,000 (excluding VAT)

Massey Ferguson hasn’t held back; it is showing an impressive array of kit at this year’s ‘Ploughing’. Its parent company – AGCO – is the talk of the machinery trade at present. AGCO’s recent acquisition of Lely’s forage machinery division is ushering in many changes, including new distribution outlets (and colour/livery changes) for Lely’s Tigo silage wagons and Welger round balers

Not every tractor on-site is brand new; the familiar vintage display is back again this year. Among the more noteworthy entries, depending on your age of course, is this ‘classic’ Zetor Crystal 12045. This 120hp powerhouse was home to Zetor’s own 6-cylinder, 6.8L engine. It was a relatively high-specification tractor at the time of its launch. It was built from circa 1974 through to 1987 – at which point it was beginning to show its age. This is an impressive example; it looks like it’s ready for some serious hardship